Are human beings made of three body parts comprising of the body, soul and spirit or to body parts comprising of the body and soul? This is based on different theories, dichotomy and trichotomy. While people’s beliefs may vary on the constituents of human beings, understanding the difference between dichotomy and trichotomy is paramount.
What is Dichotomy?
This is a Biblical Christian view that man is made of two parts, the body and spirit. People who believe in trichotomy believe that the physical body connects human beings to the world. They also believe that the spirit is part of the soul that connects human beings with God.
What is Trichotomy?
This is the belief that man is made of three parts, the body, soul and spirit. Believers in trichotomy believe that the physical body connects people with the physical world. They also believe that the soul is the essence of being and that the spirit connects people with God.
Similarities between dichotomy and trichotomy
- Both state that man consist of flesh and spirit
Differences between dichotomy and trichotomy
Definition
Dichotomy is a Biblical Christian view that man is made of two parts, the body and spirit. On the other hand, trichotomy is the belief that man is made of three parts, the body, soul and spirit.
Nature
Avid believers of dichotomy believe that the physical body connects human beings to the world and the spirit is part of the soul that connects human beings with God. On the other hand, avid believers of trichotomy believe that the physical body connects people with the physical world, the soul is the essence of being and that the spirit connects people with God.
Dichotomy vs. trichotomy: Comparison Table
Summary of dichotomy vs. trichotomy
Dichotomy is a Biblical Christian view that man is made of two parts, the body and spirit. On the other hand, trichotomy is the belief that man is made of three parts, the body, soul and spirit. While dichotomy vs. trichotomy tries to identify whether the spirit and soul are different aspects of human nature, both theories remain Biblically plausible.