Southwestern Journal of Theology
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 62, No. 1 – Fall 2019
Managing Editor: W. Madison Grace II
Edited by Jonathan J. Loose, Angus J.L. Menuge, and J.P. Moreland. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell, 2018. 528 pages. Hardcover, $202.75
The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism provides a comprehensive introduction to human nature, focusing especially on the viability of substance dualism. The editors are Philosophy Professors at Heythrop College, University of London ( Jonathan J. Loose), Concordia University Wisconsin (Angus J.L. Menuge), and Biola University ( J.P. Moreland) respectively. Including the editors, twenty-nine total experts in the Philosophy of Mind author chapters. These authors range from various universities around the world and from various denominational and religious backgrounds.
The book is a tour de force in defending and critiquing the feasibility of substance dualism. It is precisely the range of viewpoints presented by the various authors that makes this text so valuable. As topics in human nature continue to rise to premier importance in contemporary contexts, this volume is a timely text for pastors and scholars alike. But what exactly is substance dualism and why does it need 500+ pages to determine its feasibility? The editors define substance dualism as the view that “(1) there is a substantial self, soul, or ego that is immaterial and (2) that self, soul, or ego is not identical to the body and is the bearer of personal identity” (1). This view, while often considered the consensus of the church for two millennia, is certainly no longer in vogue today (2). Precisely for this reason the editors assembled this wide range of authors to explain its meaning. But, as the layout suggests, they did not decide to explain it by merely offering positive articles but rather summoned numerous counterproposals to best describe the strengths and weaknesses of substance dualism from both devotees and critics. In doing so, the editors confess their hope for the book to “be a valuable resource for scholars in a variety of disciplines….and that it will be a useful reference for those interested in doing further work advancing the case for or against substance dualism” (11).
Now, a full orbed summary being impossible, the broad sections of the book include defining and debating various versions of substance dualism, the unity of consciousness, near-death experiences, and competitors to substance dualism including animalism, non-reductive physicalism, constitutionalism, and emergent individualism. The book also offers substantive theological engagement, debating the contents of the biblical witness for anthropology, the nature of the incarnation, and resurrection.
Given this very brief summation of the book, I am compelled to mention several overarching potential drawbacks for possible readers. First, the price is likely prohibitive for pastors that lack a sound library nearby to borrow the book. Second, as is often the case in edited books, some chapters are better than others. Some are needlessly idiosyncratic; some are overly verbose; and some lack argumentative rigor. Third, the way the book has been marketed unnecessarily limits its appeal to less academically focused readers who would benefit tremendously. As mentioned, topics in human nature are only becoming more prevalent in society and pastors are being confronted with difficult moral scenarios that require thick theological reasoning. This introduction to substance dualism, given the fact that it allows proponents of alternative viewpoints to argue their own case, is an ideal dialogue partner for thinking critically about human nature and its moral implications. But since it has been marketed primarily to an academic audience, many of these pastors will either be intimidated by it or miss it altogether. Fourth, while it is comprehensive it does lack reference to other narrow and rare defenses and formulations of substance dualism. This may be detrimental to the novice who is attempting to research the material and produce scholarly output but for those simply interested in the topic for practical usage this is no major problem. Finally, some may take issue with the inclusion of overtly theological material in a companion devoted to philosophy. However, substance dualism is often affirmed based on theological issues; therefore, considering such theological issues is part of the philosophical explanation of the position.
Moving from the potential negatives, I want to mention several strengths. First, as noted throughout, it provides proponents and opponents of substance dualism space to make their claims. This debate format provides readers with a thorough understanding of the potential benefits and costs of substance dualism and other competing views. Most books simply argue the case of their preferred position and miss a wealth of perceptive arguments. For example, there is a chapter dedicated to defending substance dualism from the biblical text and the following chapter defends the very opposite—that there is no soul. Rather than only hearing one side of the debate, the reader can engage competing perspectives. Second, due to its size, it covers a wide range of topics that are both interesting and useful for understanding substance dualism and its claims. It can easily be used as a reference tool with each chapter standing alone without need to read others to understand it. Third, it offers sections on topics not often addressed, like near death experiences, which is likely a common challenging question pastors receive and would benefit from having a deep analysis. Given these positives, I think the book achieves its goal of being a valuable resource and reference work. But I think it is valuable for more than just scholars doing research—it is profoundly beneficial for pastors seeking to shepherd people through the cultural morass regarding human nature.
In sum, I highly recommend The Blackwell Companion to Substance Dualism. It offers the most comprehensive introduction to human nature focused on substance dualism to date. Even as I listed several potential drawbacks, I think the positives, alongside the crucial nature of the topic itself, make it a work worth investing in. Pastors and scholars alike should add this to their reading list.
