The Trinity of Man was published in 1979 by Logos International (now Bridge Logos). It is rare for a full length book on this topic to be published by a trade publisher. Additional distinctive features of this volume include:
- It was written by a prominent husband and wife team, Dennis and Rita Bennett, who published other books (separately and together).
- The first quarter of the book is written in a novel style, introducing the issues of salvation, discipleship, and the model of man.
- In the remaining chapters, the book covers the scope of redemption history and how it relates to man as spirit, soul, and body: creation, the fall, regeneration, and sanctification.
- This volume is not theoretical, by applied pastoral theology. The orientaion is to engae the reader at a popular level and relate the clarified model of man to discipleship, counseling, and soul healing.
- Several diagrams are used in the book to illustrate various aspects of biblical anthropology as it relates to unfolding topics addressed.
Since the terms soul and spirit are sometimes used interchangeably, the authors recommend that the reader consult a Greek concordance to do their own New Testament word study. Today that is much easier task using Bible research tools such as BlueLetterBible.org (interlinear tools).
When discussing the topic of spiritual warfare, the authors correctly discern that the human spirit is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 4:30) and secure from demonic attachment. However, the warnings of Ephesians 6:10-18 are very relevant concerning the Enemy’s potential oppression of the believer’s soul and body (chapter 22).
Note about the author’s charismatic orientation
Dennis J. Bennett (1917 – 1991) was an American Episcopal priest. He was born in England but raised in California. Bennett was a seminal figure in the Charismatic Movement within the Christian church.[1] Since 2010 The library of Regent University (Virginia) hosts the collection of these authors.
“In 1966 he [Dennis] married Rita Reed, and soon after, they co-founded the Christian Renewal Association, taught numerous workshops and retreats together, and, eventually, co-authored five books. In 1981, Rev. Bennett was designated a Canon of Honor of the Diocese of Olympia in recognition of his work in the charismatic movement. That same year, he resigned as rector of St. Luke’s to write and conduct seminars and conferences. With his wife Rita, he ministered in evangelism, healing, and church renewal throughout the U.S. and the world. In 2012 he was posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Oral Roberts University.”[2]
Although BiblicalPsychology.net does not teach from a Pentecostal/charismatic interpretation of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the expected use of speaking in tongues, nevertheless, this book covers the topic of the trinity of man effectively and practically. Readers with a charismatic/Pentecostal view and experience would be even more appreciative of this volume.
JBW
[1] Larsen, Timothy; Bebbington, David; Noll, Mark A. (2015). Biographical Dictionary of Evangelicals. Inter-Varsity Press. p. 45. cf Encyclopedia Britannica
Biblical Psychology 