Many Trinitarian theologians declare that humanity, in one’s nature, is Trinitarian, just as God. This also poses a difficulty in determining what that Trinitarian nature is. Many theologians say the three parts of humanity are: body, soul, spirit. But Aquinas said that it was the memory, the understanding and the will. What we need to recognize is that humanity is exceedingly complex and that counting only three parts lessens the creation of humanity. It assumes that the divine nature in humanity is based on a number, rather than a nature. This seems to be poor theology.
Some would say that humanity is like God in the manner in which humanity is superior to animals. In other words, the divine nature of humanity is found in that which animals lack. Thus, some have put forward intellect, long term memory, self awareness, or other features. The problem with just stating this is that as animals are studied, it is clear that animals have many of the characteristics that humans have, just in a more minor capacity. Some animals can be trained in language, are very creative and can learn as much as humans. Certainly humans are unique in the animal kingdom, but it might be difficult to determine in exactly what way.
To be continued...
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