Science divides the study of man into physical anthropology, which deals with the essence and origin of physical (animal) characteristics, and cultural anthropology, which deals, e.g., with languages, inventions, customs.
Christian theol. studies man's origin (see Creation), 1st condition, probation, and apostasy (see Fall of Man), sin (see Sin; Sin, Original), and redemption (see Conversion; Grace; Justification), and related matters.
Luth. theol. begins the study of man with the study of God.* Proper and full understanding of man cannot be achieved through science, man's natural knowledge of God, or God apart from Christ. See also Anthropology.
Edited by: Erwin L. Lueker, Luther Poellot, Paul Jackson
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