Neshamah-Ruach Force (Gen 1:1-5; 2:7) that Confers Humanity on Humankind in the Perspective of Postulants of Paul University Awka: A Theological Discourse

Abstract

The research aims and objectives sought to understand the power co-relation between the Hebrew terms ruach which means breath, wind or spirit and neshamah which exclusively denotes breath, and how they constitute life in the view of the postulants of Paul University Awka as modern theological students in training. An inquiry to obtain the opinion of postulants of Paul University Awka provided the data for the discourse.The research methodology was exegetical, analytical and intercultural. The research discovered that 80% of the postulants of Paul University Awka considered the vital force behind thespirit of ruach and neshamah as complementary in essence and identify both with life and functionality of the creation. It further discovered that 52.5% of the research population understood ruach in the passage as the spirit of God and neshamah as breath of God. In addition, 60% of the respondents agreed that ruach and neshamah are complementary in sustaining the progress and viability of postulants both as students and as prospective priests. Finally, it was discovered that the position and function of neshmah-ruach provide the ultimate spiritual backbone for full training of priests into the Anglican ecclesiastical circle. It is the recommendation of the research that the reality and inseparability of this twosome spirit as creative force that bestow life with humankind be deployed to overhaul the program of study in Anglican training schools.