But then he has the freedom to change, retain, mend, mould or otherwise grow this soul and spirit states according to his will. Circumstances play a vital role in this growth. Social structure, economic circumstances, educational opportunities, friends and relatives, the personalities of the parents etc. But along with these external factors there is another space from which the spirit gathers its experience and wisdom - i.e the spirit world. The relationship between the spirit of man and the spirit of God is a complex problem.
Christian philosophy is Dvaitic.
These sheaths in the Hindu thought are divided into seven Kosas and the atma is identified as the combination of spirit and soul. If we assume that the spirit of man is the same as the spirit of God as in the sense of water of the sea can be separated off into pools and lake, we have the advaitic approach justified. Here man doesn t become God as HIndu philosophy argues. The presence of the spirit of God in man does not make him God. It only gives man the experience of God through the spirit.