Composition models of the incarnation: unity and unifying relations

In this paper we investigate composition models of incarnation,according to which Christ is a compound of qualitatively and numerically differentconstituents. We focus on three-part models, according to which Christ is composedof a divine mind, a human mind, and a human body. We consider four possiblerelational structures that the three components could form. We argue that a‘hierarchy of natures’ model, in which the human mind and body are united toeach other in the normal way, and in which they are jointly related to the divinemind by the relation of co-action, is the most metaphysically plausible model.Finally, we consider the problem of how Christ can be a single person even whenhis components may be considered persons. We argue that an Aristotelianmetaphysics, according to which identity is a matter of function, offers a plausiblesolution: Christ’s components may acquire a radically new identity through beingparts of the whole, which enables them to be reidentified as parts, not persons