Theology of the Body 2014/11/28

Resurrection and the spiritualization of the body.

"Paul describes an interior transformation of man from 'earthly' to 'spiritual.' It is important to note that Paul takes no note of the Manichean division between soul and body. Rejecting the notion that the body is earthly and the soul is spiritual, Paul insist that both body and soul are capable of being spiritual.

"… In the future resurrection, we will inherit a spiritual body from Christ. The spiritualization will be the source of its power and immortality.

"This theme — the spiritualization of the body — originates in Genesis. Before the Fall, body and spirit were united in harmony. Sin caused a rupture …. But in the … resurrection, Paul says, this rupture will be healed.

"The resurrection, however, should not be understood as a return to the state of original innocence, apart from the knowledge of good and evil. Instead, the resurrection will constitute a new fullness of humanity that presupposes the whole frame of our creation and subsequent Fall.

"In our fallen condition, … the earthly body rules over the spiritual, lilting our ability to act in truth and love. We are attracted by evil and have to struggle against temptation.But in the resurrection, the Holy Spirit will entirely penetrate the body, and will redeem sensuality. … The senses will achieve perfect sensitivity and union with the human spirit. Spiritualization is perfected in the resurrection, but it is not limited to it. Even now, we are 'earthly' to the extent that we resist God; and we are 'spiritual' to the extent that we live by his Spirit. [Cf. Galatians 5:19-22.]

…

"The truth of the resurrection is of fundamental significance for the theology of the body. It is vital to our Christian understanding of both marriage and celibacy. In our further reflections, we will focus on the latter — celibacy for the kingdom of Heaven."