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The everyday experience of being human challenges the simplistic body versus soul dichotomy. Our humanity is not properly understood when thought in terms of “a mind in a body” or “a body with a soul.”
We experience life as an often messy, certainly complex psychosomatic totality instead. We are a spirit that is willing and a flesh that is weak (Mt. 26, 40-43). A nuanced understanding of this all-too-human experience is that of an embodied soul – or a “souled” flesh, if you will. This perspective, deeply rooted in Christian thought, draws on the distinction between “sarx” and “soma” as used in the New Testament.
In biblical Greek, “sarx” is commonly translated as flesh. However, this translation requires a bit more nuance. Sarx should be better understood as mortal flesh – referring specifically to our fallen human condition. Sarx refers not necessarily the physical needs and desires of the body, but to the kind of selfish acts they can lead to if left unchecked. This, in contrast to “soma,” which simply means body. And while “soma” most of the time refers to the physical body, the use of the word is not limited to this mortal understanding: At the resurrection, believers will receive a “raised body” (Paul uses the word “egeiro,” meaning the actual physical capacity to stand up) that transcends the limitations of mortal flesh (sarx).
The distinction between “sarx” and “soma” is thus crucial. Again, “sarx” is almost exclusively used to denote the physical aspect of life that is subject to decay (as in a sarcophagus, for example) and is often associated with selfish desires – at least in biblical contexts. In more ways than one, it is the main element found in our present existence that contrasts with an ideal state of being – one in which we should be able to understand our own actions, and do not the very thing we hate, but what we actually want to do (Rom. 7:15).
On the other hand, “soma” can refer to both our present mortal body and the bodies we will have after the resurrection. Clearly, the body (soma) is not inherently flawed. Only its sarx-related aspects can be deemed truly problematic.
Holistic view
In biblical thought, humanity was created with a body (soma) untainted by sarx. After the fall, this original natural constitution changed. After the resurrection, mankind will again possess bodies (soma) free from the corrupting influence of mortal flesh (sarx). These theological ideas highlight the difference between our present state and the ideal state anticipated in Christian eschatology.
Thus, while the “flesh” (sarx) is mortal and self-serving, the “body” (soma) is conceived as essentially part of a larger, divine plan.
Christians are called to challenge the desires of the sarx and live according to the Spirit, which leads them to the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with resurrected bodies – as stated in the Creed. This framework shifts the focus from a mere mind-body dualism to a holistic view of human existence as a unified, divine creation in which the soul is inherently embodied and the flesh is destined for preservation – and transformation.
