The Dallas Willard Podcast 59. The Role of the Body in Spiritual and Unspiritual Life (2010)
68 snips
Nov 24, 2025 
Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher and teacher, delves into the fascinating relationship between the body and spiritual life. He emphasizes that our feelings are embodied and discusses how to gain victory over them for true salvation. Using Paul's athletic metaphors, he advocates for self-discipline and the intentional offering of our bodies to God. Willard also touches on the importance of cultivating healthy desires while letting negative ones fade away, all while underlining the need for a God-first approach to life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Feelings Drive Spiritual Struggle
- Feelings and desires are primary obstacles to spiritual life because they locate in the body and drive behavior.
- Turning the mind to God and truth reshapes feelings and multiplies grace and peace.
Body As Repository Of Character
- The body is a repository of will, character, and feelings and can run our life if unchecked.
- Paul insists we must run our body rather than let it run us to win the race for Christ.
Consecrate Your Body Intentionally
- Present your body to God deliberately as a living sacrifice through explicit acts and rhythms.
- Devoting your members to righteousness will change embedded bodily desires and behavior.
