Delving into the concept of bodies in ancient and modern perspectives, challenging traditional beliefs. Exploring the symbolic nature of body parts and God's anthropomorphic descriptions in scriptures. Examining Christ's resurrected body, philosophical perspectives on God's body, and Aristotle's prime mover concept. Exploring glorified saints, the Church's role in embodying Christ, and God as the unmoved mover. Touching on accusations against St. John Chrysostom, Old Testament descriptions of God's body, and divine presence interactions.
God's direct physical interactions with humans in the Old Testament challenge the idea of a purely immaterial deity.
The Old Testament narratives highlight the dynamic interactions between God and humans, showcasing divine presence in tangible forms.
The concept of God's bodily presence in worship spaces emphasizes the intimate connection between worshippers and the divine.
Deep dives
The Divine Revelation Through Visions
The word of Yahweh appeared to Abraham in a vision, a physical and material experience where God communicated with him directly.
God's Direct Interaction in Visions
In 1 Samuel, it is described how the word of Yahweh was rare, and the lack of visions existed until God revealed himself to Samuel. Yahweh even stood next to Samuel, physically calling out to him at night in direct interaction.
Physical Manifestation of God
In Jeremiah 1, Yahweh is described as stretching out his hand to touch Jeremiah's mouth, physically interacting to consecrate him as a prophet.
Encounter at the Oak of Mamre
At the Oak of Mamre, Yahweh appears to Abraham as one of three men, with this appearance being identified as God Himself, showcasing direct interaction and communication with Abraham.
Biblical Narratives with Abraham, Yahweh, and Two Angels
Abraham hosts Yahweh and two angels who later proceed to Sodom, leaving Abraham to interact with Yahweh in a tangible manner. Yahweh's communication with Abraham highlights the dynamic nature of their interaction, emphasizing the presence of multiple entities associated with God's actions. This narrative challenges a strictly unitarian interpretation of God in the Old Testament, revealing complexities in divine manifestations and dialogues.
God's Bodily Existence and Worship in the Temple
The discussion delves into the concept of God's bodily presence in worship, particularly in the temple. Referring to rituals like the Day of Atonement and visions in Scriptures, the significance of God's presence in designated sacred spaces is underscored. The depiction of Yahweh's bodily existence intertwines worship practices with divine interaction, emphasizing the intimate connection between God and worshippers in the temple setting.
What exactly is a "body?" Do gods have bodies? How many? Does God, being immaterial, have one? If so, where exactly is it? How do we make sense of the Old Testament passages which talk about God walking, standing, fighting in battles, eating, or speaking face to face with Moses? Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen De Young tackle one of the most difficult teachings of the Scripture.
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