Dr. John Kleinig, an expert in Biblical theology of the body, discusses how we can see our bodies through God's eyes. They explore how rituals train the body, the significance of the body in Protestant theology, and why Jesus's physical body is crucial. The podcast delves into narratives from the Old and New Testament, emphasizing the importance of a broad biblical perspective on embodiment and sexuality.
Dr. Kleinig emphasizes the significance of Jesus's bodily interactions in the Gospels, highlighting the tangible portrayal of his ministry.
The podcast discusses the integration of the sanctification of the body in liturgical contexts with the fallen nature of the body, emphasizing the need for a balanced Christian understanding.
Deep dives
Exploring 'Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body'
The podcast episode delves into the book 'Wonderfully Made: A Protestant Theology of the Body' written by Dr. John Kleinig. The author discusses the subtitle of the book, emphasizing the contrast with Pope John Paul's magisterial theology of the body. Kleinig expresses his focus on the biblical perspective rather than a purely philosophical approach, aiming to present a rounded view of the body.
Bridging the Old and New Testaments in Body Theology
Dr. Kleinig connects the theology of the body from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He highlights the significance of various Old Testament sources beyond Genesis 1 to 3, such as exploring narratives from Genesis 4 to the flood and the Song of Songs. Additionally, he mentions the importance of wisdom tradition and Leviticus in understanding embodied living.
The Embodied Presence of Jesus in the Gospels
The episode further explores the embodiment of Jesus in the Gospels, emphasizing the significance of Jesus's bodily interactions and body language. Dr. Kleinig underscores that the Gospels narrate Christ's bodily experiences and actions, showcasing his physical presence in various events. This tangible portrayal of Jesus's body in the Gospels sets a unique focus on the bodily dimension of his ministry.
Navigating the Mundane and Sacred in Body Theology
The discussion delves into reconciling the sanctification of the body in liturgical contexts with the mundane aspects of bodily life. A reflection is made on the term 'flesh' in Pauline theology, highlighting the tension between affirming the goodness of the body while acknowledging its fallen nature. Dr. Kleinig emphasizes the need to integrate the ordinary and sacred within the Christian understanding of the body.
Dr. John Kleinig joins Matt and Alastair to discuss a Biblical approach to a theology of the body. More specifically, they talk about how we can acquire the vision with which God sees our bodies. Some questions that they cover are how ritual trains the body, what the significance of the body is in Protestant theology, and why Jesus’s physical body is so emphasized in the Gospels. Dr. Kleinig’s latest book also focuses on these issues. (There’s also a particularly spectacular +1 that you can hear if you are one of the Merrie Band of Patreon supporters.)
Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.
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