The influence of Platonic thought on Western Christian theology has been immense, especially its interpretation of Paul’s use of the term flesh (sarx). Here’s an explanation of how Platonic views shaped this understanding and Wright’s response:
What is Platonic Thought?
Platonic philosophy, originating from the Greek philosopher Plato, emphasizes a dualistic view of reality:
Material (physical): The physical world, including the human body, is seen as inferior, flawed, and transient.
Spiritual (non-material): The immaterial realm, such as the soul, mind, or forms/ideals, is considered pure, perfect, and eternal.
In Platonic thought, the body is often viewed as a prison for the soul, and the ultimate goal of life is to escape the material world and ascend to the spiritual realm.
How Platonic Thought Influenced Christian Theology
When Christianity engaged with Greek philosophical traditions, elements of Platonic dualism influenced its interpretation of Scripture. Over time, this led to the following tendencies in theology:
The Physical Body as Sinful:
Platonic dualism views the body as inherently flawed or corrupt. This influenced the interpretation of sarx (flesh) in Paul’s writings, equating it with the physical body and seeing it as the root of sin. For example, Augustine of Hippo, influenced by Platonic thought, emphasized the corruption of the physical body as part of humanity’s sinful state.
Devaluing the Material World:
The material world (including the human body) was seen as less valuable than the spiritual realm, fostering the idea that salvation involves escaping the body and physical reality.
Misinterpretation of “Flesh” in Paul:
Passages like Romans 7:18 (“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh”) were interpreted through a Platonic lens, leading to the conclusion that Paul viewed the physical body itself as sinful.
Ascetic Practices:
Platonic influence contributed to ascetic movements in the early church, where denying the body (e.g., through fasting, celibacy, and self-punishment) was seen as a way to grow spiritually and escape the desires of the flesh.
However, when you have a close look at verses like Col 2:17 and 1 Cor 3:16 we see that Col 2:17 says the body belongs to Christ, and 1 Cor 3:16 says that our body is the temple of the living God. If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. The Bible doesn’t see the body as evil.
Prominent Theologians refute the Platonic influence on interpretation
Wright argues that interpreting sarx as synonymous with the physical body is a misunderstanding of Paul’s intent. Here’s his critique:
Paul’s “Flesh” (sarx) is Not the Physical Body
Paul does not condemn the body itself but refers to flesh as a mindset or way of life characterized by rebellion against God.
Romans 8:5-6: “Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.”
Wright points out that Paul is addressing a way of thinking, not the physical body.
Paul Values the Material Body
Wright emphasizes Paul’s teaching on the resurrection of the body (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15), where the physical body is redeemed and glorified, not discarded or escaped. For Paul, the body is not sinful but is part of God’s good creation that has been corrupted by sin. It will ultimately be restored.
The True Problem: Misaligned Allegiances
According to Wright, flesh represents a mindset and lifestyle rooted in self-reliance, worldly values, and disobedience to God. The focus is on the orientation of the will and mind rather than the physical body being inherently sinful.
The Importance of Renewal, Not Escape
Wright stresses that Paul calls for the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) rather than rejection of the body. Salvation in Paul’s theology is not about escaping the material world but about God’s redemption of all creation, including the physical body.
Examples of Platonic Misinterpretations
Romans 7:24: “Who will rescue me from this body of death?”
Platonic view: This is taken as Paul’s condemnation of the physical body.
Paul refers to the human condition under sin, not the body itself. The body is a vehicle for sin when ruled by the flesh (mindset), but it is not inherently evil.
Romans 8:13: “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.”
Platonic view: Living “according to the flesh” is equated with indulging the desires of the physical body, like even eating something nice or sleeping on a good mattress.
This refers to a mindset dominated by sin and rebellion, which can manifest through bodily actions but originates in the heart and mind.
This is important because it restores a more holistic biblical view of humanity:
- The Body as Good: God created the body and will redeem it, affirming the goodness of the physical world.
- The Flesh as a Mindset: Paul’s focus is not on the physical body but on the sinful, self-centered orientation that opposes God.
- A Positive Vision for Creation: Salvation is about the renewal of all creation—spirit, mind, and body—not escape from the material world.
Conclusion
Platonic thought led to a distorted view of sarx as the sinful physical body, fostering an unbiblical dualism between the material and spiritual realms. It’s important that we understand these wrong interpretations and get back to the Word of God in truth.
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