St. John of Damascus, an influential theologian of the 8th century, held a high view of the human body, especially in the context of Christian doctrine. He emphasized the integral unity of the human person, body, and soul, arguing that both are essential to human identity and salvation.
In his most famous work, “The Fount of Knowledge,” particularly in the section known as “On the Orthodox Faith,” St. John of Damascus elaborates on the significance of the body in the Christian life. He argues that the human body is not inherently evil or something to be despised. Instead, it is created by God, and as such, it is good and worthy of respect. The body is viewed as a temple of the Holy Spirit, particularly after the Incarnation of Christ, who took on human flesh. This act of God becoming man sanctified the human body and elevated its dignity.
St. John also emphasizes that the body will be resurrected and glorified at the end of times, reflecting the belief in the resurrection of the dead. This underscores his view that the body, although it may suffer and die, is destined for eternal life in union with the soul.
Overall, St. John of Damascus promotes a holistic view of human nature, where the body is seen as a sacred and integral part of what it means to be human.
In other words, nothing of the sorts of sitting in cloud playing the harp for ever and ever 😉
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