Table of Contents
Introduction
At the core of many debates and conflicts emerging today is how we understand the body. Relatedly, self-expression and self-determination are strong principles in our age. In this article, we will explore the concept of Catholic anthropology in 2023, focusing on the understanding of the body and its relationship to the self. We will examine the contrast between the popular philosophy of dualism, influenced by thinkers like René Descartes, and the Christian understanding of the body. By delving into these contrasting views, we can better respond to the moral issues of our time.
Dualism: Descartes’ Influence on Modern Thought
Many prevalent ideas existing today that are contrary to Church teaching can be traced back to the philosophy of René Descartes. Descartes’ philosophy of the human person is known as dualism, which posits that the body and soul are two distinct entities with no real integration. According to this view, the body and soul interact with each other but are not ultimately dependent on each other. This separation of body and soul has logical consequences in human thought, action, and culture, impacting the way we experience the body.
Fundamentally, Descartes’ philosophy leads to the treatment of the body as an extension of the true inner self. Personhood becomes detached from the body, and the body is seen as a tool and canvas for self-expression. This perspective has contributed to the rise of technology in our age, as the culture surrounding human interaction online often overlooks the dignity of the person behind the screen. Instead, the focus is on output and self-expression, neglecting the embodied nature of these digital encounters.
The Christian Vision: The Body as Integral to the Human Person
In contrast to dualism, the Christian understanding of the body emphasizes its integral role in the human person. Pope St. John Paul II stated that the body alone is capable of making visible the invisible spiritual and divine realities. The body was created to manifest the hidden mystery of God and serve as a sign of it. According to this view, the body is not separate from the soul but rather forms a unity with it. While there is a distinction between the body and soul, there is no real separation.
The body, being integrated with the soul, has valuable information to offer about what it means to be human. It provides insights into gender and sexuality, for example. Rather than viewing the body as something malleable to our whims, the Christian understanding requires humility and attentiveness to the body’s revelations. The body is not merely a tool for self-expression but is essential to one’s personality and personhood.
The Modern Approach: The Impossible Opposition Between Self and Body
The modern approach to self and body faces an inherent challenge—the self cannot exist without the body. The relationship between body and soul is integral to personhood, and the body cannot be ignored. Yet, the modern perspective often tries to separate the two, leading to a fragmented understanding of the self. This fragmented view has implications beyond the individual, impacting our understanding of the sacraments and our relationship with God.
To fully grasp the vision of the Church and the sacramental reality, it is crucial to reclaim a more integrated view of body and self. This task may still be at the level of philosophy and theology, but it is essential for deepening our understanding of Catholic anthropology in 2023.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the understanding of the body is at the core of many debates and conflicts in our society. The popular philosophy of dualism, influenced by thinkers like René Descartes, has led to the detachment of personhood from the body and the treatment of the body as a tool for self-expression. In contrast, the Christian understanding sees the body as integral to the human person, capable of revealing the spiritual and divine realities. The modern approach that tries to separate the self from the body faces an impossible opposition since the body is essential to personhood. Reclaiming a more integrated view of body and self is crucial for a deeper understanding of Catholic anthropology in 2023. By doing so, we can properly respond to the moral issues of our time and strengthen our relationship with God and one another.
Follow Fr. Harrison Ayre on Twitter at @FrHarrison. Read more from his Theological Anthropology 101 series here.