The body–does it matter?

How important is the body to God? Sometimes the focus of ministry in our churches is only on the spiritual. The body is viewed as temporal and perishing. Is it possible that we have missed a major emphasis of Scripture on the importance of the body? In most cultures, diet, exercise and overall physical health are primary concerns. Should the Church tap into this and lead the way? I am not advocating the old liberal approach to the gospel but a more comprehensive, biblically holistic approach to ministry. What do you think? I welcome thoughtful dialogue. I see six major points of biblical history that support the importance of the body.

1. Creation: God fashions the body from the dust of the earth

2. Incarnation: God became man

3. Resurrection (Christ’s and ours)

4. Ascension: Jesus retained bodily existence at the Father’s right hand

5. Salvation: The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit

6. Glorification: Final redemption of the body (Romans 8 )

Should we have a division of ministry focused on bodily needs? In the USA, we have overwhelming problems with obesity. People belong to fitness centers, weight watchers, athletic teams… Perhaps the Church should lead the way in this. What do you think?

Steve Cornell