“Flesh” (𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑜) and “Spirit” (𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑠) in Letter 24 by Paulinus of Nola († 431)

Authors:

Pages: 20-26
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/TVTW8904

Abstract:

There is one letter in the epistolary corpus of Paulinus of Nola († 431) where the views of the Late Antique Western writer about the place and meaning of flesh and spirit in the life of Christians, and especially in ascetic life, are expressed with utmost clarity. One part of this letter is based on the 𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑠ℎ (𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑜) – 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 (𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑠) antithesis. In this context, body/parts of a body (𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑢𝑠/𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑟𝑎) can be a synonym of flesh, and mind (𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠) can be a synonym of spirit. This paper explores Paulinus’s concepts about the flesh and the spirit in contrast to the dualistic teachings in Antiquity and in later periods. The levels of usage of these two words and the various senses which could be instilled in them are discussed as well. Everything is examined in the context of asceticism and Christian perfection (as far as it is attainable by humans), to which Letter 24 is dedicated.

Keywords:

Latin literature; Christianity; flesh; spirit; asceticism; perfection.

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