From Finitude to Transfiguration: A Theo-Phenomenological Reading of the Body in Eastern Orthodox Spirituality
Religions June 8, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16060739 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that a dialogue between contemporary phenomenology, including its theological turn, and Eastern Orthodox spirituality in the Philokalia yields a phenomenological account of the body as worldly and finite yet open to transfiguration through ascetic practice and divine grace, with the Incarnation of Christ serving as the central paradigm for rethinking embodiment and the eschatological promise of glorified flesh. |
Abstract
This article offers a theo-phenomenological investigation of the body, exploring the dialogue between contemporary phenomenology—especially its theological turn—and Eastern Orthodox spirituality as found in the Philokalia. Building on the phenomenological distinction between body and flesh and drawing on Orthodox theology’s understanding of the body–soul unity, the article analyzes the intramundanity and finitude of the human body, as well as its transfiguration through ascetic practices and divine grace. The Incarnation of Christ is examined as a central paradigm for rethinking embodiment, revealing the eschatological promise of glorified flesh. Concepts such as ipseity, self-affection, intentionality, and counter-intentionality are employed to articulate a phenomenological vision open to theological transcendence. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach affirms the possibility of a body transformed by grace and destined for resurrection.