It has now become normal practice to tick a box online to confirm that we are not robots. I have also developed an ability to identify images containing zebra crossings. Verifying that I am a real person seems to be a regular occurrence. David asks God “what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4). Being human can be overwhelming. Pastoral ministry in this cultural context produces specific challenges. We must continue to relate to the world around us with grace and truth like Jesus.

This is why the lecture by Dr Andrew Collins was timely, helpful, and incredibly encouraging. His cultural awareness, theological depth and vast experience in counselling brought an invaluable insight to those who attended. He walked us through some common misconceptions about the body that exist today. Claims such as ‘my body is my problem’ that has led to the medicalisation of human suffering. For others the body is not the problem, it is a trophy. The body becomes the way to make a mark in the world, attract applause and be impressive. Ultimately, these flawed views lead to crisis. The physical body weakens, ages and decays resulting in anxiety, self-denial, jealousy and crushing disappointment. There’s a human longing for youthfulness contrasted with a body that’s unavoidably ageing. This can lead to a whole person feeling broken and disintegrated.

Into all these misconceptions the Bible speaks. Andrew highlighted how Scripture brings unity to our feelings of disintegration. The interconnection between our body and our soul is spoken of in the opening scene of God’s story.                   

“the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man

became a living creature.” (Genesis 2:7)

God has made us as embodied souls. This understanding enables us to rightly appreciate our humanity. It means we can embrace the limitations that are intrinsic to being human and not be overcome with despair. We can (and should) work, eat, drink, and even rest to the glory of God! These physical acts are spiritual disciplines (the Tim Hortons donuts at coffee break were received with thanksgiving).

The lecture helped us see how discipleship is not only a spiritual enterprise but a physical one too. Andrew reminded us of one implication of our union with Christ. He said, “What you do with your body matters. Believers are taking Jesus with them into every encounter. The One who will judge you joins you as you unite your body in sin.” Alongside this immense challenge is the huge encouragement that union with Christ grants us unrivalled power. The Apostle Paul says,

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life

to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Our time together concluded by considering biblical pictures of an embodied Christian life. Seeing ourselves rightly is key to physical, mental, and spiritual health. It was liberating to consider the truth that clay jars are fragile but have been chosen by God to contain treasure that’s imperishable. In a world that’s confused and directionless when it comes to being human, Andrew reminded us that we are not robots, we are embodied souls and precious to God.