The religious significance of the human body in the writings of Ambrose of Milan.

Abstract

This study, an investigation into Ambrose of Milan's thought on the human body, is based on his writings which provide a panorama of intellectual and spiritual development recorded over the course of his twenty-three year bishopric (A. D. 374-397). Adding to earlier research, this study proposes an examination of one major idea within this remarkable man's literary legacy. Although he never wrote a specific treatise on the subject, his works are imbued with the genesis, nature, meanings and religious significance of the human body. Ambrose's anthropological thought is permeated with the tridimensional dynamic of God, humanity and the world. From this essential premise, his thoughts, beliefs and attitudes flow. In his deliberations, descriptions and interpretations about the human body, he subjugates both Classical and Christian sources to his perceived task, a Christian understanding of human nature. The framework follows an incremental pattern which describes and interprets bodily nature. Seven interpretative levels provide a systematic model of inquiry for textual and conceptual analyses. Special emphasis is given to Ambrose's adaptation of the Stoic infrarational faculties. The interpretative levels describe the human body as constituted, created, healthy, controlled by passions, mediated by reason, celebrated and transformed. This theoretical construct illuminates the data drawn from his writings in an orderly fashion.