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Rom 9 may contain the clearest interaction with what we might call race in the entire NT. Paul is lamenting (with soaring ethnic loyalty) the spiritual condition of “those of my own race ... race, according to the flesh.”
His phrase for race is “kata sarx”; “according to flesh.”
His phrase for race is “kata sarx”; “according to flesh.”
Anyone who has read Paul understands that sarx / flesh is also his shorthand (especially in Romans) for “sinful nature” — a “flesh born” hostility to God. (Distinct from “body” / soma, toward which a spiritually re-vindication is possible: cf 8:11.)
In fact, while the activity of the Spirit revitalizes or soma / body it kills the sarx / flesh.
“Those who are in the flesh cannot please God ... if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” 8:8, 13
“Those who are in the flesh cannot please God ... if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” 8:8, 13
Thus “kata sarx” is seen as an extension of the sarx principle of 7-8, a barrier to receiving the Gospel or Gospel categories — a social construction “according to the flesh” which the Holy Spirit must demolish in order to realize life in our soma / body.
“For the mind that is set on the sarx is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” (8:7)
“Kata sarx” is a rebellion against God and his created order. This is race in the Western imagination.
“Kata sarx” is a rebellion against God and his created order. This is race in the Western imagination.
Not insignificantly, Paul names “kata sarx” in Ephesians 2:11 as a human construct antithetical to the Gospel, a component of “the dividing wall of hostility.”
Race, racism and white supremacy are “kata sarx” and (whether sensational or subtle) represent hostility and rebellion against God — either we will “sow to them” or “sow to the Spirit.” (Gal 6:8)
Race is “kata sarx” & antithetical to the Christian life. It rejects God & the unifying work of his Spirit; the architect of dividing walls of hostility.
All “praxis of the sarx” (Rom 8:23) must be named, confronted, & mortified by the Spirit.
“Praxis” = “modes of living.”
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All “praxis of the sarx” (Rom 8:23) must be named, confronted, & mortified by the Spirit.
“Praxis” = “modes of living.”
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