Man – body and soul, as well as the relationship between them in the view of St. Justin the Martyr and Philosopher

Abstract

Among the first Church Fathers, where we find the concern for anthropological issues, is St. Justin the Martyr and the Philosopher. Even though St. Justin has not developed a proper anthropology, because it was too early for such a performance, however he draw a few lines in this regard, that influenced later patristic tradition, also showing interest in humanist culture in general, because this culture has a pronounced character of continuity, keeping the principles of permanent value, principles earned through the efforts of the spirit and society over time. Man, in the conception of St. Justin the Martyr and the Philosopher, is a rational being comprised of two elements: body and soul. Taken separately, the two elements, body or soul, do not form the man, this being the union and unity of the two elements. Sf. Justin says that God, summoned to life and resurrection this entire assembly, that is the man, and not just a part of him. He considers man as being a miracle, if we take into account the small drop of seed which he derives from and which produces and develops the bones, nerves and flesh. As for the relationship between body and soul, St. Justin the Martyr and the Philosopher says that they are closely connected by the very act of creation.