Early Influencers:
Socrates (470-399 BCE)
Plato (428-327 BCE)
Aristotle (385-322 BCE)
Religion and philosophy has strong ties to each other for there way of trying to explain how man fits into the world he lives in, for example Egypt, pharaoh was consider by Egyptians as a god on earth that was to bring about a moral and ethical structure to Egypt similar to philosophy. This is one of the reasons the L-rd told Moshe to separate from the Egyptians and other cultures, for them not to be ensnared by these belief and most important to rely on Him [Leviticus 18:1-5 and Deuteronomy 7:6-11].
There is much in Christian tradition and in various church doctrine that has its roots in philosophical ideas and speculation rather than Scripture. We are left with the legacy of theology that was developed to answer the questions raised by Greek philosophy, rather than the Scripture. Paul say in Colossians 2.8 “ Watch out, so no one will take you captive by means of philosophy and empty deceit, following human tradition which accords with the elemental spirit of the world but does not accord with the Messiah.” We will come to the understanding that the ways of human knowledge and wisdom is futile when it comes to the truth of the L-rd.
There are 3 scriptures that argue against all this:
Isaiah 44:9-10, 1 Corinthians 3:16-21a, Revelation 22:12-17
Please click on the link below to see key definitions regarding Mind & Body Dualism (MBD).
Mind & Body Dualism Definitions
1. What footprints of mind and body dualism has been seen in the Body of Christ?
The footprints seen in the Body of Christ has been Greek philosophy by taking the word of G-d and using human understanding to add to His word, starting with the Old Testament by the Israelites mixing with other cultures although prohibited by G-d in the Torah to Greek philosophy being one of the foundations of church theology. Mind and body dualism has changed over the years since the first century to current day by questioning the mind (as depicted as the soul) and the body as two distinct entities, furthermore, it has spewed its poison into the church by questioning the Spirit of G-d, the soul and body He made.
2. How has mind and body dualism impacted believers?
Mind and body dualism has impacted believers by questioning the L-rd’s word, for example; some believers have come to believe that their body and souls are strictly theirs, but not so if we look at what Yeshua said in Matthew 10.28 “ Do not fear those who kill the body but are powerless to kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gei-Hinnom.” This statement alone shows man cannot think of himself as independent by believing his actions and thoughts aren’t accountable.
3. What do you recognized as the stronghold or strongman of this cult or religion?
The stronghold of this issue are many, but the main issues are these first allowing this philosophy (define as the love of wisdom) to dictate that the mind (soul) and body are separate entities and without the Spirit being present. Second, the so-called fathers of Christian theology and Christian Philosophers mixing Plato and Aristotle philosophy with the word of G-d and they rejected what is written in the Torah, specifically in Duet 12.30 to 13.5(6) and what Paul said regarding wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2.2-9. Third, Rene Descartes said two statements that are critical from the 17th century until today, the first statement is “I think therefore I am” and the second is “Doubt everything that does not have a bases in scientific or mathematical truth.”
These strongholds and strongmen are present today through mind and body dualism with psychology ( the study of the mind and behavior), genetic engineering ( the manipulation of DNA), trans humanism ( to increase the abilities of strength, intelligence, awareness and durability by genetic enhancements), singularity ( the advancement of AI, artificial intelligence) and behavioral neuroscience ( the study of genetic, physiological, and behavior) and body modification (altering of the human body) . James says it best in James 3.13-18 regarding wisdom from G-d and wisdom from the world.
4. In recognizing the spiritual warfare, what characteristics of Yeshua should we pray to be released in the Body of Christ and in us?
The characteristics of Yeshua that we should pray and to be released into the Body of Christ and us are to be grounded in the word G-d:
Obedience and oneness to G-d: Gen. 2.7, Lev. 18.4, Duet 13. 4 & Duet. 26.16
Trust: Pslm. 62. 9(8) &118.8, Prov. 3.5, 2 Cor. 5.7 and Eph. 6.16
Renewal: Pslm. 51.12 (10) & Rom. 12.2
The heart of a servant: John 12.26 & Rom. 15.15-16
Love G-d : Duet 6.5 & 11.1, Josh. 23.11, Pslm. 97.10, John 14.21&15.9-10, and 1 John 2.15 & 4.8
Sound mind: Rom. 8.6
Wisdom : Pslm. 111.10, Prov. 1.7, 2.6,& 9.10, and James 1.5
Loyalty: Pslm. 31. 24(23)
Mind of Yeshua: 1Cor. 2.15-16
Spirit of truth: Pslm. 25.5 & 40.11, John 1.7, 8.32 & 16.13
Fear of G-d: Duet 6. 13&24, 10.20, 1Sam 12.24, Prov. 14.27,and Matt.10.28
Faith & Trust : Prov.3.5-6, Isa. 24.6, Pslm. 9.11, 22.5 & 31.7, Matt 17.20, John1.7, Heb 2.13, 11.1&3, 1Cor 16.13, 2Peter 1.5-8, and Jude 1.20
(Note: all Scriptures are from The Complete Jewish Bible)