Celestial Sex Paracelsus and the Teaching of the "Heavenly Flesh" of Christ

Schubert A (2021)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 101

Pages Range: 194-213

Journal Issue: 2-3

DOI: 10.1163/18712428-bia10019

Abstract

This paper explores the origins of the Anabaptist doctrine of the "celestial flesh," which conceived Christ as generated purely out of the substance of the Godhead and thus possessing an entirely "celestial body." It argues that the origins of this doctrine lie in late medieval alchemical tracts adapted in Paracelsus's Liber de Sancta Trinitate of 1524, according to which God has a body of heavenly flesh out of which he brings forth a heavenly woman. Through their sexually conceived union the eternal son is begotten and born with a celestial body.

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How to cite

APA:

Schubert, A. (2021). Celestial Sex Paracelsus and the Teaching of the "Heavenly Flesh" of Christ. Church History and Religious Culture, 101(2-3), 194-213. https://dx.doi.org/10.1163/18712428-bia10019

MLA:

Schubert, Anselm. "Celestial Sex Paracelsus and the Teaching of the "Heavenly Flesh" of Christ." Church History and Religious Culture 101.2-3 (2021): 194-213.

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