A Neurocognitive Approach Reveals Paul’s Embodied Emotional Strategies

Abstract

Joy is a central theme in Philippians. Joy is also a central emotional habit Paul deploys and encourages as a strategy for building community. In this paper, the examination of Philippians through recent developments in the neurocognitive study of emotions first illuminates how Paul cultivates emotional habits, like joy. Second, a neurocognitive approach to understanding emotions can explain how repeatedly choosing joy functions to alleviate suffering by restoring balance in the nervous system. Finally, shared emotional habits with the Philippian community, like shared somatic practices, build sustaining connections among the members. Intentional deployment of emotional practices, as Paul demonstrates and encourages in the Philippians, is a strategy for building the body of Christ. Such a neurocognitive understanding of emotional habits and bodily practices among community members in the Christ body points to a corporate experience of shared healing and neurocognitive resilience. Might we consider this somatic embodiment of shared emotions, what Paul calls “the same mind that is in Christ Jesus”, also a participation in Christ’s soteria (healing/salvation)?

Keywords

• joy
• suffering
• Philippians
• St. Paul
• habits
• emotions