In this third episode of our seven-part series on biblical anthropology, Alicia continues the “demolition” phase by tracing how key post-Renaissance thinkers reshaped our modern understanding of the self. Drawing on Carl Trueman’s Strange New World, we explore how ideas from Descartes, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Reich contributed to today’s expressive individualism—and how this cultural inheritance often stands in tension with Scripture’s integrated vision of the human person.

We also reflect on the biblical inner life, Augustine’s journey inward and outward toward God, and what it means to let God have authority over both body and soul. The episode concludes with a guided body prayer inspired by Julian of Norwich.

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Body, soul, myth? Let’s tear down what you think you know. Explore the Bible’s true vision of being human, unlearning dualistic myths, and reclaiming your whole, embodied self in Christ. Join Alicia Laumann as she blends Scripture, history, and heart in The Consecrated Body.

🎙️ About The Consecrated BodyThe Consecrated Body helps Christian women reclaim God’s vision for embodied, whole-life discipleship. In a culture of disconnection, identity confusion, and the misuse of the body, recovering God’s design is urgent. This podcast dismantles cultural lies, rebuilds biblical truth, and offers practical rhythms for living fully integrated and consecrated to Christ.

👋 About Your HostAlicia Laumann is a dance artist, longtime professor, and Christian teacher exploring what it means to be fully human and fully embodied in Christ. After decades of shaping women through movement, formation, and expressive practice, she now helps believers rebuild a biblical vision of the body and whole-person discipleship.

✨ What to Expect in This Episode• Key biblical themes explored• Cultural and historical background• Practical applications for embodied discipleship• A gentle reflection or movement practice• Encouragement for living integrated and present to God

Discover the Hebrew word nephesh—often translated “soul”—and learn how the Bible describes us as whole, embodied beings. Includes six Old Testament word-pictures and a closing body-based prayer through Psalm 23.

This episode is part 1 of my 7-part series Being Human: A Biblical Theology of the Body and Soul.