The Flesh (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Flesh (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

The Flesh is Section IX of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This section treats the flesh as fallen human nature and its desires. Sadler frames Christian discipline as the Spirit-enabled mortification of sinful inclinations rather than contempt for the body itself.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Sinful or immoderate desires" He further explains the section by saying, "Hunger, for instance, and thirst, are implanted in us by God to compel us to support nature by eating and drinking; but when we eat and drink immoderately, then these natural desires become gluttony and drunkenness."

Theological Themes

• Sinful nature
• Mortification
• Self-discipline
• Life in the Spirit

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• 1 Corinthians 2:14
• Matthew 15:19
• Romans 7:18
• Ephesians 2:3
• Colossians 3:5
• Romans 8:13

Anglican Context

This section is connected chiefly with the Book of Common Prayer baptismal office and the opening clauses of the Church Catechism, especially the language of Christian name, sponsors, renunciation, faith, and obedience. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Book of Common Prayer
• Godparents