Aistheterion : The Spiritual Senses

Aistheterion: The Spiritual Senses explores the relationship between the five physical senses (touch, hear, smell, taste, and sight) and the spiritual gifts of the Bible (love, grace, hope, faith, and tribulations). The Bible often uses the physical senses to describe how Christians (Acts 11:26) develop and understand the will of God. Psalms 34:8 states, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Job 6:30 states, “Is there iniquity in my tongue? Cannot my taste discern perverse things?” These verses urge as well as question a Christian’s ability to discern good from evil. There is also a comparison and relationship pointed to in these passages. This comparison and relationship between the physical senses and the spiritual senses that the Bible offers is the focus of this study. Gary E. Maner begins by describing the physical body, soul, and spirit of humans, then narrowing the focus to a description of the five physical senses. Using scripture to provide insight into the premise, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14), Mr. Maner reveals the Biblical connection between the physical and spiritual senses.