St Paul’s Categorisation of Human Consciousness

Understanding human nature has long preoccupied philosophers and spiritual leaders, serving as a path to self-awareness and enlightenment. Through his epistles, St Paul identifies three distinct categories of human existence:

Carnal People (People of the Flesh)

Driven entirely by base instincts and physical appetites, carnal individuals prioritise immediate gratification above all else. Whether seeking power, wealth, or the fulfilment of sensory desires, they pursue these ends with little regard for the consequences or the well-being of others.

“Their belly is their god, and they are proud of what should be their shame. They only think of earthly things” (Philippians 3:19).
“You are still of the flesh. As long as there is jealousy and strife, you are at the level of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 3:3).
“They did shameful things and dishonoured their bodies” (Romans 1:24).
“What the flesh seeks is against God” (Romans 8:5).
“Those who live according to the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8).

Natural People (People of Intellect and Logic)

These are not dwellers of the wild, but those who limit their worldview strictly to human reason, logic, and self-reliance. They measure value solely by tangible utility and rational benefit. Incapable of perceiving spiritual realities, they often dismiss devotion or transcendent experiences as foolishness, bound instead by their own intellect and pride.

“The one who remains on the human level does not understand the things of the spirit. They are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand because they require a spiritual experience” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
“Although they knew God, they did not acknowledge Him, nor did they give thanks to Him” (Romans 1:21).
“The time is coming when people will no longer endure sound doctrine... They will abandon truth to hear myths” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).

Spiritual People (People who are Able to Surrender)

Spiritual individuals live by divine wisdom and discernment, allowing the Spirit of God to work within them. This spiritual awakening transforms both the carnal and the natural nature, guiding the soul away from decay and toward profound peace.

“In Jesus Christ, the Law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the Law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
“Flesh tends towards death, while the Spirit aims at life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
“Do not be conformed to this world, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Ultimately, St Paul’s categorisation serves as a mirror for human consciousness. It challenges us to look beyond fleeting physical desires and the limitations of purely rational intellect, inviting a deeper transformation toward spiritual alignment and enduring peace.

From the retreat talks by Fr John Kusumalayan, OP.

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