The discussion about the existence of the soul is fueled by the need to understand its function in the body and where it is located. Early philosophers like Plato and Aristotle unsuccessfully tried to provide an answer. They could not agree on whether it continues to live or dies with the flesh. Today the question on, Do we have a soul or not, still lingers. The following paragraphs will provide an answer.
Synonyms used to describe this third dimension of existence are spirit and mind. These words are easy to use because they represent untouchable and invisible forms. However, the mind is used in reference to intelligence while the spirit represents deeper feelings and the humanistic form. Biology, religion and metaphysics have waded into the debate at unique levels.
Religion assigns the entry of the spirit to the moment of creation. God in Genesis breathe life into the newly sculptured clay mold to bring it to life. This equated souls to life which meant that they died with the body. Because it is responsible for good and bad deeds it enjoys the rewards of eternal life and condemnation in eternal fire.
In ancient civilizations, Plato argued that human souls resided in the body when people are alive. Upon death, it flies away leaving the flesh to decompose. Aristotle on the other hand insisted that souls die with bodies making them one and the same existence. There is yet to be clarity on what happens when one dies and what form the spirit takes.
When the discussion shifts to animals having or not having souls, it becomes confusing. Some theories suggest that they also have feelings and think like human beings. The fact that their life cycles are similar to that of human beings is worth noting. While they are considered less intelligent, they also display an existence beyond the physical. Could this suggest that souls are not only reserved for human beings?
According to biologists, there is more to life than physical cells. They contend that this is the factor that differentiates a dead and living being. In that light, they acknowledge the existence of a form that is not physical and that could be used to describe human beings. Biologists explain human movement as impulse from the brain but while that is physical and tangible, there is a dimension that cannot be explained in physical terms.
While the debate ranges, questions about the ownership and fate of souls arise. Religions assign ownership to gods who also allocate the souls the responsibility over morality. They claim that souls are responsible for instructing the body into doing well, enjoying pleasure and feeling guilty. As such, they differentiate humanity from animals which confirms their existence.
All theories and fields of study have confirmed that souls exist. In all their discussions, they seem to agree that it is the basic factor in human existence and directs rationale and considerate human behavior. What remains unclear is how it finds its way into the body, what role it plays and what happens when a person dies. There is therefore no doubt about its existence.
Synonyms used to describe this third dimension of existence are spirit and mind. These words are easy to use because they represent untouchable and invisible forms. However, the mind is used in reference to intelligence while the spirit represents deeper feelings and the humanistic form. Biology, religion and metaphysics have waded into the debate at unique levels.
Religion assigns the entry of the spirit to the moment of creation. God in Genesis breathe life into the newly sculptured clay mold to bring it to life. This equated souls to life which meant that they died with the body. Because it is responsible for good and bad deeds it enjoys the rewards of eternal life and condemnation in eternal fire.
In ancient civilizations, Plato argued that human souls resided in the body when people are alive. Upon death, it flies away leaving the flesh to decompose. Aristotle on the other hand insisted that souls die with bodies making them one and the same existence. There is yet to be clarity on what happens when one dies and what form the spirit takes.
When the discussion shifts to animals having or not having souls, it becomes confusing. Some theories suggest that they also have feelings and think like human beings. The fact that their life cycles are similar to that of human beings is worth noting. While they are considered less intelligent, they also display an existence beyond the physical. Could this suggest that souls are not only reserved for human beings?
According to biologists, there is more to life than physical cells. They contend that this is the factor that differentiates a dead and living being. In that light, they acknowledge the existence of a form that is not physical and that could be used to describe human beings. Biologists explain human movement as impulse from the brain but while that is physical and tangible, there is a dimension that cannot be explained in physical terms.
While the debate ranges, questions about the ownership and fate of souls arise. Religions assign ownership to gods who also allocate the souls the responsibility over morality. They claim that souls are responsible for instructing the body into doing well, enjoying pleasure and feeling guilty. As such, they differentiate humanity from animals which confirms their existence.
All theories and fields of study have confirmed that souls exist. In all their discussions, they seem to agree that it is the basic factor in human existence and directs rationale and considerate human behavior. What remains unclear is how it finds its way into the body, what role it plays and what happens when a person dies. There is therefore no doubt about its existence.
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