The Soul

[Chaos Blue]

Not too sure if this has been discussed, sorry if this is a repeat topic...

A soul-

What is it, exactly? What proof is there that it exists? I mean, I know that on a scientific level, it could be expressed as energy, and cannot be broken down. So does that mean when we die, our soul (or energy) scatters onto the world (reincarnation?)? It's thought provoking since the soul can be described in so many contexts through so many traditions.

Example, my best friend who is Christian believes that "Animals do not have a soul". I wanted to know how that was (and whether or not anyone else of this faith or personally believes the same thing) and what made them not have a soul. If they don't then why are we the only ones that do? I asked her, she said "Because they're animals" . Though I feel like this answer doesn't set, or doesn't seem complete somehow.

I'm of the belief that we all have a soul, a spark of some sort, a conscious. Something that keeps us running, imagining and creating (collective conscious?).

Another thing I wonder, is if the spirit and soul are interchangeable definitions for the same thing. What are some of your takes on the soul/spirit/energy?  

[ShadowCatSoul]

As far as I know, a spirit/soul isn't something that can be proved. It's either something you believe in or don't. Personally, I believe that all living things are made up of energy and have some sort of soul/spirit. It's what makes them who they are. Without it they would be no different than a car, pen, phone, computer, etc. Also I beleive that since we are made of energy once we die we don't just "go into nothingness", I personally believe in reincarnation.  

[TeaDidikai]

Chaos Blue

A soul-

What is it, exactly?

Differs from tradition to tradition.

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What proof is there that it exists?

Proof? UPG and CPG that forms a preponderance of evidence that is beyond a reasonable doubt.

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I mean, I know that on a scientific level, it could be expressed as energy,

Actually, it really couldn't.

There's no empirical method to measure the non-corporeal essence of an individual and said essence's ability to "do work".

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So does that mean when we die, our soul (or energy) scatters onto the world (reincarnation?)?

The term scattering would imply rebirth, not reincarnation.

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Example, my best friend who is Christian believes that "Animals do not have a soul". I wanted to know how that was (and whether or not anyone else of this faith or personally believes the same thing) and what made them not have a soul.

If that is their argument, then it is likely that their understanding of a soul is dependent on free will.

Quote:

Another thing I wonder, is if the spirit and soul are interchangeable definitions for the same thing.

They're often treated as synonyms within popular English, though there are traditions that make a distinction. I remember a thread on the matter that explored the Christian concepts a while ago.  

[Chaos Blue]

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Actually, it really couldn't.

There's no empirical method to measure the non-corporeal essence of an individual and said essence's ability to "do work".

Ahhhh *nod*

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If that is their argument, then it is likely that their understanding of a soul is dependent on free will.

Would self-awareness also figure into that?

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They're often treated as synonyms within popular English, though there are traditions that make a distinction. I remember a thread on the matter that explored the Christian concepts a while ago.

Cool beans. Any chance of being able to retrieve the thread? I'm interested. If not, or if it was a while ago, then that's ok.  

[TeaDidikai]

Chaos Blue

Quote:

Actually, it really couldn't.

There's no empirical method to measure the non-corporeal essence of an individual and said essence's ability to "do work".

Ahhhh *nod*

Quote:

If that is their argument, then it is likely that their understanding of a soul is dependent on free will.

Would self-awareness also figure into that?

Quote:

They're often treated as synonyms within popular English, though there are traditions that make a distinction. I remember a thread on the matter that explored the Christian concepts a while ago.

Cool beans. Any chance of being able to retrieve the thread? I'm interested. If not, or if it was a while ago, then that's ok.

I'll add it to the list of threads I am trying to dig up.  

[Chaos Blue]

Thanks in advance.  

[Sam Oaken Willow 17]

I think the concept of a soul is something that each person has to work out for oneself. My friend Jason doesn't believe that most people have souls. Spirits, maybe, but souls...

When he explained it to me to have a soul you had to be a really really good person, and most people don't deserve a soul.

And just saying I don't talk to Jason much anymore so I'm just using this as an example of a "soulful" idea. hehe  

[ShadowCatSoul]

Sam Oaken Willow 17

I think the concept of a soul is something that each person has to work out for oneself. My friend Jason doesn't believe that most people have souls. Spirits, maybe, but souls...

When he explained it to me to have a soul you had to be a really really good person, and most people don't deserve a soul.

And just saying I don't talk to Jason much anymore so I'm just using this as an example of a "soulful" idea. hehe

I've never heard of that kind of explanation of a soul before.  

[Sam Oaken Willow 17]

Me neither until I heard it from him. I don't know how I feel about it but if he believes it's true, then who am I to say otherwise?  

[Chaos Blue]

I wonder how he goes about differentiating souls and spirits.  

[Loona Wynd]

To the one that I serve

I believe the soul to be a combination of various elements.

The Mind:Thought Patterns and Processes
The Body:Vehicle for Physical manifestation and experiences
The Spirit: Force of Life
Shade: A reflection of our personality kept in the underworld which exists so long as some one in the world remembers you.
The SuSoul: The heart and personality as well as our direct connection to the Gods. The suSoul may or may not be a part of the Gods.

I will give my all

 

[Sam Oaken Willow 17]

Loona Wynd

To the one that I serve

The SuSoul: The heart and personality as well as our direct connection to the Gods. The suSoul may or may not be a part of the Gods.

I will give my all

Are you suggesting that you don't know if the suSoul is a part of the gods or not, or are there instances where it is and when it isn't?  

[ShadowCatSoul]

Sam Oaken Willow 17

Loona Wynd

To the one that I serve

The SuSoul: The heart and personality as well as our direct connection to the Gods. The suSoul may or may not be a part of the Gods.

I will give my all

Are you suggesting that you don't know if the suSoul is a part of the gods or not, or are there instances where it is and when it isn't?

Sounds like Loona isn't sure.  

[Loona Wynd]

ShadowCatSoul

Sam Oaken Willow 17

Loona Wynd

To the one that I serve

The SuSoul: The heart and personality as well as our direct connection to the Gods. The suSoul may or may not be a part of the Gods.

I will give my all

Are you suggesting that you don't know if the suSoul is a part of the gods or not, or are there instances where it is and when it isn't?

Sounds like Loona isn't sure.

To the one that I serve

exactly.

I will give my all

 

[TeaDidikai]

Loona Wynd

Shade: A reflection of our personality kept in the underworld which exists so long as some one in the world remembers you.

Any particular reason you're lifting σκιά?