Do You Really Have A Soul?

[Peter1469]

The existence of a soul is not consistent with the theory of evolution and it is not needed to explain human behavior. If there is a soul, then why isn't there evidence of it with Alzheimer's patients? The brain displays gradual

evidence of physical degradation at the same time that the mind shows evidence of decline. If some portion of a person's brain is physically damaged that generally correlates with a predictable change in

behavior. Where is the soul when this brain damage occurs?

This is from wikipedia's discussion of the soul, the scientific response.:

The current scientific consensus across all fields is that there is no evidence for the existence of any kind of soul in the traditional sense. Many modern scientists, such as Julien Musolino, hold that the mind is merely a complex machine that operates on the same physical laws as all other objects in the universe.^[117] According to Musolino, there is currently no scientific evidence whatsoever to support the existence of the soul;^[117] he claims there is also considerable evidence that seems to indicate that souls do not exist

Science is never settled. This is a good example where the mainstream is wrong.

They can stomp their feet and yell science all they want.

[Peter1469]

I don't know what it means to say that the soul is energy. I view the soul as a religious or philosophical concept that is based on no evidence.

What problem do you have with the concept of energy?

[Lummy]

Do You Really Have A Soul?

Yes.

[Helena]

I'm curious as to what people think about degenerative diseases and severe personality changes that occur. Alzheimer's patients who were generally sweet, good wholesome people turn into unrecognizable personalities and who they once were has been erased and replaced. The opposite has also been reported. General $#@!s that everyone hated became docile, sweet and good-natured. Nurses report their wonderment that family rarely visits and they learn that their favorite patient was not that great of a person before they landed in their care.

So where did these people go? Did their souls leave their body before a physical death?
The mind is definitely linked to the physical body, as many physical extremes can and have made people go completely crazy. There is also emotional abuse and neglect that affects a person's mind that changes and shapes their personality and actions.

The word soul is pretty confusing for me.

[Helena]

Yes.

What does that mean? The breath of life? Is that your soul? Is it your personality that people know as Lummy that will float away somewhere when your physical body dies?

[jet57]

I don't know what it means to say that the soul is energy. I view the soul as a religious or philosophical concept that is based on no evidence.

The word 'soul' may be a human construct but the reality of the constant is what we live with.

[Just AnotherPerson]

I have a very different idea on this. I hope it dont offend anyone. So think about the you that is seeing through your eyes right now. You can sense yourself. In one sense you are contstantly changing your views and opinions and understanding is constantly evolving. Sometimes you look back at your past mindset and say to yourself, " I cant belive I ever thought that". But there is something there that doesnt change. Imagine you are looking at yourself in the mirror from when you were a child. The you who is looking is the same unchanged. But the mind and opinions has changed. But there is something there that has never changed.

If the self is my opinions and beliefs then why is it constantly changing? It literally dies all the time. I have this opinon today and it is gone tomorrow. That self dies. But regardless there is something there that is a constant. If the ideas and beliefs are me, then why cant I hold onto them? Why cant I grasp them? Try to hold the moment. You cant do it. It is already gone the moment you try to hold it. Time is always moving, things are always in constant transformation from one form to another. How can there be a permanent me in something that never stays the same?

But what if that which sees through my eyes was the ground of being, the source of all life? What if the same thing that sees through my eyes is the same thing that is seeing through your eyes? What if there is no self apart from the thoughts in your mind? What if your true self was no self at all, and was all life?

[Just AnotherPerson]

What problem do you have with the concept of energy?

The whole universe is energy in motion. :)

[Helena]

...

But what if that which sees through my eyes was the ground of being, the source of all life? What if the same thing that sees through my eyes is the same thing that is seeing through your eyes? What if there is no self apart from the thoughts in your mind? What if your true self was no self at all, and was all life?

Are you saying the soul is a collective? We are the Borg?

[Just AnotherPerson]

Are you saying the soul is a collective? We are the Borg?

Not quite. I am saying there is no soul. We are life without boundaries.