A Break From Politics: Let's Talk About The Soul, The Spirit, The Inner Self

[Laurel]

All right, the big questions...

IYHO, what is the soul? How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

If you don't believe in a soul, tell us about your views as well.

 

[bluntforcemama]

This is supposed to be NO politics? Ha!

 

[doctor_insanus]

Oy. My head's already hurting...

 

[Guest]

WTF...

This is supposed to be NO politics? Ha!

The soul IS politics????? Religion IS politics????? Last I checked, neither were!

 

[LordMagicMan]

All right, the big questions...

IYHO, what is the soul? How & when does it enter the body?

Something I need to search for answers... Birth...

What is the purpose of the soul?

To make us function day to day, and its the essence of our being. It is the thing the makes us different from every other creature in the world.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

Nope.

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

My own would be the best way to describe it. Organizied religion is silly.

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

Effects on my spirituality would be my mother's illness, the one thing thats made me bitter about life.

 

[Pyper]

Hey, Laurel, I was just thinking about doing a thread like this last week!

It should not come as a surprise to most people that I do not believe in a soul. For me, that falls under the category of "supernatural" which doesn't jive with atheism.

When I was little, I believed the soul was this fuzzy blue thing that was centered in my torso. Of course, my soul would go to heaven.

I was raised Catholic, and have all the appropriate sacraments. Although I am an atheist, I still go to church with my mother to make her happy. (She doesn't know I am an atheist, so shh, don't tell.)

There was nothing that made me an atheist. Some people think that atheists are bitter and disillusioned because something horrible happened to them to make them stop believing in God. This is what happened to me: I grew up. Around the age of 13, I slowly realized that there was no God. I have no idea why. Maybe they instilled logic and critical thinking into me too well in elementary school. Maybe I am somehow biologically different from people who are raised in a religion and continue to believe in throughout their lives. You got me.

 

[Angel]

IYHO, what is the soul?

How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?

I see nothing at all supernatural about it. I don't know if it could even be defined as a soul, but I believe that it is each individual's awareness, the basic instincts and feelings that are formed in each and every one of us upon physical creation. Basically what makes us US.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

Yes, I was raised roman catholic.

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

Before anything I am a freethinking Atheist. I don't think I can typically be fit into any neat little pagan category, but I believe in witchcraft - however I don't believe in a god or goddess or any supernatural, omnicient beings at all. I think that we all evolved either by accident or just naturally. Perhaps not exactly the way it is taught but in one way or another. I think that we do have abilities that are considered *Supernatural* but I believe they are completely natural.
As everything in the world gives off natural energy, I believe that what is called Witchcraft is nothing more than learning to use that energy.

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

Experience. Nothing that was taught from books, although books are really interesting

 

[doctor_insanus]

I think I'll leave an explanation of the soul to others. Kind of an abstract concept.

I was raised Methodist.

I am not currently affiliated with any church. I believe in a "higher power" without subscribing to any certain doctrine. I do follow the Golden Rule, though. Good advice, there.

No certain event has shaped my perceptions. Life in general has done that. I do think there's a lack of spirituality in the world today, unfortunately. Not just a lack of belief in any certain religion, but a disbelief in anything other than what is "real" to us... those things that our senses tell us are real.

Just my two cents.

 

[LordMagicMan]

Very nice and well thought through Angel, I can see you put alot of time into understanding the soul previously.

 

[RonG]

Despite exposure to most of the conventional religions by relation or friendship, I have developed a notion of no soul. The concept that there is some non-corporeal stuff that each human has and every other critter lacks (I know that some beliefs state that everything has some essence but most don't) doesn't work for me on any sort of logical basis.

As far as the background question goes, I did time in the Catholic Church as a kid. Exposure to enormous levels of hypocrisy in this and other churches (individual member's hypocrisy, not any institutional behavior as such) convinced me that if there is a higher sense to our being, the knuckleheads running about were more clueless than any reasonably observant individual could figure out on their own.

Oops, I shouldn't post this. You were looking for humble opinions . . .

BTW, a good Sci-Fi short story about souls is "The Thaw" by Tanith Lee

 

[Guest]

To answer Laurel...

IYHO, what is the soul? How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?

The soul is the living entity that will go on long after the physical body dies. It is with you always. It is a part of you.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

I was baptized, confirmed, and ordained as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian church, but at this time in my life, I am far more spiritual than I am religious. There are times that I still go to my childhood church, but it is rare. I take bites and pieces of different beliefs and apply them to my daily life.

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

Like I said, I take bits and pieces from many faiths and wrap them all up into me. I suppose my main following is Pagan at this time.

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

So far, there really hasn't been anything. I am just an openminded person.

 

[Sparky Kronkite]

"As far as I know," - "As far as what has been logically explained to me," -

"As far as what has been proved to me."

The only soul or inner self "I have" or that other's have - is what we personally perceive. This via our upbringing, our teachings - our programming.

It's all a big question mark to me and I don't thing there's a thing wrong with that.

Why? Why don't I think there's anything wrong with being confused or questioning one's existence or existence of one's soul or inner self?

Because I have not had any answer placed in front of me that makes any sence what-so-ever. Sence to the brain I was born with.

And I see that as being totally normal.

 

[bluntforcemama]

Re: WTF...

The soul IS politics????? Religion IS politics????? Last I checked, neither were!

Depends on how you look at it, and whether or not the church represent the religion, and it's tolerance towards the moral beliefs of a soul or the seperation of church and state.

 

[Texan]

Oh hell.......

Let me try this one… and don’t “crucify” me for this. I AM NOT preaching…. Think for yourself….. choose for yourself.

I believe in a creator. As a scientist, I don’t see how it’s possible not to believe in a creator. I don’t pretend to know exactly when or by what process he (don’t get hung up on the pronoun) created, but existence cries out to logic that there was a creator. From tradition, I call him God.

Beyond the scientific, I believe that if God controlled creation, then he also controls how he chooses to “reveal” himself to each person. I believe God has revealed himself to many people, including me, through the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. If God chooses to reveal himself to other people through other means and methods, that’s not for me to judge. I also believe that many people “create” a God in the form they choose or in the form they were taught, and in doing this, they ignore how God might be revealing Himself.

I believe that as humans, we have a “need” for a god. I think a lot of people call this need… a soul. Because it demonstrably exists in virtually all people, it must be a human characteristic. Since it’s not physical, and it’s not a function of thought or mentality, it must be “spiritual”. Therefore, I believe it was placed in humans by the creator.

I see religion as man’s search for God… to fill this need (or soul). I don’t think man is capable of “finding” God, but must open himself to God’s effort to reveal Himself to man.

I attend a United Methodist Church. I was not raised in Methodism. I chose that denomination of Christianity as an adult, primarily because one of the founding tenants is that “man is an independent agent before God, individually responsible for his relationship with God.” I believe that the Bible is a collection of the writings of individuals who were doing their best to live in their faith. I am very well educated in the Bible, and I do not believe it is the “Word of God”. I believe God reveals his “words” in countless ways to different people…. And, because He is God, he can say whatever he wants to each of those people.

 

[bluntforcemama]

Re: Oh hell.......

Let me try this one… and don’t “crucify” me for this. I AM NOT preaching…. Think for yourself….. choose for yourself.

Now that's what I like to hear. The brain is hardwired for religion.

 

[Todd]

All right, the big questions...

IYHO, what is the soul?

the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)

How & when does it enter the body?

conception - For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.


What is the purpose of the soul?

the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

yes, Militant Athiest

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

Sevneth Day United Bapticostlyn assemblies of Yahweh's witness to the later Millenium, currently attending in a COnvention Baptist church though

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

Droning and seeing hell, stalking a girl, and a few other activities brought me to my current states of belief

[/B]

 

[morninggirl5]

What is the soul? How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?

The soul is that allows us to make connections with those outside us, other people and God. I believe it is that part of us that along with our reasoning ability makes us different from animals. I believe the soul is present upon conception.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one? What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

I was raised as a Southern Baptist. I'm still a member of my families church, and attend when I'm with them. My uncles (ordained ministers) and grandfather (deacon) would have serious problems with my current views. I attend church to replenish my soul and it's the music that does this for me, not the Bible teaching and preaching.


What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

Like all young adults, I went through a period of questioning my religion, but the sense of "wholeness" that I receive in my chosen church is unique. Witnessing my nephew's birth was one of those moments that showed me undeniably that we have a soul and God exists.

 

[Guest]

IYHO, what is the soul? How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?
soul is your essence... or aura..... it enters at birth.... to give you emotions.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?
Christian/Baptist

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?
no specific faith.

 

[WriterDom]

Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hangin' curveball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent over-rated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days.
-- Crash Davis

 

[p_p_man]

All right, the big questions...

IYHO, what is the soul? How & when does it enter the body? What is the purpose of the soul?

By soul I presume you mean the popular concept that it is a ghostly spirit that lives in your body to give it life.

I would say it's a series of elecro-chemical reactions and counter reactions.

Were you raised in a certain faith? If so, which one?

What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?

No faith although I have attended various churches to gain some insight into what they feel and believe in. They all seem to believe in themselves, congregation comes a long way down the list.

What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?

No specific events but a general observation and reading of how religion is basically a corrupt form of manipulating people.

If you don't believe in a soul, tell us about your views as well.

The only theory that fits the bill as far as I'm concerned is that nothing is really destroyed, it just changes shape, form or compositon. The same thing happens to our bodies when we die. The atoms disperse and become something else. This could be as simple as a single atom or, by attaching themselves to each other, something as large as a universe.

Nothing is destroyed. Everything is connected in some way or another...

 

[Angel]

Re: Re: A Break From Politics: Let's Talk About The Soul, The Spirit, The Inner Self

The only theory that fits the bill as far as I'm concerned is that nothing is really destroyed, it just changes shape, form or compositon. The same thing happens to our bodies when we die. The atoms disperse and become something else. This could be as simple as a single atom or, by attaching themselves to each other, something as large as a universe.

YES!

THANK YOU! I've spent ages trying to word that very simply and always end up going into some long, drawn out explanation that ends up being utterly confusing to whomever I am speaking to.

 

[Andra_Jenny]

I am a fatalist

I was raised on one hand as an Indian and that the land had rejected me and that it was time to return to the great spirit, and then on the other hand, I was filled with Quaker values of hard work, hard work, prayer, hard work, prayer, savings, hard work...

AND YOU BETTER BE FUCKING AFRAID OF GOD!

Don't break his rules!

And for the life of me,

my eastern instuctors make Buddha seem real reasonable...


compared to the other choices!

 

[Starfish]

Laurel's Questions, my opinions.......
1.IYHO, what is the soul?
Soul: The animating and vital principle in all living beings that is expressed through actions, thoughts, and emotion. The central, integral part of us and all life that is the vital core.

2. How & when does it enter the body?
I believe that the force behind our individual existance is present before we are even two meotic cells so I think that it soul is a collective entity, and that in all ways, our 'souls' are just one big 'soul' and that is why it is so hard for us to part from those we love directly and that is why it hurts so bad when we as the same species of animal, disagree, fight, lead our conflicts into murder or distruction, or so much conflict arises within ourselves over things like the environment and our planet.

3.What is the purpose of the soul?
This tie between us and nature is why we cannot consciously stand by and kill ourselves off without a call for moral check.
The soul's purpose is to keep us from total chaos. To ensure that the soul can be carried on, in new life, and to give 'intellegence' to all things.

4.What is your current faith? Are you a part of a specific church, or are you eclectic?
I was exposed to a Christian upbringing, and have put everything taught to me to question, and have resolved my conflicts with man, and made peace with God. God exists. I know this for a fact, it just isn't how most people concive of it, which is okay, but causes so much fighting and hatred, which is a part of God too... Take for example the biblical image of Lucifer being of God's Angels. Lucifer was designed to illustrate that evil comes from the soul of God therefor the soul of us. We create it. Lucifer doesn't exist, and neither does hell. Fiction to make a point. Our soul's know that they have the potential for wrong doing.... Satan is a scapegoat for our own faults.

So, I have taken the Bible's moral lessons, and dealt with the characterization of our faults it shows and the moral teachings of many other religions and joined the church of life. I am just living and let living, and I love how uncomplicated it all is to just live.

5.What events in your life have affected your views on spirituality and religion?
I have had too many experiances to share here. I more over think that it would lead to too much critisizm. I understand doubt, but I have no room for it on this matter, after what I've been through.

I'd like to say that this was one of the more interesting threads on the BB, that I've responded to.

 

[p_p_man]

Re: I am a fatalist

I was raised on one hand as an Indian and that the land had rejected me and that it was time to return to the great spirit, and then on the other hand, I was filled with Quaker values of hard work, hard work, prayer, hard work, prayer, savings, hard work...

...my eastern instuctors make Buddha seem real reasonable...

You poor, crazy, fucked up kid...

Life must have been hard!!

Tell me when you were an Indian did they suspend you by your breasts from the top of the tepee and spin you round very fast?...

And when you were filled in with Quaker values was your teacher a woman who was a preacher's wife and secretly wanted to be a prostitute?

...I think I saw the films...

 

[crystalhunting]

I will pass on this one today Laurel.I dont care to be flamed or branded a terrorist or woman abuser today....maybe tommorow I will have the stomach to discuss Islam.







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