It could also be that in having a soul, humans are able to see (however minutely) beyond the physical aspects of earth into the spiritual realm. We are also able to not only learn and to remember the history of our entire species, but to pass it on to future generations.
Different species to have a varying number of genes. What I find fascinating is that my chinchillas and I have ninety percent of the same DNA. We are only a percent or two away from sharing the same DNA as chimpanzees.
Then there is no reason not to commit suicide, or follow lemmings off a cliff.
But do we have souls? In order for me to accept that premise you have to prove it. Also no, you don't remember the history of our entire species which is over 300,000 years old. The oldest records for any human civilization only goes back around 5,000 years.
"Proof" means, "Provide me with physical evidence." The soul is one's spirit, and the spiritual realm is spirit, so no physical proof. Asking for such would be similar to people of old saying, "If you want me to sail off on that boat, first prove to me there is something other than a cliff out there."
Yep. That's typically how we prove things are real rather than figments of our imaginations.
So no proof then? Then why should I believe you any more than I would someone imploring me to believe in unicorns or leprechauns, or Santa Claus?
I don't understand the analogy. The sentiment you are expressing above is fear of the unknown. Someone eventually did it and thus gave proof to everyone else it could be done and then we were off to the races.
No.... what I contemplate are ideas. I use my mind to accomplish this.
It's the rational side of me that requires rational evidence before I believe something is real.
Correct. No physical proof. Spirituality is in the realm of what is beyond the physical realm.
The analogy is that some are explorers despite the unknowns (lack of proof/evidence). Some are settlers, happy with what they know already...no real need to know more or go beyond the familiar.
Correct. Many are settlers, not explorers.
The question remains. Is there indeed a spiritual realm? I don't believe in one.
Explorers brought back answers, you have none for me.
I wish I could, but I can't boil it down to quite that simple though. While my personal intellectual and emotional makeup embraces pure recreation for no other purpose than the enjoyment of it--riding a roller coaster, zip lining, watching a good movie, playing a computer game etc.--I also need to believe I am here for some greater reason than Bach's philosophy. In other words, not purely for my own benefit. But who knows? I hope we get to find out these things in Heaven.
Just as people back in the day did not believe in anything beyond the sea.
I explained badly then. Bach was suggesting you look at everything you do. Are you learning from it? Do you enjoy what you are doing? For example, think of having a family. Does anyone always enjoy cleaning up after, etc. Of course not. You do it because you enjoy your family. We might enjoy a meal more than the preparation of that meal, but the reason we do the prep is for the fun/enjoyment in store.
I can appreciate that. And thank you for that explanation. (You didn't explain badly. You just assumed your reader knew what you knew. LOL. )
But now we do because we have evidence. See how that works? Or maybe you don't? Maybe that's the problem...
It's not a very good answer. It doesn't tell me what this spiritual realm is, how I'd know if I was in it, what it's boundaries are.... you really haven't given me any evidence it actually exists, unlike explorers who came back with answers to our questions.
It may be that the “purpose” (if there is one) is simply beyond our capacity to comprehend. But even if there were no purpose, maybe we should still strive for excellence for the sake of all of us.
If God has decided to enjoy the company of a companion and we are the material out of which He will eventually fulfill that objective, I don’t believe the purity of His spirit makes any difference.God is complete within himself. Also, he has angels, who are pure spirit. It may have more to do with God's nature, which is pure love. He created us out of love...what is it about us that is lovable? Did God create us to teach how to love as he loves? If so, how are we doing?
thank you
You're speaking to a member of usmb.
