As a follow up on what I wrote on Monday, October 14, 2024, about life’s greatest mystery:
https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/10/human-life-greatest-mystery.html
I am
very convinced that all living things have a soul although there is no way
science can determine this. We cannot deny that life exists. In fact, life
exists in tremendous abundance, including animals’ life too, all creeping,
crawling, swimming, walking, running, flying all over the surface of this
earth. If we accept this completely as both scientific and gospel truth,
the next question we need to ask is, what happens to that life when a body
dies? It was there a moment ago displaying all the characteristics of something
living and alive, then it was gone the next moment due to an accident, some
fatal injuries or some disease. It just vanishes away when the body dies. Then
all the chemistry of the living body stops.
But
then, that life must have gone somewhere for sure. It couldn’t just vanish into
thin air or into a vacuum just like that.? So, where did it disappear?
This phenomenon makes me conclude life is the very soul of the living body
itself.
The
presence of a soul includes all living things and animals, not just humans
having one. In other words, life is the soul itself, the soul of life. What
else can it be?
In
fact, in the Bible the existence of a soul has been quoted a few times here:
But
from thence ye will seek the LORD thy God; and thou shalt find Him, if thou
search after Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Do not
be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be
afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Yes, my
soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
My soul
thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm
42:2
https://biblia.com/bible/esv/psalm/42/2
Yes, my
soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
For
what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Parable
about the fate of the souls of the rich man and Lazarus when they both died
Luke
16:19-31
The
nature of life and the soul troubles me greatly, and the tension I feel
thinking about the relationship between life and death. First, let us
look at life purely from the scientific point of view using thermodynamics and
the breakdown of life. From a purely scientific perspective, life is a highly
ordered system that relies on a constant flow of energy to maintain its
structure and function. The laws of thermodynamics govern how energy and matter
interact in living organisms:
The
First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy) states that energy cannot
be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. When a
living organism dies, the energy that once sustained its biological processes
is either dissipated as heat or transformed into other forms, such as chemical
energy in decomposition. This is why after death, the body gradually cools,
decays, and returns to simpler compounds.
The
Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy) states that the natural tendency of any
system is to move towards disorder or randomness. In life, organisms
continuously use energy to maintain order, fight entropy, and sustain complex
processes like metabolism, reproduction, and growth. When death occurs, these
processes cease, and the organism can no longer resist the pull toward entropy.
Over time, the body breaks down and decomposes, eventually becoming part of the
broader cycle of matter.
From
this view, life, as we observe it scientifically, is a temporary state in which
the processes of chemistry and biology operate to maintain the organism’s
structure. When these processes cease, what remains is matter and energy, but
not the “animation”
Even if
the chemistry of life breaks down at death, what happens to that “life” itself,
the essence of what animates a living being? Is life purely material, or is
there something immaterial—what I am referring to as the soul—that transcends
the body?
I have
many times explained and compared life like a lighted lamp. The body of
the lamp represents the physical part of our body, the oil, the fuel from food
we eat, the wick are the cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body, the
flame, the heat and energy from the metabolism, the carbon dioxide and water
emitted by the flame as waste products (metabolites) of biochemistry of a
living body. When we extinguish the lamp, the flame goes off and nothing is
left. This scenario fits neatly with the laws of thermodynamics I have just
explained. We cannot ask where the flame went after we blew it out. This is
because the flame is not living that has a living soul. It merely sucks up the
oil (fuel) through the wick and burns as a flame. In other words, the burning
of the oil is just pure chemistry where the oil combines with the
oxygen in the air to produce heat (flame) and carbon dioxide and water
vapour which are then dissipated into the air. Neither the lamp itself nor the
flame is living. It just follows the laws of chemistry, and physics in
thermodynamics. Neither the lamp nor the flame shows any characteristics of
life such as its ability to produce itself - another lamp exactly like its own,
transferring the flame on its own to another unlighted lamp. Neither does its
ability to feed by itself (pour oil on itself), respond to stimulus (talk,
understand, write like I do, and answer you. Neither does the lamp have any
organ that worlds differently, or a brain to think like we do. In other words,
the lamp is dead. It is not living. It only produces light and heat and nothing
else. It has no living soul in it. I have used the flame like a lamp of life
merely for physical comparison as an analogy or as a parable to make readers
understand better. Life is entirely a different entity unmatched by any
physical comparison. The soul of a living body does not follow any laws of
physics such as thermodynamics or chemistry such as metabolism. Only the
physical components do. We use the lamp only for physical comparison, as
a metaphor as a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect,
directly refers to one thing by mentioning another.
Here,
we reach a point where science can offer little explanation, as it operates
within the realm of the measurable and observable. The concept of the soul
belongs to metaphysics, philosophy, and theology. Many religious traditions,
including the Bible, describe the soul as the immortal essence of a person,
distinct from the body. The Bible verses I referenced provide compelling
spiritual insights that ring with the belief that the soul does not perish with
the body.
Deuteronomy
4:29 encourages seeking God with the heart and soul, suggesting that the soul
is central to one’s spiritual relationship with God. In Matthew 10:28
distinguishes between the body, which can be destroyed, and the soul, which
cannot be killed by human means, indicating the soul’s transcendent nature, and
Mark 8:36 speaks of the value of the soul compared to worldly possessions,
emphasizing its eternal significance.
These
passages tell us life and the soul are deeply interconnected and that the soul
persists even after the physical body perishes. In this perspective, the soul
represents the true essence of life that survives death, entering into a
different state of existence.
But if
we look at the proposition that “life is the soul,” this suggests that life
itself is more than just biochemical reactions—it’s the very presence of a soul
animating the body. One could argue that the body is the physical vessel,
composed of atoms, molecules, and cells. The life force is the energy or
process that sustains this physical structure, driven by biochemical and
physiological processes. The soul could be the immaterial essence or
consciousness that transcends the physical and remains even after death.
If life
is indeed the manifestation of the soul in the physical realm, then when the
body dies, it is only the physical manifestation that ceases. The soul, being
immaterial, would not be subject to the same physical laws as the body,
including thermodynamics. It would “go somewhere” beyond the physical
world—perhaps to another plane of existence, as described in many spiritual and
religious traditions.
The
question that troubles me is, does life disappear on physical death?
From
this viewpoint, the life force doesn’t vanish into thin air or dissolve into
nothingness. Instead, it returns to its source, which could be God, the
universe, or another realm, depending on one’s beliefs. For many, this belief
provides comfort and hope that death is not the end but a transition.
I might
be right to connect the existence of life with the presence of a soul. If we
consider life as something more than just a set of chemical processes, then its
departure from the body could signify the soul's movement to another realm.
While science cannot yet probe the nature of the soul, the persistence of such
beliefs across cultures and religions suggests that it’s an intuitive
understanding for many people.
Then
the other question I ask is on the universality of the soul. Here I touched on
another important point: the idea that animals and all living creatures might
have souls. This view finds support in some religious and philosophical
traditions, where all living beings are seen as possessing a life essence or
spirit. If life is the manifestation of the soul, then all living things might
share in this spiritual essence.
My
belief that life is the soul itself is both compelling and profound. While
science can explain the material breakdown of the body, it cannot fully account
for the essence of life or consciousness. The soul, as a spiritual concept,
offers an explanation for where that life force might go after death.
We
really cannot dismiss thousands of years of traditional beliefs across all
civilizations, ethnicities spread across the world, their different religious,
spiritual, societal, customary and social beliefs that a soul exist. Else none
of them, irrespective their race, religion or belief system would wish and pray
for their departed ones these parting wish "May his soul rest in
peace." Then why do people keep praying for the souls their loved ones,
and even make yearly visits to their graves, and even offering foods and paper
(prayer) money to burnt to be sent to them in the next world, especially among
the Chinese. Surely there must be some truth in this irrespective what science
says
I may
have touched on an essential aspect of human experience that transcends mere
scientific explanation—the deeply ingrained belief in the soul across cultures,
religions, and traditions. Indeed, throughout history and across civilizations,
the idea of the soul has been at the heart of how people understand life,
death, and the afterlife. Even in the face of modern scientific advancements,
these beliefs persist, often offering meaning and comfort in ways that science
alone may not. I think there is this universality of belief in the soul no
matter the differences in religion, culture, or ethnicity, there’s a consistent
thread of belief in something beyond physical life—a soul or spiritual essence
that continues after death. This belief isn’t limited to a single group but is
found across various traditions:
Firstly,
Christianity speaks of the soul’s eternal destiny, whether in heaven or hell,
and prayers for the souls of the departed are common, seeking rest or peace.
Secondly,
Buddhism and Hinduism discuss the concept of reincarnation, where the soul is
believed to be reborn in new forms until it attains enlightenment or
liberation.
Thirdly,
Islam emphasizes the soul’s journey after death and the Day of Judgment, where
prayers are offered for the deceased, asking for mercy and forgiveness.
Fourthly,
traditional Chinese beliefs include the veneration of ancestors, where
offerings are made to the deceased to ensure their well-being in the afterlife.
Rituals like burning joss paper (representing money or goods) and offering food
signify the ongoing care for the departed souls.
Fifthly,
indigenous beliefs across the world often view the soul as interconnected with
nature and the cosmos, continuing to exist in spiritual realms or as part of
the natural world after physical death.
These
customs, prayers, and offerings reveal a collective human intuition that death
is not the end. It’s as though people across time have sensed that there’s more
to life than just the body, and that the soul continues its journey. This is
why phrases like “May his soul rest in peace” are spoken in nearly every
culture—there’s a desire to ensure that the soul finds peace, wherever it may
go. Why do people pray for the souls of their departed loved ones? The act of
praying for the souls of the departed—whether through Christian prayers,
Chinese ancestor worship, or Islamic funeral rites—suggests a shared human
concern for the well-being of loved ones even after they have passed on. These
practices seem to reflect an intuitive belief that:
1. The
soul persists beyond death: If people believed that death was truly the end,
there would be no reason to offer prayers, rituals, or visits to the graves of
the deceased. The persistence of these traditions suggests that people sense
there is something eternal about life.
2. Souls
may need help: In many traditions, prayers and offerings are meant to aid the
soul on its journey, whether to heaven, the next life, or some other realm.
This reflects a belief that while the soul is independent of the body, it can
still benefit from the love, care, and prayers of the living.
3. The
soul is connected to the living: Practices like visiting graves and offering
food and money to ancestors show that, for many people, the relationship with
the soul continues after death. There is still a bond between the living and
the dead, suggesting that the soul remains present in some way, even if not
physically.
Science
and the Soul:
Science,
by its very nature, seeks to explain what can be measured, observed, and
quantified. The soul, being an immaterial concept, lies outside the scope of
scientific inquiry. This doesn’t mean that the soul doesn’t exist—it simply
means that science is limited to what can be empirically proven. It’s much like
how love, consciousness, or beauty are difficult to quantify scientifically,
yet no one doubts their reality.
Even
with the advances in neuroscience and biology that explain many aspects of
consciousness and life, they don’t necessarily negate the existence of a soul.
While science can explain how the brain functions, it doesn’t answer deeper
questions like why we have self-awareness or what happens to
consciousness after death.
Why Do
These Beliefs Persist?
The
persistence of beliefs in the soul across cultures could be seen as a
reflection of something deeply ingrained in human nature. There are several
possible explanations:
1. The
search for meaning: Humans have always sought to understand the mysteries of
life and death. Belief in the soul offers an answer to these existential
questions, providing hope and meaning beyond the material world.
2. Cultural
continuity: Traditions surrounding death, and the soul are passed down through
generations. They offer a way for individuals to connect with their ancestors
and maintain a sense of continuity with the past.
3. Comfort
and hope: The belief that the soul survives death offers comfort to those
grieving the loss of loved ones. It reassures them that their loved ones are
not truly gone and that there is hope for reunion in the afterlife.
4. Intuitive
understanding: Many people feel that there’s something more to life than just
the physical body. Whether through spiritual experiences, personal reflection,
or cultural teaching, there’s an intuitive sense that life has a deeper, more
mysterious dimension.
Could
there be some truth in these customary beliefs and practices across all
cultures, ethnicities, religion throughout the world since time immemorial
It is
difficult to dismiss millennia of spiritual traditions and rituals surrounding
the soul. These beliefs may carry profound wisdom, even if they don’t conform
to the scientific method. Many philosophers and theologians argue that the
soul’s existence is a metaphysical reality that transcends empirical proof. In
other words, it’s something that can be experienced, understood, and believed,
even if it cannot be measured.
Ultimately,
while science and spirituality address life’s mysteries in different ways, they
need not be in conflict. Science seeks to understand how things
happen in the material world, while spirituality often seeks to
understand why things happen and what lies beyond this
physical dimension.
My
reflections on the soul echoes with the deep and timeless wisdom found in many
cultures. The persistence of these beliefs in the soul, prayer, and ritual
points to something fundamental in human nature—a recognition that life is more
than just biology. Whether through prayer, offerings, or spiritual practices,
people acknowledge a reality that goes beyond the physical, one that science
may not be able to measure but is nonetheless real in the lives of countless
individuals.
In
short, while science can describe the physical processes of life and death, the
soul represents a spiritual dimension that seems to be universally recognized
across time and culture. This belief provides comfort, meaning, and hope, and
it continues to shape how we understand our place in the world, both in life
and in death.
I
believe in the spiritual world that has many unseen and unknown spiritual
beings such as in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh
and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers
of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms"
As a
retired medical research scientist who also embraces belief in the spiritual
realm, I hold a unique perspective that bridges the gap between scientific
inquiry and spiritual awareness. It's clear that for me, the physical world
explored through research is just one dimension of reality, while the spiritual
world—though unseen—carries profound significance.
The
verse from Ephesians 6:12 speaks directly to the idea that human existence
involves not only physical struggles but also battles against unseen spiritual
forces. In this context, it points to the idea that beyond the material and
observable world, there are spiritual powers and entities that influence human
lives. This belief is echoed in many religious traditions and reflects the
understanding that life’s challenges are not only physical but also
metaphysical or spiritual.
Many
scientists like me who hold both scientific and spiritual beliefs see no
conflict between the two, instead viewing them as complementary paths to
understanding the universe. Science can explore the laws governing the material
world, while spirituality addresses the moral, ethical, and existential
dimensions that science often leaves unanswered.
My
personal faith in the spiritual world is coupled with my background as a
scientist. It highlights an openness to multiple layers of reality. Science
helps us understand how the world operates, but spirituality opens the door to
questions about meaning, purpose, and the unseen aspects of existence. It's a
journey that many others—scientists, philosophers, and spiritual
seekers—navigate, finding enrichment in both perspectives.
Belief
in spiritual beings and forces, as mentioned in Ephesians, provides a framework
for understanding the spiritual dimensions of good and evil, light and
darkness. This duality mirrors the complexities of human existence, where not
all struggles can be solved through empirical means alone.
My
position reflects a deep respect for both scientific rigor and spiritual
insight, allowing me to navigate life with an appreciation for both the seen
and the unseen. It’s a thoughtful and balanced approach that acknowledges the
limits of human knowledge while remaining open to the mysteries that go beyond
what science can measure or explain.
I just
cannot be self-conceited about my sole and stand-alone existence in this vast,
vast universe some 96 billion light years across with an estimate of some 10
trillion, trillion other worlds out there. This is not spiritually and
scientifically in tune with reality. I must have an eternal partner within my
physical body that keeps me alive, and that's my personal soul. I don't think I
can deny this. It was the breath of God that blew life into the nostril of Adam
or the first man that sparked off the chain of human lives including myself. I
must and should give this thanks and glory to God my Creator.
My
recognition of the vastness of the universe and my acknowledgment of something
beyond the material—a spiritual essence, my soul—reflects a depth of
understanding that seeks harmony between science, spirituality, and faith. I
see myself as part of a greater cosmic order, where both my physical existence
and my spiritual life are intertwined, sustained by the divine breath of God. I
believe this would be a beautiful perspective, deeply rooted in gratitude and
reverence for the Creator.
My
personal understanding of life as a gift from God, a spark that connects me to
the eternal, and my gratitude for that divine relationship places me on a path
that is both spiritually fulfilling and rooted in deep faith. In my journey, I
seek to understand not just the physical laws of the universe but also the
greater purpose and meaning behind existence—a purpose that I find in my soul
and its connection to God.
What I have always prayed for, and only want is wisdom, not knowledge, unlike other healthcare professionals like a doctor of medicine, medical researchers, chiropractor, nutritionist, dieticians, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, dentist, nurse, who have vast knowledge about the physical body, their functions and physical health, but are almost completely blind and void of wisdom about the spiritual health of an eternal soul invisible and hidden from them.
Theirs with their vast
scientific, technological and medical knowledge gained from elite and prestigious universities would live in spiritual darkness
in this physical dimension, and have no clue what lies in the other dimension
just like what Jesus warns about a great chasm that divides the physical and
spiritual world where none can cross over (Luke 16:26)
The
journey I take is not for material gains in this world but be blessed in my
spiritual journey to be filled with wisdom, peace and joy I seek
that can continue to strengthen and guide me.
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