Stephen Kaufman, M.D., Christian Vegetarian Association (CVA)
What Is a Soul?
Since many people believe that human are superior to nonhumans because
only humans have a souls, I think it is worthwhile to consider several
questions: What is a soul? Is having a soul relevant to one’s moral
standing? Does the Bible offer any insight on the nature of souls and their
moral relevance?
Many people regard the soul as related to the sense of unique identity that
each of us has. We have a stable sense of personhood throughout our lives,
even as our bodies change dramatically over time. Some relate subjective
experiences – including sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch – as well as
consciousness to the soul. An important question is whether the soul can or
should be considered as an entity distinct from the body.
Consciousness and subjective experience certainly relate to the body. Head
injury can impair consciousness, and the neurological system is a
prerequisite for subjective experience. Materialists hold that consciousness
and subjective experience are simply manifestations of matter organized in
certain ways. However, I have never come across a satisfactory explanation
for how atoms and molecules, which have no consciousness or subjective
experience, might somehow generate consciousness and subjectivity.
I haven’t offered much insight into today’s question: What is a soul? If we
can’t define what a soul is, it isn’t a very helpful concept. As I wade into
the murky waters of the nature and relevance of the soul, next essay I will
consider whether having or not having a soul is morally relevant.
I welcome feedback on these or any other essays. I have put many comments in
this weekly CVA e-newsletter, with the writer’s permission, of course.
Go on to: Is Having a Soul Morally Relevant?
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Reflection on the Lectionary, Table of Contents