The Human Soul

[M. T. Cross]

Now there was some surprise expressed in another thread about the fact that I, as a Pagan, believe in the human soul. I was surprised at the surprise as most the pagans I know believe in the soul in one way or another. What they believe is varied as most pagan beliefs are - being as there are so many different belief systems under that umbrella.

That said I am curious as to how each of you view the human soul. What is it? What is its purpose? Why do you believe what you do? Anything at all that you think about the topic.......

[Naomi]

Interestingly enough some Pagans believe in the duality of the soul. Some believe that man is comprised by mind, spirit, body and soul.

Simply put I believe my soul is my spiritual essence. We are told in our Bibles in Ecclesiastes 12:7 And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

[M. T. Cross]

Indeed Naomi! Some traditions believe in each person having multiple souls. Its actually very interesting.

The Gwyddon belief is much like what you believe. Our essence returns to the source. Its a weeee bit more in depth than that but thats the basis of it.

[Naomi]

In the Gwyddon belief do you combine soul and spirit? In other words some traditions believe, as I referenced, mind, body, spirit and soul. While others believe that man is comprised of mind, body and soul. I realize this is a rather fine point but one that I find of interest.

[M. T. Cross]

Yes we do and in a way no we don't.

In short - cause long would get really long - we are each a vessel of the Divine, the Unmanifest made Manifest, as are all things in existence. Everything being a part of the All. So your soul, your essence, becomes whoever, in my case James. I live this life, learn and experience the existence of James. When I die that vessel returns to the Divine and is essentially stripped of all it has learned and experienced. It slumbers. Now that vessel may once again become a material being. But it will never be James again.

So I guess you could look at the vessel as the soul, and the experiences and lessons learned as the spirit. I have never really thought of it that way before and I think I will bring it up to the group and we can argue about it for a couple of years

[BobRyan]

Now there was some surprise expressed in another thread about the fact that I, as a Pagan, believe in the human soul. I was surprised at the surprise as most the pagans I know believe in the soul in one way or another. What they believe is varied as most pagan beliefs are - being as there are so many different belief systems under that umbrella.

That said I am curious as to how each of you view the human soul. What is it? What is its purpose? Why do you believe what you do? Anything at all that you think about the topic.......

The Human soul is who you are in essence. God creates that soul -- individually for each person.

It goes back to God in a dormant state in death "soul sleep" and is awakened at the resurrection when united with a body. Stephen cries out to God "receive my spirit" at death.

Jesus said in Matt 10:28 that in this life man can kill the body but not the soul - however God destroys both body AND soul in fiery hell.

in Christ,

Bob

[Naomi]

I have never really thought of it that way before and I think I will bring it up to the group and we can argue about it for a couple of years

It should give your group something to discuss ... and in a couple of years I shall be interested in the conclusion.

I think you know where I am coming from on this topic.

I do know of one group who believes in dual souls/spirits...one is the same as the soul we believe in and the other is an outside soul/spirit. The outside one is for protection ... in many aspects like our guardian angels. Interesting parallels.

[M. T. Cross]

Oh you want a conclusion as well......... please promise me you will not hold your breath I would miss you!

I know of a few groups that do that as well, some druid organizations subscribe to it as well.

Honestly I am not sure what I think. I see the validity of each idea - but I am not one to accept something wholeheartedly unless I am totally convinced.

[Naomi]

Yes, Of course I want a conclusion ... LOL

Well, if I must promise,

Quote:

I will not hold my breath

.

Seriously, I would not want or expect you to accept anything until you are fully convinced. But, let's keep in touch concerning this issue. deal? :)

[M. T. Cross]

Absolutely! It is a fascinating subject. I hope more people jump in on it.

We have a saying - put 10 Gwyddons in a room you can count on 20 opinions

[M. T. Cross]

Yes, Of course I want a conclusion ... LOL

Well, if I must promise,

Quote:

I will not hold my breath

.

Seriously, I would not want or expect you to accept anything until you are fully convinced. But, let's keep in touch concerning this issue. deal?

Man that 2 years went fast

So yeah we agree'd that indeed in that view the spirit and the soul would be two different things. The body is the vessel for the soul which is the vessel for the spirit.

[Naomi]

LOL time is relevant