What Is a Soul? Exploring the Essence of Who We Are
Summary:
In this episode, we take a thoughtful journey into understanding the soul—the core of who we are as human beings. The soul is often mentioned in Scripture, sermons, and conversations, but what does it truly mean? We explore biblical definitions, theological views, and practical applications to answer the timeless question: what is a soul, and why does it matter?
Top Topics Covered:
Defining the Soul Biblically
We start by unpacking the Hebrew and Greek words used in Scripture (nephesh and psyche), examining how the Bible speaks of the soul not just as an ethereal ghost, but as the full, living being.
The Soul and the Body: One or Two?
We explore theological views—dualism, tripartite, and unified perspectives—on how the soul relates to the body and the spirit, and why that matters in Christian life.
The Functioning Soul
Borrowing from the work of Dallas Willard, we explore how the soul is formed by spirit, will, mind, emotions, and body—all interconnected layers that shape who we are.
Life After Death
We talk about the eternal nature of the soul and the Christian belief in bodily resurrection, giving comfort and clarity to the idea that we don’t become ghost-like after death—we remain ourselves.
Caring for the Soul
From prayer and repentance to discipline and grace, we explore spiritual practices that nourish the soul, paralleling how we care for our physical health.
Key Takeaways:
The soul is not just a theological idea; it’s the blueprint of our being. When we understand the soul, we can better understand ourselves and our purpose. By caring for our soul as seriously as we care for our body, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will and find greater peace and direction. Whether you’re curious about what happens after death or how to grow spiritually, this episode offers clarity and inspiration for the journey.
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