Alan,

In my view, the best starting point for an issue like this is the matter of whether we are really "a ghost within a machine."  This model is problematic because of the difficulty of explaining how the ghost is locked into the body machine.  For example, it seems absurd to attempt to feel your way to "the will" section of your brain. 

The alternative is to view the soul as a nonspatial energy system that treats the body as a transformer through which thought energy can manifest.  This view fits with the common perception that astral exploration is in reality an exploration of various levels of consciousness
that makes it illegitimate to think in terms of "leaving" the body to explore. This view also fits nicely with biblical claims that our earthly "tent" (= soul body) already exists in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1) and we "are already `seated' [or `established'] with Him [Christ] in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)."

Don

In an analogous manner, a thought is a non-spatial energy system superposed over whatever defnition we wish to use to describe a brain.

And if we wish to recognize that the actor projects the body from the perspective of unity with God, we get the "tent in heaven".

Works for me.

dave

Greetings,

Thank you for this thread.  It's very helpful !

Does it fit with what you all have said to see it as --

Spirit gives us vitality and may need to be refreshed with meditation or food, since it is linked more to the physical and so can tire;

Soul seeks more experience, regardless of the level of vitality Spirit and Body currently have.

?

Bets