Psycholigion is a term I made up. It is what you get when you try to combine the truths of Psychology with Religion. The biggest issue that I see for psycholigion is the question of the spirit (or soul)... is there even such a thing?
First off, let's discuss what a soul or spirit is. In Christian theology, sometimes spirit and soul is synonymous (sometimes not.. they are defined as two totally separate things). For the purposes of this discussion, I'll use a standard definition in theology in which the human is said to be made up of two parts: a material and immaterial part. The material part is the physical body, and it is temporary. The immaterial part is the soul, and it is eternal. A living person has both a body and a soul. When a person dies, the two are temporarily separated. The body returns to dust, and the soul lives on. At the future event of resurrection, a new body (incorruptible and indestructible) will be fashioned and once again joined to the soul.
There are some, such as Atheists, that believe there is no supernatural at all. In reference to the soul or spirit, they would say "there is no ghost in the machine." Any appearance of soul or spirit is just an illusion... there's really nothing more going on than chemical reactions in the brain.
As far as I know, there is no scientific evidence that can help resolve this difference of opinion between the believer and nonbeliever. Since the soul is defined as supernatural and immaterial, there would be no way to measure it or observe it with scientific devices, which only measure material and natural forces and objects.
As a Christian, I believe in the soul and spirit. I have felt, and continue to feel, the power and direction of God. I know what it was like to not know God, then "have my eyes opened" and have the born-again experience. However, I'm open to all truths, and if scientists think they can explain these things in a naturalistic way, I'm open to learn. I don't think it is possible, but I am always open to wherever the truth leads.
For more on sciligion and related topics, click here.
Unless one has been Born again themselves through sincere faith in Jesus one cannot understand how the holy spirit, is beyond the bio energy field, mental process and emotional plane. Its the greatest mystery and greatest treasure to find in this world. Its no wonder its so dificult for others to appreciate something so intangible yet so tangible at the same time when one aquires it through faith.
Will
Posted by: Will | September 19, 2007 at 03:16 AM
I think it would be very depressing if we were just a body, and we were destined to not exist after this life. Therefore I refuse to believe there is no soul or spirit.
One of the most common topics for logical inferences is the soul, and it's littered throughout historical philosophy. Psychology is more catered towards the study of human behavior and thought. Perhaps you should call this Philigion or Philosigion?
Posted by: Ray Dehler | September 18, 2007 at 09:40 AM