The Soul

Oversimplified

Summary

Origins

• not fully known
• Only rejected view is from Origen
  • his idea:
    • Came from Plato
    • Souls come from a higher world
  • Condemned at fifth ecumenical council
• Created from the parents souls?
• Catholics have a dogmatic view that is linked to the immaculate conception.
• Soul was created and then given to body by God after 40 days?
• Soul and body created at the same time?

Immortality of Souls

They are immortal, an immortality dependent on God.

Old Testament

Some traditions of Second-Temple Judaism held that souls were not immortal in themselves.

Understanding of the souls immortality and one’s faith in God are linked.

• the more certain of tomorrow you are, the more inclined you are to confront it

The Soul and The Spirit

The spirit is to the soul, the way the brain is to the body. Is represents the souls highest faculty. The spirit of the soul is also known as the nous.[^1] The grace of God dwells in the nous of the soul.

Sources

[^1]: Michael Pomazansky, Orthodox Dogmatic Theology.