Soul

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Soul is a term used in various religious, philosophical, and mythological traditions to describe the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal. It is often considered to be immortal and to exist before birth and after death.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word "soul" comes from the Old English sáwol, which means "spiritual and emotional part of a person, animate existence; life, living being".

Religious views[edit | edit source]

Different religions have different beliefs about the nature of the soul.

Christianity[edit | edit source]

In Christianity, the soul is considered to be a divine spark within humans, created by God. It is believed to be immortal and to be judged after death, with its fate depending on the person's actions during life.

Hinduism[edit | edit source]

In Hinduism, the soul, or atman, is considered to be eternal and unchanging. It is believed to be reincarnated in different bodies over multiple lifetimes.

Buddhism[edit | edit source]

Buddhism does not believe in a permanent soul. Instead, it teaches the concept of anatta, or not-self, which is the idea that the self is not a single, unchanging entity, but a collection of changing phenomena.

Philosophical views[edit | edit source]

Philosophers have also debated the nature of the soul. Plato believed in the immortality of the soul, while Aristotle considered the soul to be the form of the body, and not a separate entity.

See also[edit | edit source]

Soul Resources
Wikipedia
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD