Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Do we have a soul?
Position‹3 of 3

Religious ideas have discussed the soul for centuries

This position approaches the soul through religion, humanity's long tradition of explaining our inner essence. It surveys how the major faiths conceive of it — from the divine connection of Christianity and Islam to Buddhism's impermanent self and the immortal, reincarnating soul of Hinduism.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. Hinduism and Jainism describe the soul as an immortal, reincarnating energy
    Hinduism and Jainism both conceptualize the soul as an immortal energy making up the essence of all beings, which is separate from the body and reincarnates into new bodies when the previous die.
  2. Buddhists believe in a impermanent soul
    Buddhist teachings include a concept of "anatta," translated as "no-self" or "no-soul." However, upon further understanding we realize that Buddhism supports an ever-changing essence of a person.
  3. Judaism holds mixed messages on the soul
    One of humanity's oldest religions has changed its perception of the soul over time.
  4. Christianity and Islam view the soul as a divine connection
    Two of the world's most popular religions view the soul as eternal and divine.