Do souls exist? Is there life after death?!
Answers:
Souls do not exist (i.e. consciousness does not transcend death). Therefore, concepts of life after death (reincarnation, heaven and hell, etc.) are null.
Of course, people will delude themselves into believing they are something more (i.e. spiritual beings), but all the wishful thinking in the world won't change the fact that death is the end.
The only way we will continue on after death is through the memories we leave our family and friends, and the things we've done to help make the world a better place.
You must know the answer to this if you are asking. If you have never experienced anything from the twilight zone, you must be still on the turnip truck, I can say yes to the soul part and yes to life after death, only it won't be life on earth as you know it. We are all going someplace, weather you believe it or not. There is a God in heaven, and a Satan on earth, and he has got your attention. I have seen some stuff that would curl your hair and make a grown man cry. You don't have to believe me, but it's true. If you wish to summon the devil, play his music. If you are not living for God, you are dieing.
I have a Universalist view on religion, but I just got finished reading a book called, "The Shack". It's a "true" story. Just depends on what you'll accept as truth. I'd say more about it, but it's really the kind of book you need to read without knowing much about the plot prior to it. Maybe you'll get some answers there.
As for souls, yes. Life after death? I believe so. But I try not to focus too much on "who's right" as far as what that after life will or will not be. I just believe there is something more.
Vegan
Dion J, there is nothing special about near death experiences.
1. Near death experiences are the result of a brain shutting down due to lack of oxygen.
2. We know how to induce one artificially using ketamine.
3. People mostly see what they expect to see – hence people of different religions have different experiences.
4. A few people, though, have made quite a bit of money from NDE claims.
5. An in-depth article: http://skepdic.com/nde.html
Edit: Dion J, I see you're completely ignorant of the scientific explanation of NDEs. Shame.
Science
Our memories, personality, habits, opinions, beliefs, emotions (everything that defines who we are) are stored in and a function of the physical brain.
So, when our brain dies, everything that defines who we are dies too.
There is no life after death.
Wow I've thought of that question forever, actually, just last week I'd figure love it while it last! You never know what the freak is going to happen in this crazy world >.<
i personally believe that there is but you might want to try the religion and spirituality section. this is vegetarian and vegan.
No way of knowing or verifying until each individual dies and none have come back to confirm.
This whole world and Universe is so darn complex, it easier to Believe there is something else than not.
Both of those prospects are highly unlikely.
Vegan Atheist.
when you die the soul leaves and all that is left is a shell, the soul lives forever
There is no such thing as a soul. Isn't it weird to use yahoo answers to answer spiritual questions like this?
Haven't a clue, one way or another. Actually, I'm not all that sure what a soul is.
I believe there is life after death.
excuse me why was it was asked here?
i'm with Barbie here.
i agree with ga n no chance
None of these people answering your question knows for certain whether or not there is life after death, because they are still alive.
You might try researching NDE (near death experience). Many scientists are skeptical, but they are pretty fascinating and thought-provoking nonetheless.
* Nathan Scott-
#1 Isn't even a theory, it is an incorrect guess. NDE's often occur when there is no lack of oxygen.
#2 Ketamine induces a MUCH different experience
#3 Not true- NDE's rarely involve religious figures
#4 Irrelevant either way
#5 Not exactly a neutral "source", is it?