Is the Soul Real? A Neurosurgeon Makes the Case [Sean McDowell Show]

[Alfred Persson]

Again, your reasonsing is unbiblical, it contradicts the definition of soul in Gen. 2:7. There was no such separation upon Jesus's death - or Stephen's.

What?

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. (Matt. 27:50 NKJ)

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:59 NKJ)

Professor Gustav Oehler proved your interpretation of Genesis 2:7 does not spring from all the details scripture gives on the subject of body and soul.

Christ's words clearly imply soul and body are distinct, separate. Christ is our Teacher, a Christian's final authority for truth.

For One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. (Matt. 23:8 NKJ)

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

Prove "both lumped together" can refer to "one thing" because "there's only ONE destruction".

Rev. 20:14. When body's "killed", it's referred to in the bible as "sleep", that's because the body will be resurrected. Jesus was prophesing Rev. 20:14.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

Christ's words clearly imply soul and body are distinct, separate. Christ is our Teacher, a Christian's final authority for truth.

There's no truth in your squabbling as long as you use "soul" and spirit interchangeably. Christ's words clearly show SPIRIT and body are distinct, separate.

 

[Free]

Your "basic reasoning" is not biblical.

But, it is logical based on using my God-given reasoning to understand what that verse says. And, it says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul.

Gen. 2:7 and Rev. 11:11 show that the soul is not a separate entity distinct from the body, but what the body BECOMES of when God breathes life into it;

I don't know what you think Rev. 11:11 shows in relation to the subject, since soul isn't mentioned; you seem to be reading something into it.

Gen 2:7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (ESV)

There is really nothing in that verse to indicate that a soul is "body BECOMES of when God breathes life into it." There is nothing to show that the soul is not distinct from the body.

Dan. 12:2 also prophesizes that both believers and UNbelievers will be resurrected, therefore Matt. 10:28 doesn't say "who can destroy the soul in hell", but BOTH body and soul. This is a reference of the second death where not only the body, but the soul is killed as well.

Okay. What does this have to do with anything?

All my interpretation and understanding are firmly rooted in the bible itself,

Maybe, if you completely ignore Matt. 10:28. But, maybe your understanding of the other passages you have given isn't correct.

yours and Alfred's, however, are rooted in gnosticism, that the body is a "prison for the soul".

Not at all. Please don't misrepresent what others believe.

 

[Free]

There's no truth in your squabbling as long as you use "soul" and spirit interchangeably.

The irony in that your next statement uses "spirit" interchangeably with "soul."

Christ's words clearly show SPIRIT and body are distinct, separate.

No, Jesus didn't use pneuma, which is "wind" or "spirit," he used psuchē, which is "breath" or "soul."

 

[Alfred Persson]

There's no truth in your squabbling as long as you use "soul" and spirit interchangeably. Christ's words clearly show SPIRIT and body are distinct, separate.

In the OT, "spirit" can refer to a "being", or "the animating life force" that "powers" a soul, or a body. It also refers to "breath, wind, air," "mind." Gustave Oehler exposited how Genesis 2:7 indicates "the substance of the soul is spirit." They are distinct as 1 Thessalonians "whole spirit, soul, body be preserved" proves, but as soul can also stand for the person himself, they can be interchanged:

to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Heb. 12:23 NKJ)

let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (Jas. 5:20 NKJ)

We don't save "a body from death," we save "a soul", who becomes a "spirit of a just man made perfect" in the assembly of God.

It seems to me, someone you trust taught you it was "gnostic" to believe in an immaterial soul. And you believed him so much, nothing in scripture proving him wrong will sway you.

Apart from having an "authority" above the Bible for doctrine, its a mistake to believe that person, they were wrong about gnostic beliefs. Gnosticism believed the soul "divine" (Christians do not), they saw the body as a prison to be liberated from, Christians believe in resurrection.

Scripture uses soul for the person himself, without denying the soul is clothed with a body. The body enables the soul to do physical acts using its brain.

And evidently, neuroscience confirms the Bible view.

@@@

Gnostic beliefs about the soul and body differ significantly from the Christian dichotomy in several key ways:

1. **Nature of the Body**
- **Gnosticism**: Views the body as a corrupt or illusory prison for the soul, created by a flawed or malevolent deity (the Demiurge). The physical world is seen as an obstacle to true spiritual awakening.
- **Christianity**: Generally sees the body as good, created by God. While fallen due to sin, the body is meant to be redeemed, and resurrection affirms its value.

2. **Nature of the Soul**
- **Gnosticism**: The soul contains a divine spark trapped in the material world. Salvation comes through secret knowledge (**gnosis**) that awakens the soul to its true nature.
- **Christianity**: The soul is intrinsically united with the body and its destiny is tied to God's grace, not hidden wisdom. Salvation comes through faith and divine grace, not esoteric knowledge.

3. **Salvation and Liberation**
- **Gnosticism**: Emphasizes escape from the material world through spiritual enlightenment. Some sects reject bodily resurrection, focusing instead on the soul’s return to the divine realm.
- **Christianity**: Promises bodily resurrection, where the soul and body are restored together in eternal life. Salvation is communal, not individualistic.

4. **Role of Christ**
- **Gnosticism**: Some Gnostic sects portray Christ as a divine revealer, bringing knowledge of the soul’s true origins rather than being a savior through sacrifice.
- **Christianity**: Christ’s death and resurrection provide salvation by reconciling humanity with God, affirming the value of both body and soul.

5. **Good vs. Evil Dualism**
- **Gnosticism**: Often adopts a stark dualism, where spirit is good and matter is evil, leading to a rejection of the material world.
- **Christianity**: While recognizing spiritual warfare, Christianity affirms the goodness of creation, and sees redemption as restoring both body and soul.

Copilot

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

But, it is logical based on using my God-given reasoning to understand what that verse says.

It's not logical when the first entity BECOMES the second, and the second cannot exist independently without the first.

And, it says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul.

No it doesn't. It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul. Gaslighting doesn't suit you.

I don't know what you think Rev. 11:11 shows in relation to the subject, since soul isn't mentioned; you seem to be reading something into it.

"Soul" means living being. Do the two witnesses become living beings? Yes or no?

Gen 2:7 then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (ESV)

There is really nothing in that verse to indicate that a soul is "body BECOMES of when God breathes life into it." There is nothing to show that the soul is not distinct from the body.

That "living creature" is soul, nephesh in Hebrew, psyche in Greek. What's distinct from the body is spirit, not soul.

Okay. What does this have to do with anything?

What does your reply have to do with anything?

Maybe, if you completely ignore Matt. 10:28. But, maybe your understanding of the other passages you have given isn't correct.

I don't, Matt. 10:28 is a prophecy of Rev. 20:14. You rely on your "human reasoning", I rely on the interconnection of God's words.

Not at all. Please don't misrepresent what others believe.

As long as you preach a distinct soul, which is unbiblical, you're propagating gnosticism. A true Christian believes in the resurrection of the body, not eternality of the soul.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

The irony in that your next statement uses "spirit" interchangeably with "soul."

Again, please quit gaslighting, it doesn't suit you and it doesn't work on me.

No, Jesus didn't use pneuma, which is "wind" or "spirit," he used psuchē, which is "breath" or "soul."

Really? Which saying are you talking about? He did use the word pneuma, not psyche.

Luke 23:46 Greek Text Analysis

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

In the OT, "spirit" can refer to a "being", or "the animating life force" that "powers" a soul, or a body. It also refers to "breath, wind, air," "mind." Gustave Oehler exposited how Genesis 2:7 indicates "the substance of the soul is spirit." They are distinct as 1 Thessalonians "whole spirit, soul, body be preserved" proves, but as soul can also stand for the person himself, they can be interchanged:

No, they cannot be interchanged. Spirit as a substance can exist outside the body, soul is a status of LIVING BEING which cannot exist outside the body. Your proof text of Rev. 6:9 is false since in 6:11 white robes are handed out to the souls. If this is meant to be symbolic in a vision, then it doesn't illustrate anything on the nature of soul, whatever identified by John as "souls" must be symbolic figures; if it's NOT symbolic, though, but a prophetic vision scheduled to take place, then neither this white robe nor its recepient can be immaterial, since an immaterial ghost like being cannot "cry out" or put on this white robe, let alone holding palm branches and praising God in the next chapter.

It seems to me, someone you trust taught you it was "gnostic" to believe in an immaterial soul. And you believed him so much, nothing in scripture proving him wrong will sway you.

Apart from having an "authority" above the Bible for doctrine, its a mistake to believe that person, they were wrong about gnostic beliefs. Gnosticism believed the soul "divine" (Christians do not), they saw the body as a prison to be liberated from, Christians believe in resurrection.

Yes, Christians believe in resurrection, and the mechanism of that resurrection is the same as the animation of the first man in Gen. 2:7 - spirit being breathed into the body. That's the opposite of spirit being "liberated" from the body. I'm not taught by "someone", but by 2 Cor. 5:1-5 where it states that we yearn for a MATERIAL "shell", we don't wanna be naked immaterial ghosts, and we're promised with a glorious, eternal material "shell" in the resurrection. If that makes me a materialist, so be it.

Scripture uses soul for the person himself, without denying the soul is clothed with a body. The body enables the soul to do physical acts using its brain.

No, it's the spirit clothed with a body, the body enables the SPIRIT, and that living status IS soul.

 

[Free]

It's not logical when the first entity BECOMES the second, and the second cannot exist independently without the first.

You're reading into the text rather than letting the text state what it does.

No it doesn't. It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul.

This is what I stated: "And, it says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul."

Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (ESV)

So, you lied by saying "No it doesn't," because it clearly does.

Gaslighting doesn't suit you.

Is there a reason you continually resort to personal attacks? If you can't debate respectfully, perhaps you shouldn't be debating. And, you should learn what "gaslighting" means before attempting to say someone is doing it, especially when you're the one who's doing it.

"Soul" means living being.

Does it?

Hebrew:
nephesh
BDB Definition:
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
1g1) dubious
1h) activity of the will
1h1) dubious
1i) activity of the character
1i1) dubious

Greek:
psuchē
Thayer Definition:
1) breath
1a) the breath of life
1a1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
1a1a) of animals
1a1b) of men
1b) life
1c) that in which there is life
1c1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
2a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
2b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
2c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)

Seems to have a number of nuanced meanings.

Do the two witnesses become living beings? Yes or no?

Of course they do.

That "living creature" is soul, nephesh in Hebrew, psyche in Greek. What's distinct from the body is spirit, not soul.

Yet, Jesus clearly thinks the soul and body are distinct.

I don't, Matt. 10:28 is a prophecy of Rev. 20:14. You rely on your "human reasoning",

My point was clearly that you're ignoring the clear implications of what Jesus said in Matt. 10:28.

As long as you preach a distinct soul, which is unbiblical, you're propagating gnosticism.

This is fallaciously begging the question.

A true Christian believes in the resurrection of the body, not eternality of the soul.

This is also begging the question. The two are not mutually exclusive; Christians believe both.

 

[Free]

Again, please quit gaslighting, it doesn't suit you and it doesn't work on me.

Didn't gaslight, again.

Really? Which saying are you talking about? He did use the word pneuma, not psyche.

Luke 23:46 Greek Text Analysis

It was an honest mistake; I didn't check the context. I thought you were both still talking about Matt. 10:28, where Jesus used psuchē.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

You're reading into the text rather than letting the text state what it does.

I read nothing into the text, you do. In neither Gen. 2:7 nor 1 Cor. 15:45 is the soul a pre-existing, separate entity before the spirit breathed in.

This is what I stated: "And, it says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul."

Body and soul are not distinct, a living being doesn't exist without a being first.

Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (ESV)

So, you lied by saying "No it doesn't," because it clearly does.

I stated: " It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul." Matt. 10:28 does NOT say "rather fear him who can destroy the soul in hell as well," it says both body and soul because there's a resurrection of the unbelivers as fulfillment of Dan. 12:2.

Is there a reason you continually resort to personal attacks? If you can't debate respectfully, perhaps you shouldn't be debating. And, you should learn what "gaslighting" means before attempting to say someone is doing it, especially when you're the one who's doing it.

Is there a reason other than cognitive disonance that you can't accept "living being" as the biblical defition of soul? I cling to Solomon's teaching, "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." You're the one who put your own human reasoning before God's word, I called you out, and now you're accusing me of personal attack and gaslighting?

Seems to have a number of nuanced meanings.

The only meaning in the context of Gen. 2:7 is "living being" or "living creature", as opposed to an inanimate, dormant entity.

Of course they do.

Not according to you, since you dismissed Rev. 11:11 as irrelevant.

Yet, Jesus clearly thinks the soul and body are distinct.

No he doesn't. Show me where. Again, Matt. 10:28 does not state "rather fear him who can destroy the soul in hell as well."

My point was clearly that you're ignoring the clear implications of what Jesus said in Matt. 10:28.

"Clear implication" or what you made up under gnostic philosiphy? It is rather a clear PROPHECY alluding to Rev. 20:14, which you've ignoring.

This is fallaciously begging the question.

Have a taste of your own medical as long as you conflate soul with spirit.

This is also begging the question. The two are not mutually exclusive; Christians believe both.

No, only "resurrection of the body" is stated in the Apostle's Creed, and only "resurrection of the body" is explained in detail in 1 Cor. 15:35-58.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

Didn't gaslight, again.

It was an honest mistake; I didn't check the context. I thought you were both still talking about Matt. 10:28, where Jesus used psuchē.

Ultimately this depends on your belief and understanding of Rev. 20:14 and Dan. 12:2. If you continue to dismiss both as irrelevant, you keep pounding on Matt. 10:28 just to prove an unbiblical philosophy and feed your own ego, there's no point to further this debate.

We have a saying in education, that a good teacher simplifies complicated subjects, a bad teacher complicates simple subjects, an evil teacher not only complicates simple subjects, but mocks and attacks those who do simplify. You, sir, have been complicating the meaning of "soul" and a lot of other simple matters.

 

[Free]

I read nothing into the text, you do.

No, you're reading into the text.

In neither Gen. 2:7 nor 1 Cor. 15:45 is the soul a pre-existing, separate entity before the spirit breathed in.

What does that have anything to do with what I've said? Your continual use of assumptions is quite awful, actually.

Body and soul are not distinct, a living being doesn't exist without a being first.

Jesus said they were distinct.

I stated: " It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul." Matt. 10:28 does NOT say "rather fear him who can destroy the soul in hell as well," it says both body and soul because there's a resurrection of the unbelivers as fulfillment of Dan. 12:2.

This is seriously ridiculous. You're intent on misunderstanding me and Scripture, to the point of ignoring plain grammar, just so you can be "right." Every discussion with you becomes unhealthy due to your insistence on attacking those with whom you disagree. After his response, I'm out.

I first stated: "And, it [Matt. 10:28] says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul."

You replied: "No it doesn't. It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul."

I replied: 'Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (ESV)

So, you lied by saying "No it doesn't," because it clearly does.'

My point still stands--"you lied." Both "kill the body but cannot kill the soul" and "destroy both body and soul in hell," support the idea that the soul and body are distinct. That is if grammar is to actually mean anything. This is so basic, I don't understand how someone who seems to claim to be in "education" cannot understand. What do you say about a teacher who doesn't realize the subject is more complicated than they realize, has poor reasoning skills, can't seem to either comprehend or acknowledge basic grammar, and who attacks those who believe differently or tries to point out their errors?

 

[Alfred Persson]

No, they cannot be interchanged. Spirit as a substance can exist outside the body, soul is a status of LIVING BEING which cannot exist outside the body. Your proof text of Rev. 6:9 is false since in 6:11 white robes are handed out to the souls. If this is meant to be symbolic in a vision, then it doesn't illustrate anything on the nature of soul, whatever identified by John as "souls" must be symbolic figures; if it's NOT symbolic, though, but a prophetic vision scheduled to take place, then neither this white robe nor its recepient can be immaterial, since an immaterial ghost like being cannot "cry out" or put on this white robe, let alone holding palm branches and praising God in the next chapter.

Yes, Christians believe in resurrection, and the mechanism of that resurrection is the same as the animation of the first man in Gen. 2:7 - spirit being breathed into the body. That's the opposite of spirit being "liberated" from the body. I'm not taught by "someone", but by 2 Cor. 5:1-5 where it states that we yearn for a MATERIAL "shell", we don't wanna be naked immaterial ghosts, and we're promised with a glorious, eternal material "shell" in the resurrection. If that makes me a materialist, so be it.

No, it's the spirit clothed with a body, the body enables the SPIRIT, and that living status IS soul.

"They cannot be Interchanged", or can they?

46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Lk. 1:46-47 NKJ)

"The soul...cannot exist outside the body", or can it?

For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Acts 2:27 NKJ)

For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. (Ps. 86:13 NKJ)

21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him."
22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. (1 Ki. 17:21-22 NKJ)

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

No, you're reading into the text.

I'm not, you are.

What does that have anything to do with what I've said? Your continual use of assumptions is quite awful, actually.

Your continual gaslighting is what's really awful.

Jesus said they were distinct.

No he didn't, you're reading into the text.

This is seriously ridiculous. You're intent on misunderstanding me and Scripture, to the point of ignoring plain grammar, just so you can be "right." Every discussion with you becomes unhealthy due to your insistence on attacking those with whom you disagree. After his response, I'm out.

I first stated: "And, it [Matt. 10:28] says what it does--that the body and soul are distinct; that humans can kill the body but not the soul."

You replied: "No it doesn't. It says God can kill both body and soul, not just the soul."

I replied: 'Mat 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (ESV)

So, you lied by saying "No it doesn't," because it clearly does.'

My point still stands--"you lied." Both "kill the body but cannot kill the soul" and "destroy both body and soul in hell," support the idea that the soul and body are distinct. That is if grammar is to actually mean anything. This is so basic, I don't understand how someone who seems to claim to be in "education" cannot understand. What do you say about a teacher who doesn't realize the subject is more complicated than they realize, has poor reasoning skills, can't seem to either comprehend or acknowledge basic grammar, and who attacks those who believe differently or tries to point out their errors?

Show me how I lied by pointing out where God kills JUST the soul. If body and soul are distinct, then logically, after the body is killed, it should be the soul's turn, therefore it should state, "rather fear him who can destroy the soul in hell," right? Why does the body have to be killed again? Wasn't it already killed by man? Who's really lying without comprehension of what "distinct" means?

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

They cannot be Interchanged", or can they?

No they can't. Soul and spirit are not used interchangeably therein. "Spirit" has no lungs, tongue, mouth or vocal cord, it can't praise the Lord vocally, only a LIVING BEING can.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together. (Ps. 34:1-3)

"The soul...cannot exist outside the body", or can it?

All these are references of the resurrection, i.e. revival. The soul is a LIVING BEING, not a wandering ghost. You're searching for the living among the dead.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Acts 2:27 NKJ)

By the way, this has ironically proven that spirit and soul are NOT interchangeable, since it was Jesus's body that was buried in the grave with the potentiality of corruption, while his spirit was returned to the Father, Lk. 23:46.

 

[Alfred Persson]

By the way, this has ironically proven that spirit and soul are NOT interchangeable, since it was Jesus's body that was buried in the grave with the potentiality of corruption, while his spirit was returned to the Father, Lk. 23:46.

As God/Man, Jesus never ceased to be God in whom all things consist (Col. 1:17) even while a human being on earth (John 3:13 KJV).

Christ was put to death in the flesh and His Human Soul quickened by the Holy Spirit and while enveloped in Shekhina glory, went and preached to the spirits in prison:

18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
19 in which he also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, (1 Pet. 3:18-19 RPTE)

Then Christ rose in resurrection, His "soul" was not left in Sheol, His body did not see corruption.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced.Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;
27 because you will not leave my soul in hell,neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.
(Acts 2:26-27 RPTE)

Human souls become "shades" when they physically die, weak. Jesus' human soul was therefore infused with animating Spirit and enveloped in it, enabling His preaching to the spirits in prison.

9 Sheol beneath is stirred up to meet you when you come, it rouses the shades to greet you, all who were leaders of the earth; it raises from their thrones all who were kings of the nations.
10 All of them will speak and say to you: `You too have become as weak as we! You have become like us!' (Isa. 14:9-10 RSV)

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

As God/Man, Jesus never ceased to be God in whom all things consist (Col. 1:17) even while a human being on earth (John 3:13 KJV).

Christ was put to death in the flesh and His Human Soul quickened by the Holy Spirit and while enveloped in Shekhina glory, went and preached to the spirits in prison:

I've never suggested that He ceased to be God at any point. His body was crucified on the cross and later buried in the tomb, meanwhile his spirit was returned to God. He promised the thief beside him that they will be in paradise, not abotu two and half days later, but TODAY, on Passover. Therefore his body was in Sheol, his SPIRIT was in Paradise. If there's a "prison for spirits", it can't be in Sheol. Scripture doesn't contradict itself.

“Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:42-43)

Then Christ rose in resurrection, His "soul" was not left in Sheol, His body did not see corruption.

Nonetheless his body WAS there for the burial, and "soul" was not mentioned at all.

This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. (Lk. 23:52-53)

Human souls become "shades" when they physically die, weak. Jesus' human soul was therefore infused with animating Spirit and enveloped in it, enabling His preaching to the spirits in prison.

This is all pagan nonsense. "Soul" is a LIVING being, and Jesus has become a life-giving spirit. You're seeking the living among the dead.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! (Lk. 24:5-6)