[_ Old Earth _] Evolution of the Soul

[Deep Thought]

This topic was touched on in one of the previous threads, but I think it is worth exploring further.

I'm interested in views from Theistic evolutionists (Barbarian, CC etc) as to how they reconcile their faith with the evolution of the soul. By that, I mean that in order to accept evolution *and* believe in God, then you have to accept that at some point in the evolutionary development of humans, God decided to give them a soul.

At what evolutionary point did God make this decision and why did God wait billions of years for any of his creations to have a soul?

Once humans had a soul, how could they go to heaven or hell if they didn't know about these concepts?

 

[Barbarian]

I'm interested in views from Theistic evolutionists (Barbarian, CC etc) as to how they reconcile their faith with the evolution of the soul.

There is no evolution of the soul. It is a gift from God.

By that, I mean that in order to accept evolution *and* believe in God, then you have to accept that at some point in the evolutionary development of humans, God decided to give them a soul.

Well, I don't "believe in" evolution. I accept that it's true, based on the evidence. If evidence showing it wasn't true came to light, I'd cease to accept it. But yes, at the point that our ancestors became potentially able to have fellowship with God, God conferred a soul on a man and a woman.

At what evolutionary point did God make this decision and why did God wait billions of years for any of his creations to have a soul?

Time doesn't mean much to God, Who is outside of time. And it's really impossible to say. The difference between us and God is incomparable to the difference between us an H. habilis. If we had never progressed beyond H. erectus or whoever, would that matter to God?

I don't think so.



Once humans had a soul, how could they go to heaven or hell if they didn't know about these concepts?

 

[Deep Thought]

I guess that's probably as good a theological answer that can be given, although certainly far from satisfying.

What about the other point I raised about heaven/hell and sin? Did all human like ancestors before "Adam" and "Eve" go to heaven/hell, or did they just cease to exist when they died as they had no soul?

Funnily enough, there is no conflict on these matters for atheists and creationists.

 

[Barbarian]

The problem, of course, is that science can't settle such questions. Personally, I don't see that it matters much.

But at some point, two humans became something more than mere animals.

 

[Deep Thought]

Let's forget the scientific part and discuss the theological part. I think this topic is immensely important for Christians.

 

[Barbarian]

It isn't much concern to me, and I'm about as orthodox a Christian as you can find. It would be interesting to know, but it wouldn't change anything for me.

 

[Deep Thought]

Why does it not concern you? You are obviously a very intelligent person and big questions like this should be of a concern to you as it challenges your Christian views in much the same way as evolution challenges Creationist views.

 

[Barbarian]

If God picked a pair of H. erectus or H. antecessor, instead of H. sapiens, what significance would it have for my faith?

None at all. Remember, I'm not a YE creationist, so any way that He chose to do it, is fine with me.

I'm intensely curious about that, but since there's no way I can see to investigate the issue, I'll just have to wait for now.