<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter Snyder Q1: Is the soul the same as the spirit? A1: These words are not synonyms, although their meanings often overlap in the pages of Scripture. Neither is easy to fully pin down, but we can examine them in some detail. Most translations of the Bible end up using three different English words for the Hebrew *ruach* and the Greek *pneuma*. Depending on context, you might find breath, wind, or spirit in the English text. When you realize this, it is easier to appreciate the interplay of actions in both the Old and New Testaments. For example, when God "breathed" into Adam, you could also say God "spirited" the clay, making him a "living soul." A parallel to this is Jesus, who "breathed" on his disciples as he gave them the Holy "Spirit." Again at Pentecost, the sound of the rushing "wind" gave announcement to people that this was a manifesting of the "Spirit." Spirit can mean life itself, especially since breath is essential to life. We see this in the death of Jesus. Matthew 27:50 says, "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit." Mark 15:37 says that Jesus "uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last." The same root word is used for breath and spirit, and both let us know that he gave up his life. Other parts of Scripture, especially the Epistles, deal with spirit as a person's desires which are in tune with the divine will. This happens especially when spirit and flesh are contrasted. Note, however, that flesh and blood beings are not condemned, but "flesh" stands for all base desires, all the wickedness that clings by birth to individuals. In contrast, "spirit" stands for the ongoing changes worked in the believer by the Word of God and his Holy Spirit. Spirit can also mean that which does not have physical being, such as angels, demons, or God himself. Soul likewise has a rather slippery definition. It relates to life or being alive. When God made Adam and breathed into him, Adam became a "living soul." We aren't told that he received a soul, but that he was one. The same happens in New Testament readings, when people are converted and souls are brought into the Church. These folks don't leave their physical bodies behind. They bring their flesh and blood, their offerings, and all else to their houses of worship. There are times when soul takes on a more narrow meaning. Once a person is alive, some part of that person persists even after physical death. In our Western way of thinking, this is the "soul" we usually think about. The Bible is quite vague as to exactly what this soul is, or what it does in the interim between death and resurrection. Perhaps the transition seems instantaneous, since eternity is not bound by time. Whatever the case, we know that the souls of departed believers are kept safe until the resurrection of all flesh, when the believers will be raised to live forever with Jesus - body, mind, and soul together. Q2: I was wondering if you could tell me if emotions are part of my soul or merely a manifestation of my flesh? A2: Your question is answered in part by our first topic. Emotions are an integral part of human life and do not easily separate out. They may be sparked by thoughts, beliefs, or physical condition, and they can likewise influence thoughts, beliefs, and physical condition. The safest thing to say is that emotions are expressions of ourselves, of our living beings, and let it stand right there. I would not, under any circumstances, want to say that they are "merely a manifestation" of our flesh, since there is nothing mere about human flesh. It is created by God and it became the chosen apparel of our Savior. By lowering himself to our level, he has lifted our flesh out of the ashes, dust, and mud and guaranteed it a heavenly dwelling through his death and resurrection. Until next week, when we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1996 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.