DEFINITION OF SOUL

What is The Soul ?

The definition of soul varies according to the cultural framework and the philosophical perspective of whoever refers to the term, which originates in the Latin anima. Soul or spirit are often used as synonyms to name the non-material and invisible entity possessed by living beings.

Soul etymology points to the principle by which men and animals can move on their own. Over time, however, the soul became associated with religiosity and mysticism.

The soul would be the essence of people, that which forges their identity. It is a gift from God that makes each individual unique. In the case of animals, there are those who believe that it has a soul and others who believe that it is the exclusive property of human beings.

However, we must bear in mind that the word animal also comes from the Latin anima. Pope John Paul II stated that animals have souls and that human beings should be in solidarity with them.

It is precisely the essence of the human being that becomes the absolute protagonist of one of the films of recent years that has managed to reach the hearts of viewers around the world. We are referring to the American production entitled “Seven Souls”.

The well-known actor Will Smith leads the cast of the film that brings us closer to the life of a man who decides to help seven people, seven strangers, who for certain circumstances are going through a very hard time in their lives, whether due to illness or other circumstances.

Within the cinematographic field, it is important to point out that many of his films have also revolved around a theme halfway between religion and legend: selling the soul to the Devil. An action with which it is considered that someone, in exchange for power or privileges (immortality, wealth, eternal youth …), makes a pact with that demonic being offering in exchange for those his soul.

Thus, for example, one of the films that deals with this question is “Pact with the Devil”. In 1997 was when it was released, starring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino, which tells the story of a young lawyer who is capable of anything, even not caring for his sick wife, in order to get the power, success and professional prestige he wants.

However, cinema has only reflected a belief that was even the subject of investigation by the Holy Inquisition, which went so far as to condemn many of its victims for considering that they had made that agreement with the Devil.

Catholicism points out that the soul is immortal, unlike the body. After death, man comes to God thanks to his soul, which has no pre-body existence or material origin. For this religion, the soul constitutes the vital principle of human beings, which is one in body and soul.

For Buddhism, on the other hand, there is nothing permanent. Everything flows and is in constant change, therefore, there is no eternal soul proper to each individual.

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