The prison within which each of us lives.

furryfeaturesSat 01/01/11 12:37

I think that some people probably think that I'm somewhat mad but this fascinates me. Why is it that I am me and you are you? Why are we each confined to our bodies? Why can't I be you for a day and you me or someone else for that period? Is identity an illusion, a question that I know I've asked before?

I suppose that people who believe in God would say that it's God's will that each of us is an isolated entity. But what do other atheists and agnostics think on the subject? Do other people think about this subject and why they are confined to a single body each?

I suppose that the ultimate question is, to which any of us can only answer with speculation or belief: Is there anything other than the flesh and blood being to you, me and everyone else? Is there a non-corporeal being?

I think that I may be so fascinated because the logical answer is, "No", but there is always, for me, a feeling that there is something separate and identifiable from the body. My reasoning says that this is an evolutionary artefact and that it's not real. I wonder.

cockneySat 01/01/11 12:47

quoting > "Why are we each confined to our bodie"
Because "we" are only emanations of the substance of our bodies - electrical charges in our brains - no body, no brain, no "ME"!

deleted:clansmanchrisSat 01/01/11 12:57

Interesting point quickfind:furryfeatures although, even as a Christian, I have to say that the more one sees of our earthly life/pilgrimage, the more each of us seems to be a number not a name, an anonymous statistic be it an employee number of a welfare benefit recipient number, a tax number or a driving license number, a bank account number or an electoral roll number.

If there is one lesson to be learnt from all this it must surely be - if we believe - to cite a prayer I wrote for Christmastide, i.e.,

Heavenly Father,

Giver of life and all good things. We thank you for the most precious gift of all you gave us: your Son, your Only Begotten Son, who came to live among us, to show us how to live, and to die a terrible death for us, so that those who believe in Him and repent of their mortal sinful ways through Him, may enjoy Life Eternal in all its fullness.

Help us appreciate what we have, whether it be health and/or wealth, as well as the talents you have given each of us to use, to bring enjoyment and a sense of individuality and purpose to our lives. Guide us how best to share them and your love with those around us, not just at Christmastime but throughout the year. And as we exchange man-made gifts under the Christmas tree, may we be ever mindful of your precious gift to us; the Tree of Life of which you are the roots, Christ Jesus is the trunk, our churches are the branches and we (as individuals) are the small (but no less significant) individual leaves which come and go in due season, but upon which others feed to share in your gifts to each of us.

For we ask this in Jesus' name and for His sake, Amen.