ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER No. 182

“The Immortality of the Soul”

Samuele Bacchiocchi

Retired Professor of Theology, Andrews University

Chapter 2 of the forthcoming book

POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

INDEX OF TOPICS OF THIS NEWSLETTER

* How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe

* New Outreach Book: Popular Beliefs:

Are they Biblical?

* A Plea for Help to Edit the Manuscript

* A Report of the Friends of the Sabbath Conference

* A New DVD Album: Abundant Life Seminar

* Books from Two Private Libraries for Sale

“The Immortality of the Soul”

(The Essay of this Newsletter)

ANNOUNCEMENT OF SERVICES & PRODUCTS

* How to Contact the Center for Cancer Care

in Goshen, Indiana that has healed my liver cancer.

* Special offer on the Package of 10 DVD/CD albums,

containing all the recordings of Prof. Jon Paulien,

Prof, Graeme Bradford, and Prof. Bacchiocchi.

The package includes also the newly released DVD

Abundant Life Seminar.

* Introductory offer on Prof. Jon Paulien’s DVD album

on Simply Revelation

* Special offer on the new edition of Prof. Bradford

More than a Prophet, together with a free DVD album.

* Upcoming seminars for August, and September

* Incredible Offer on the new Hitachi 3000 Lumens Projector

Only $1395.00

* The Smallest and most Powerful Remote Presenter

* Does your church or School Need a Screen?

* Bed and Breakfast in London, England

* TAGNET new Web-hosting offer

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE AND UNSUBSCRIBE

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please email your request to <sbacchiocchi@biblicalperspectives.com> To avoid past problems, we will add or remove your address manually.

NEW OUTREACH BOOK:

POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

GOOD NEWS! The newsletter you are about to read contains the first draft of chapter 2 of the forthcoming new book POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL? This is a pivotal chapter that examines what is perhaps the most popular unbiblical belief of our time: The Immortality of the Soul.

Over a century ago Ellen White predicted that “Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions” (Great Controversy, p. 588). Both of these errors are spreading like wildfire today. The vast majority of people have come to believe Satan’s lie that no matter what they do, they “shall not die” (Gen 3:4) but become like gods by living for ever.

This lie has fostered a host of heresies such as spiritualism, communication with the spirits of the dead, praying for the dead, the intercession of the saints, purgatory, eternal hellfire, the worship of Mary, indulgences, etc. All of these heretical beliefs fall automatically like dominos when we expose the fallacies of conscious life between death and resurrection.

In view of its importance, I have devoted much time and efforts in writing this chapter. My goal has been threefold:

1) To offer the readers a historical glimpse of the origin and development of the popular belief in the immortality of the soul.

2) To provide a brief but compelling presentation of the Old and New Testaments view of human nature in general and of the soul in particular.

3) To help truth-seekers understand the negative impact of the belief in the immortality of the soul on Christian doctrines and practices.

To achieve these three objectives, I discuss several relevant topics, which are examined at much greater length in my book Immortality or Resurrection? My challenge has been how to reduce to 30 pages the 300 pages treatment of the subject in my book, and still do justice to the subject.

If you feel that the chapter is too long for your reading habits, please do not give up. By the time you reach the end of the chapter, you will be grateful for the new insights you have gained.

The ultimate goat of the book is not merely to expose the flaws of some popular beliefs, but to help people appreciate the biblical validity and timeliness of our Adventist beliefs. You will see a sample of this goal in this chapter. After exposing historically and biblically the deceptive popular belief in the immortality of the soul, I proceed to help people appreciate the beauty of the biblical wholistic view of human nature, as espoused by our Adventist church.

To my knowledge our Adventist church has never published a substantive book that helps people to understand why some of their popular beliefs are unbiblical, and why the corresponding Adventist beliefs are biblically sound. Many subscribers has confirmed my conviction that such a book is urgently needed for our witnessing outreach. We can hardly expect people to accept our Adventist beliefs, if we do not show them first of all why their beliefs are unbiblical.

The book Seventh-day Adventist Believe . . . was warmly received by our church at large. I was invited to contribute to a chapter. The book makes a significant contribution to the presentation of our Adventist beliefs, but it is too limited in scope. It simply presents the Adventist beliefs, without comparing or contrasting them with the beliefs of other churches. Uninformed readers may feel that Adventists beliefs are not much different from their own beliefs.

The new book Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? will leave no room for this uncertainty. It will clearly show the difference between the Adventists beliefs and some popular Catholic and Protestant beliefs. In other words, it will give to people a choice between biblical and unbiblical beliefs. You will see a clear example in this chapter on “The Immortality of the Soul” that you are about to read.

The sponsors of this project are hoping to raise sufficient money cover most of the expenses for printing 100,000 copies of Popular Beliefs: Are they Biblical? The idea is to offer the book to churches at a minimum cost of only $2.00 or 3.00 a copy, primarily to cover the mailing expenses. The regular price for this 320 pages book would be $25.00.

What do you think of this project? Do you feel that we badly need such a book for our witnessing outreach? Are you willing to pass out this book to your friends? Would you consider contributing financially to the realization of this project? Your input is greatly appreciated. Let me know what you think.

In order to complete this project by the end of February 2008, I need to re-prioritize my schedule. This will entail cutting down on speaking-engagements, posting the Endtime Issues Newsletters only once a month, and spending less time answering messages and speaking on the phone.

To benefit from the constructive criticism of our subscribers, I plan to post most of the chapters as soon as the first draft is completed. An example, is this chapter which examines the major false views of the nature of the Bible. I look forward to receive your constructive criticism. Do not hesitate to be frank. Rest assured that I will not be offended.

A PLEA FOR HELP TO EDIT THE MANUSCRIPT

If you have been gifted with literary skills, would you be willing to help me to clean up the first draft of each chapter? To facilitate the editing process, I plan to email as an attachment a MW file of each chapter, after I have made some of the changes recommended by readers. For example, several readers of chapter 1, posted in the last newsletter, have suggested that I remove the references to Ellen White’s understanding of the inspiration of the Bible, because they may turn off non-Adventists.

I will follow the advice, but I wish to explain that my reasoning for presenting Ellen White’s balanced view of inspiration, was to challenge people, especially some of her critics, to appreciate her unique theological contribution to the understanding of inspiration.

Specifically I am looking for people who can help me in two ways:

(1) To eliminate spelling mistakes and restructure sentences so that they sound more English than Italian.

(2) To shorten sentences or paragraphs without weakening too much the strength of the chapter. If you have time and competence to help me in this project, I would be glad to email you each chapter on a MW file, after I have made the major corrections recommended. Feel free to contact me at <sbacchiocchi@biblicalperspectives.com>

The initial response has been very encouraging. Several people, including retired professors whom I have known for a long time, have offered their service to clean up the manuscript. Words fail to express my heartfelt gratitude to those willing to devote their time and literary skills to this project.

Remember me in your prayers on this project as you did for my healing from cancer. I believe that the Lord have restored me to greater health and strength than I had before, because He wants me to accomplish greater things for Him in this Endtime. Pray that the Lord may give me the wisdom to expose errors and present the truth in a clear and loving way.

A REPORT OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SABBATH CONFERENCE

On September 7 and 8, 2007, a FRIENDS OF THE SABBATH conference was held at the Lecture Hall of the Knoxville Convention Center in Tennessee. It is an impressive modern lecture hall that seats 500 persons. The conference was sponsored by the Seventh Day Christian Assembly in Knoxville, and was attended by sabbatarians belonging to different religious organization. A significant number of Seventh-day Adventist attended the Conference.

I have spoken at similar FRIENDS OF THE SABBATH conferences in the USA and overseas, but I can honestly say that this time the reception and response in Knoxville was unusual. On the Sabbath the people spent practically the whole days from 10:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. in the Lecture Hall.

In Sabbath afternoon there was a two hours panel discussion by six pastors of different sabbatarian congregations. They addressed some of the issues Sabbatarians face today. The discussion was chaired by Prof. Bruce Horne, Ph. D., who teaches “Corporate English,” to leaders of corporations. He did an excellent job in posing relevant questions to the panel members. He and his wife are a lovely non-SDA professional couple who were primarily responsible for organizing the conference.

The panel discussion was followed by my last lecture “The Sabbath Under Crossfire,” where I deal with the latest Sabbath/Sunday developments. I was overwhelmed by the many expressions of gratitude. Many told me that they captured a new vision on how to make the Sabbath a day of joyful celebration of God’s creative and redemptive love.

I have already received invitations from SDA and non-SDA churches to go back to present another powerpoint seminar. I look forward to share my ministry again with these fellow believers and friends. For me it is always a blessed experience to fellowship with sabbatarians Christians who share the same commitment to the Savior by honoring Him on His Holy Day.

NEWLY RELEASED DVD ALBUM CALLED

ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR

At the request of the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union, a special video taping was professionally done at Andrews University last August 8, 2007, of my powerpoint lecture on The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages. The lecture summarizes the highlights of my book Wine in the Bible. With the help of 125 powerpoint slides, I share the findings of my research which shows that the Bible clearly teaches total abstinence, and not moderation.

This lecture will be delivered live at the International Convention of the World Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WWCTU)–an organization which Ellen White actively supported. The President, Sarah Ward, has already invited me on two previous occasions. This year the International WWCTU is held in Indianapolis from September 14-16, 2007, and brings together Temperance Leaders from different parts of the world.

The delegates are eager to obtain the live video recording of my lecture on The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages, in order for them to share it with their congregations back home. For the benefit of our subscribers who will not be able to attend the convention, I posted in the last newsletter No. 179, a transcript of the lecture.

If you live in Indianapolis, you are welcomed to attend the convention. I am scheduled to deliver my lecture The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages on Sabbath morning, September 15, at 10:00 a. m. The convention is held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, 2544 Executive Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241. The hotel phone number is: (317) 248-2481. For directions and further detailed information, contact Sarah R. Ward, WWCTU President, at (765) 345-2306

In order to make full use of the DVD disk, we video taped on the same evening also a second powerpoint lecture entitled How to Build a Happy and Lasting Marriage. This is one of my favorite sermon where I share the highlights of my book The Marriage Covenant, by presenting 10 biblical principles for building a happy and lasting marriage. I use 100 powerpoint slides to deliver this practical lecture, which has been warmly received by congregations in different parts of the world.

At this time you can order this DVD album, called ABUNDANT LIFE SEMINAR, at the special introductory offer of only $50.00, instead of the regular price of $100.00. The price includes the AIRMAILING to any foreign country.

You can order the ABUNDANT LIFE DVD album online or by phone. To order online simply click at this link: http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/cart/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=102 To order by phone, call us at (269) 471-2915.

BOOKS FOR SALE FROM TWO PRIVATE LIBRARIES

If you are looking for Bible Commentaries, theological dictionaries, theological and church history books, feel free to call me at 269-471-2915. I will be glad to give you some detail information about two private libraries.

The first library belongs to my brother-in-law, Dr. Giuseppe De Meo, and the second to myself. Both of us have decided to sell most of books found in our respective private libraries. The reason is simple. We are advancing in age and we do not want to burden our family members with disposing of our large libraries. When my father passed away in Rome, Italy, our family members did not know what to do with all his books. Moreover, I live a mile away from Andrews University Library where I can easily find practically any book that I need.

Dr. De Meo has emailed me the list of the titles of his books, commentaries, church histories, and various collections in English, French, and Italian. In my own library I do have also have English, French, and Italian books. I do not have the time to prepare a list, but I can mention some of the main commentaries and other books available. Feel free to call me at (269) 471-2915 if you are interested.

THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL

Samuele Bacchiocchi

Retired Professor of Theology, Andrews University

Chapter 2 of the forthcoming book

POPULAR BELIEFS: ARE THEY BIBLICAL?

Throughout human history, people have refused to accept the finality that death brings to life. They have tried to deny the reality of death by teaching various forms of life after death. A key component of this teaching has been the belief in the survival of the soul apart from the body at the moment of death.

In spite of all the scientific breakthrough, the popularity of the belief in the immortality of the soul has not subsided. On the contrary, it is spreading today like wildfire. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 71 percent of Americans believe in some form of conscious life after death.¹ The popularity of this belief can be attributed, not only to the traditional teachings of Catholic and Protestant churches, but also to such factors as the polished image of mediums and psychics, the sophisticated “scientific” research into near-death experiences, and the popular New Age channeling with the alleged spirits of the past.

The result is that few beliefs are more widely held today than that of the “immortal soul.” Virtually everyone is familiar with this belief. If asked, the average religious person would define the belief something like this: A human being is composed of both body and soul. The body is the temporary physical flesh-and-blood “shell” that houses the soul. The soul is the nonmaterial, immortal component that leaves the body at death and lives on consciously forever in heaven or hell (or purgatory for the Catholics).

Is this popular belief taught in the Bible? Does the Bible teach that we have an immortal soul that leaves the body at death and heads on for heaven or hell, or purgatory? The answer of the average religious person is “YES”! They simply assume that the belief in the immortality of the soul is taught in the Bible. Is this true? Absolutely NOT! This chapter shows that the notion of an immortal soul co-existing with a mortal body, is foreign to the Bible. It derives mostly from Greek pagan philosophies that gradually entered into the Christian church.

We shall see that the biblical view of human nature is wholistic, not dualistic, that is to say, body and soul are not two distinct components, but an indissoluble unity. The soul is simply the animating principle of the body. So prepare yourself for what could be one of the big surprises of your life!

Objectives of this Chapter

This chapter pursues three major objectives. First, we briefly trace the history of the belief in the immortality of the soul, by focusing first on the impact of the Greek philosophers Socrates (470-399 B. C.) , (Plato (427-347 B. C.) and Aristotles (384-322 B. C.) on the development of the Christian understanding of human nature. Second, we will mention briefly the key role played by Tertullian (155-240), Origen ((ca. 185-254), Augustine (354-430) and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) in leading the church to adopt the Platonic dualistic view of human nature.

The second objective is to define the biblical view of the soul. Our study of the “soul texts” found both in the Old and New Testaments, shows that contrary to popular beliefs, the soul is not an immaterial, immortal part of human nature that survives the body at death, but the animating, life principle of the body. It is often used as a synonym for the whole person.

The third objective is to compare and contrast the biblical wholistic view of human nature with the Platonic dualistic view that has been embraced by Catholics and most Protestants. We shall see that the two views have far-reaching doctrinal and practical implications, which largely determines what Christians believe about their present life and their future destiny. These two views impact directly or indirectly on a host of Christian beliefs and practices. The ultimate goal of this study is to lead truth-seekers to understand and accept the biblical view of our nature and destiny.

The material contained in this chapter is largely excerpted from my book Immortality or Resurrection? Interested readers can find a fuller treatment of the subject in the book. Important topics, like the biblical view of the human “spirit,” have been left out in this chapter, simply for the sake of brevity.

PART I

A HISTORICAL GLIMPSE OF THE BELIEF

IN THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL

The serpent’s lie, “You will not die” (Gen 3:4) has lived on throughout human history to our time. The belief in some form of life after death has been held in practically every society. The need for reassurance and certainty in the light of the challenge that death poses to human life, has led people in every culture to formulate beliefs in some forms of afterlife. Such beliefs, as we shall see, reflect human attempts to achieve immortal life through human speculations, rather than divine revelation.

Egyptians’ Belief in the Immortality of the Soul

It is difficult to pinpoint historically the origin of the belief in the immortality of the soul, since all the ancient civilizations held to some forms of conscious life after death. The Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the fifth century before Christ, tells us in his History that the ancient Egyptians were the first to teach that the soul of man is immortal and separable from the body. At death the soul passes through various animals before being reborn in human form. The cycle was suppose to take three thousand years.²

Nowhere in the ancient world was the concern for the afterlife so deeply felt as in Egypt. The countless tombs unearthed by archaeologists along the Nile offer an eloquent testimony to the Egyptian belief in conscious life after death. They spent an outrageous amount of time and money preparing for life after death. They practiced elaborate ceremonies to prepare the pharaohs for their next life. They constructed massive pyramids and other elaborate tombs filled with luxuries the deceased were supposed to need in the hereafter. The famous Book of The Dead is a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary and ritual texts, which describes in great details how to meet the challenges of the afterlife.

Greek Philosophers Promoted Immortality of the Soul

The Egyptian belief in the immortality of the soul existed centuries before Judaism, Hellenism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. According to Herodotus, eventually the Greeks adopted from the Egyptians the belief in the immortality of the soul. He wrote: “The Egyptians also were the first who asserted the doctrine that the soul of man is immortal. . . . This opinion, some among the Greeks have at different periods of time adopted as their own.”³

The Greek philosopher Socrates (470-399 B. C.) traveled to Egypt to consult the Egyptians on their teachings on the immortality of the soul. Upon his return to Greece, he imparted this teaching to his most famous pupil, Plato (428-348 B. C.).

In his book, The Phaedo, Plato recounts Socrates’ final conversation with his friends on the last day of his life. He was condemned to die by drinking hemlock for corrupting the youths of Athens by teaching them “atheism,” that is, the rejection of the gods. The setting was an Athenian prison and the time the summer of 399 B. C. Socrates spent his last day discussing the origin, nature, and destiny of the human soul with his closest friends.

In the dialogue Socrates repeatedly declares death to be “the separation of the soul from the body” in which it is encased. His language is strikingly similar to that of many Christian churches today. “The soul whose inseparable attribute is life, will never admit of life’s opposite, death. Thus the soul is shown to be immortal, and since immortal, indestructible. . . . Do we believe there is such a thing as death? To be sure. And is this anything but the separation of the soul and body? And being dead is the attainment of this separation, when the soul exists in herself and separate from the body, and the body is parted from the soul. That is death. . . . Death is merely the separation of soul and body.”⁴ In Phaedo, Plato explains that there is a judgement after death for all souls, according to the deeds done in the body. The righteous souls go to heaven and the wicked to hell.⁵

This teaching found its way first into Hellenistic Judaism especially through the influence of Philo Judaeus (ca. 20 B.C. A. D. 47) and later into Christianity especially through the influence of Tertullian (ca. 155-230), Origen (ca. 185-254), Augustine (354-430), and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). These writers attempted to blend the Platonic view of the immortality of the soul with the biblical teachings on the resurrection of the body.

Two Groups of Jewish Writers During the Inter-Testament Period