Very Well, Thank You

The Ancient Greeks believed very strongly in life after death. They believed that our spirit is imprisoned in our physical bodies; that when our physical body dies, we are released from our prison; that this is a great and joyous event. Perhaps some of you have seen the painting of Socrates committing suicide in which the artist depicts an atmosphere of great joy: Socrates’ spirit is about to be released from the bodily prison.

All through the scriptures there is an emphasis on the soul/body nature of a person. We are body and soul. Consequently, if our physical body is going to be destroyed, how can we conceive of continuing existence?

One of the high points in the writings of St. Paul is the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians in which he deals with this problem very beautifully. Paul says, in effect, “Look around you! Open your eyes and see what God has done! He is such a great and loving God that…