First, let's clarify the difference between a theory and speculation or belief. Science is grounded in observation and fact. A theory is built on those facts, tested, refined, and developed into a conclusion. Speculations and beliefs, on the other hand, are rooted in imagination, not evidence. Here, I will explain why my conclusions form a new theory, not mere speculation or belief—because they are based on facts and observations. Please read through to the end.
Facts and Current Scientific Theories:
Historically, the concept of the "Great Spirit" was tied to the air we breathe—a natural life force essential to survival. Many ancient religions shared the belief that a small part of this life force (spirit) entered a person at birth and left at death. This widespread belief likely originated before the surviving tribe of early humans dispersed around the globe, eventually evolving into the only surviving human race. Many other human species, such as the Cro-Magnons, Neanderthals, Homo floresiensis, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo erectus, did not survive.
Conclusion: The spirit or soul was once viewed as a natural force, not a supernatural one. Over time, speculation distorted this concept into something mystical and disconnected from observable reality.
Modern neuroscience has determined that awareness, consciousness, and memory are brain functions. Our sense of self is the product of memory. This is evident when brain function deteriorates, such as in Alzheimer's disease, where memories fade, and self-awareness diminishes. In cases of brain injuries resulting in permanent amnesia, the "self" tied to past memories, is effectively gone, and a new sense of self must be built. Memory is also unreliable—it can be distorted by false memories, mental disorders, drugs, and various other factors, showing that it is fallible.
Conclusion: When the brain dies, the "self" dies too. The idea of continuing awareness after death—an afterlife—is unwarranted speculation.
These conclusions, based on facts and observations, are discussed in my book Why You Won’t Go to Hell (Google it for more information). My theory concludes that the supernatural is a fabrication, a distortion of natural phenomena like the atmosphere. Belief in an eternal soul or afterlife in a steady-state universe is pure fantasy and belongs in the realm of fiction. Claims of spiritual awareness or near-death experiences (NDEs) have been debunked by modern neuroscience.
I welcome criticism and corrections--if they are grounded in real observations and facts. Mere denials or speculative arguments will be ignored.
I've accepted many friend requests, and if you consider yourself a real friend, I urge you to "share" this post. Ask your friends to share it too. Together, we can convince others that the supernatural is a myth, helping to dispel not just religious fear, but the widespread superstitions that plague society—such as astrology, ghosts, spirits, souls, karma, psychic powers, fortune-telling, prophecies, dowsing, lucky numbers, faith healing, and other unfounded beliefs exploited by opportunists to deceive the gullible.
Spreading this message is the final item on my bucket list, and I need your help. Please share now!
Facts and Current Scientific Theories:
- The universe, as we know it, is not in an eternal, steady state but is constantly evolving.
- All modern humans are of the same race, descended from a small group of survivors in Africa approximately 130,000 years ago.
- Awareness, consciousness, and memory are functions of the brain.
- The person you are is shaped by your memory.
Historically, the concept of the "Great Spirit" was tied to the air we breathe—a natural life force essential to survival. Many ancient religions shared the belief that a small part of this life force (spirit) entered a person at birth and left at death. This widespread belief likely originated before the surviving tribe of early humans dispersed around the globe, eventually evolving into the only surviving human race. Many other human species, such as the Cro-Magnons, Neanderthals, Homo floresiensis, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo erectus, did not survive.
Conclusion: The spirit or soul was once viewed as a natural force, not a supernatural one. Over time, speculation distorted this concept into something mystical and disconnected from observable reality.
Modern neuroscience has determined that awareness, consciousness, and memory are brain functions. Our sense of self is the product of memory. This is evident when brain function deteriorates, such as in Alzheimer's disease, where memories fade, and self-awareness diminishes. In cases of brain injuries resulting in permanent amnesia, the "self" tied to past memories, is effectively gone, and a new sense of self must be built. Memory is also unreliable—it can be distorted by false memories, mental disorders, drugs, and various other factors, showing that it is fallible.
Conclusion: When the brain dies, the "self" dies too. The idea of continuing awareness after death—an afterlife—is unwarranted speculation.
These conclusions, based on facts and observations, are discussed in my book Why You Won’t Go to Hell (Google it for more information). My theory concludes that the supernatural is a fabrication, a distortion of natural phenomena like the atmosphere. Belief in an eternal soul or afterlife in a steady-state universe is pure fantasy and belongs in the realm of fiction. Claims of spiritual awareness or near-death experiences (NDEs) have been debunked by modern neuroscience.
I welcome criticism and corrections--if they are grounded in real observations and facts. Mere denials or speculative arguments will be ignored.
I've accepted many friend requests, and if you consider yourself a real friend, I urge you to "share" this post. Ask your friends to share it too. Together, we can convince others that the supernatural is a myth, helping to dispel not just religious fear, but the widespread superstitions that plague society—such as astrology, ghosts, spirits, souls, karma, psychic powers, fortune-telling, prophecies, dowsing, lucky numbers, faith healing, and other unfounded beliefs exploited by opportunists to deceive the gullible.
Spreading this message is the final item on my bucket list, and I need your help. Please share now!
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