Do we have souls?

[Starboard Tack]

172. Have I ever dealt with such things? Unfortunately, yes.

More than once. One of closest and dearest friends is disappearing daily with Altzheimer's and it is heartbreaking. His brain has deteriorated to the point that he doesn't know me or his family any longer. His behavior is sometimes violent and totally against character. He was always a loving and gentle man. I have seen the same happen to other friends and relatives. In spite of that, his soul is untouched and shines through his suffering. The brain may well control one's sense of morality, consciousness, and emotions, but it does not control one's inner self, one's essence. In fact, I believe the converse is true. The soul controls the brain until that connection to the physical being is lost, as is the case with Altzheimer's and other brain injuries.
Where we differ, is that you think the brain is the driving force and I think the soul is the driving force. You see it as wishful thinking, I see it as reality. We have differing points of view, that's all.
"I find the fact that your view is so anthropocentric that you ignore other animals with consciousness, emotions, and morality offensive."
Where did you get that notion from? I think animals have souls too. I sense it all the time. I haven't done it in over thirty years, but I would recommend a dose of LSD or mescaline to anyone who doubts the existence of the soul.