Existence

Astronomers are continually enlarging our understanding of the universe, Galaxies and beyond. It is mind numbing to try to understand it all. Microbiologists, through nano-technology, are continually making discoveries into the small universes that inhabit our bodies. The understanding of physical matter, for one person, is too much for the brain to handle. We are capable to understand our own bodies, yet, even here that knowledge is expanding through medical science which employs new techniques, instruments and technology. It is a formidable task to keep up with it all.

To thinking persons it is apparent that inside their bodies there is a spirit that is not the same as the material of which the sensing body is constructed. This spirit is sometimes called a life force, but, it is more than that because even animals have a life force. Our spirit recognizes that it is unique and it has a desire to continue it's existence. The basis of religion is on this understanding of a spirit that continues after death. If it does continue after death then what form does it have, what senses, what understanding? Since it is not material it then does not inhabit the material world when the body dies, it would inhabit the spiritual world. Where is that? Does it have place as we understand place in the universe, for it is possible to make a map of the universe and pinpoint where our place is. It is understandable that the spirit world does not need a material world and here is where the mind does not do it's job for us.

We make efforts to understand the spirit world. Cinematographers have tried to give a visual view of spirits, remember "Ghost Busters" or "Casper".  Seances have been held for audio communication with the spirit world. Praying is an effort be in touch with the spiritual world.

Religion, based on the belief of an after life, does it's best to help us to understand the spiritual world and that an individual soul is important. If it is not important what is the use of existence? For those that believe in both a material and spiritual entity there is the question of why such a dual system. And they have come up with the understanding that the material world is a test and a preparation for the spiritual world. Perform righteously in the material world and there is reward in the spiritual world.