The Evolution of the Soul

Study Group Outline

Prepared by Polly Friedman

 

 

Quotations are from the writing of the same title written by Dr. William S. Sadler in 1941 for the Ayres Foundation.

 

1.         DEFINITION

            For this topical study on the soul, Dr. Sadler, summarized and paraphrased the definition and function of the soul.  He describes the soul as being a real entity unlike our former ideas of what the soul might be.

 

            “The present day concept of the soul is hazy, undefined and ranges from the idea of being synonymous with the psyche  to that of a disembodied spirit."

 

            THE URANTIA teachings present a precise definition a concept unlike the old popular beliefs or dictionary definitions.  Let's put aside old perceptions.

 

URANTIA Book:

 

1.      The Forward Definition- Page 8.

 

2.         Jesus (at  Ephesus) gave a philosophical discourse and definition of the soul: Page 1478

 

            This indwelling and divine spirit ( the Thought Adjuster) presently becomes the father of a NEW reality in human personality; the mortal mind is the mother of this energizing reality value- the embryonic immortal soul.  And this soul is a new substance; it is neither material nor spiritual during these early days of the evolution in human experience.  Eventually on the path to God, it will eternally fuse with its spirit progenitor.

 

            There are three antecedents of the evolving human soul:  The human mind and the cosmic influences on it, the divine spirit, and the RELATIONSHIP between the mind  and spirit  which connects value and carries meaning not found in either of the single factors.  Dr. Sadler uses the term "cosmic mid-reality".

 

            Thus the material reality of selfhood transcends the temporal limits of our physical life machine through this new vehicle of emerging immortal soul.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

 

            How is the new concept of the soul different from the old ideas of the past?  Does the soul have form?

 

            What does that mean to me?

 

II.         The NATURE of the Soul

 

            Other questions that comes to mind :- to what  extent is the soul an entity in itself?.  What function does it have?

 

            The soul does not make final decisions until it is fully divorced from material association with the mortal mind except when and as the material mind delegates such authority freely and willingly to the evolving soul.  The soul becomes increasingly identified with mind; after death the surviving self is completely identified with the soul and its spirit, the Thought Adjuster.  It is neither material or spiritual-  it -is a new force of universe personality-reality.  THE  TRANSFER OF IDENTITY IS FROM THE MATERIAL SELF TO THE EMERGENT SOUL.

 

URANTIA Book:

 

            1.         The Nature of the Soul- Page 1218.

            2.         The soul is conscious- Page 1219

            3.         The soul has insight through truth beauty. goodness. and love. Page 2076.

 

III.       The GROWTH  of the Soul

           

            This growth is dependent on sincere and steadfast decision-making.  The act of the creature choosing to do the will of the Father has universal meaning.  Action following decisions is essential to the evolutionary attainment of COSMIC reality.

 

            Dr. Sadler explains this in the language and thinking of the psychiatrist:

 

            "It is the mind of perfect poise. housed in a body of clean habits. stabilized neural energies, and balanced chemical function.. when the physical, mental, and spiritual powers are in triune harmony of development that a maximum of light and truth can be imparted to the material mind with but a minimum of temporal danger or risk to the real welfare of such a human being."

 

URANTIA Book

            1.         Religious growth is in the superconscious-Page 1095.

            2.         The Thought Adjuster contacts us through the superconscious.  Page 1099.

            3.         The soul tunes in through worship- Page l6.21- Par. 3 & 7.

            4.         The Spirit protects the soul - Page 1096- Par. 4.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

 

            1.         What part does the soul play in our decision-making?

 

            2.         How is soul related to will?

 

            3.         What character qualities facilitate the Thought Adjuster's influence on the soul?

 

            4.         How is the superconscious different from the conscious mind?

 

            5.         How does the soul tune-in to cosmic reality?

 

            6.         How and to what extent is the soul protected?

 

            7.         Where does spiritual/ religious  growth take place?