When we think about the human "soul," we consider a whole collection of
human qualities. Here's a way of thinking about the issue which I have
found useful:
Some "soul" qualities could have been created through evolutionary
processes: verbal ability, tool-making ability, complex inter-personal
interactions, perhaps even self-awareness and empathy. Some other mammals
have these to a much lesser extent. With human babies, we see the gradual
development of these abilities over time.
Other "soul" qualities require God's supernatural intervention: the
establishment of a personal relationship between creature and Creator;
moral accountability; life after death. God decided when, in human
history, to begin such relationships and accountability.
Loren Haarsma
Calvin College
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