RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92 -- Rendered At Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:25:28 +0000 Created Souls https://redcircle.com/shows/created-souls en-US All rights reserved. Joshua R. Farris Inspired by my book, The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul, Created Souls Podcast will explore the self as a soul as meaningfully understood in light of a Creator. This will be considered in light of philosophy and science. Herein we will also consider the implications a creationist view of persons has for a variety of topics including scientific methodology, culture, psychology, and biology. *Thesis of "The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul" by Dr. Joshua Farris* *Introduction* "The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul" by Dr. Joshua Farris stands as a pioneering work within the science-and-religion dialogue, offering a robust defense of a creationist view of personhood as fundamentally tied to the soul. This book presents a novel argument for divine creation of selves while critically examining contemporary materialist and emergent-self theories that attribute personhood to naturalistic and law-like processes. Through a sophisticated analytic approach, Farris asserts that the unique and mysterious nature of individuals necessitates a creationist explanation, positing the soul as a divinely instituted entity. *Part I: Are We Souls or Bodies?* The initial section of the book sets the stage by addressing fundamental questions regarding the nature of personhood. Chapter 1 ("Initial Reasons Favoring the Soul-Concept") and Chapter 2 ("Religious and Philosophical Reasons for the Soul") lay the groundwork for a soul-centric view by discussing historical and contemporary arguments favoring the existence of souls. Farris contends that both religious traditions and philosophical inquiry have long posited the soul as integral to human identity. In Chapter 3 ("Bodies and Souls: Why We Matter"), Farris expands on the significance of personhood beyond mere physicality, arguing that the intrinsic value and moral worth of individuals cannot be adequately explained by materialist accounts. Chapter 4 ("Why Neo-Cartesian Selves?") explores neo-Cartesian dualism, defending the idea that persons are more than just physical bodies but rather entities with immaterial aspects that transcend biological processes. *Part II: Where Do Selves Come From?* Transitioning from the nature of the self to its origins, Part II delves into the genesis of personhood. Chapter 5 ("Origins of the Self: A Religious and Contemporary Problem") critiques naturalistic accounts of the emergence of selves, highlighting the inadequacies of explanations that rely solely on evolutionary or physical processes. Farris argues for a religious perspective that views the self as a unique creation, distinct from other natural phenomena. *Part III: Emergent-Selves* Part III critically examines emergent-self theories, which propose that selves arise from complex physical systems. Chapter 6 ("A Survey of Materialism, Emergentism, and Panpsychism") provides a comprehensive overview of these theories, while Chapter 7 ("Emergent-Selves: Created or Magical?") scrutinizes their religious implications. Farris posits that emergent-self theories, though appealing in their attempt to bridge materialism and personhood, fail to account for the full depth of human experience and identity. In Chapter 8 ("Why Selves are Probably Not Generated"), Farris presents a thorough objection to emergent dualism, arguing that the notion of selves as emergent phenomena lacks sufficient explanatory power. Chapter 9 ("Do Selves Exist? Perfect Duplicates") addresses the philosophical problem of identity and duplication, questioning whether emergent-self theories can coherently account for personal continuity and uniqueness. Chapter 10 ("Why We are Not Animals: Where Aristotle and Thomas Went Wrong") critiques Aristotelian and Thomistic views on human nature, emphasizing the distinctiveness of the soul in defining personhood. *Part IV: Creationist-Selves* The final section of the book advocates for a creationist perspective on the self. Chapter 11 ("Why Creation of the Self is a Better Solution?") argues that a creationist view, which posits God as the intentional creator of selves, offers a more coherent and comprehensive explanation of personhood. Chapter 12 ("Constructive Creationist Solutions") outlines constructive ways in which this view can address contemporary philosophical and theological challenges. The conclusion ("The Anti-Scientific Worry") addresses potential objections to the creationist view, particularly concerns that it may conflict with scientific understanding. Farris argues that recognizing the soul as a creationist entity does not undermine scientific inquiry but rather complements it by providing a fuller account of human existence. *Conclusion* Dr. Joshua Farris' "The Creation of Self" provides a rigorous and thought-provoking exploration of the nature and origins of personhood. By defending a creationist view of the soul, Farris challenges materialist and emergent-self theories, advocating for a perspective that sees individuals as unique and divinely created beings. This work is a significant contribution to the discourse on science and religion, offering valuable insights for philosophers, theologians, and lay intellectuals alike. Through its comprehensive analysis and robust argumentation, "The Creation of Self" underscores the importance of considering religious conceptions of personhood as foundational to understanding human identity. 046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92 Inspired by my book, The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul, Created Souls Podcast will explore the self as a soul as meaningfully understood in light of a Creator. This will be considered in light of philosophy and science. Herein we will also consider the implications a creationist view of persons has for a variety of topics including scientific methodology, culture, psychology, and biology.


Thesis of "The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul" by Dr. Joshua Farris

Introduction

"The Creation of Self: A Case for the Soul" by Dr. Joshua Farris stands as a pioneering work within the science-and-religion dialogue, offering a robust defense of a creationist view of personhood as fundamentally tied to the soul. This book presents a novel argument for divine creation of selves while critically examining contemporary materialist and emergent-self theories that attribute personhood to naturalistic and law-like processes. Through a sophisticated analytic approach, Farris asserts that the unique and mysterious nature of individuals necessitates a creationist explanation, positing the soul as a divinely instituted entity.

Part I: Are We Souls or Bodies?

The initial section of the book sets the stage by addressing fundamental questions regarding the nature of personhood. Chapter 1 ("Initial Reasons Favoring the Soul-Concept") and Chapter 2 ("Religious and Philosophical Reasons for the Soul") lay the groundwork for a soul-centric view by discussing historical and contemporary arguments favoring the existence of souls. Farris contends that both religious traditions and philosophical inquiry have long posited the soul as integral to human identity.

In Chapter 3 ("Bodies and Souls: Why We Matter"), Farris expands on the significance of personhood beyond mere physicality, arguing that the intrinsic value and moral worth of individuals cannot be adequately explained by materialist accounts. Chapter 4 ("Why Neo-Cartesian Selves?") explores neo-Cartesian dualism, defending the idea that persons are more than just physical bodies but rather entities with immaterial aspects that transcend biological processes.

Part II: Where Do Selves Come From?

Transitioning from the nature of the self to its origins, Part II delves into the genesis of personhood. Chapter 5 ("Origins of the Self: A Religious and Contemporary Problem") critiques naturalistic accounts of the emergence of selves, highlighting the inadequacies of explanations that rely solely on evolutionary or physical processes. Farris argues for a religious perspective that views the self as a unique creation, distinct from other natural phenomena.

Part III: Emergent-Selves

Part III critically examines emergent-self theories, which propose that selves arise from complex physical systems. Chapter 6 ("A Survey of Materialism, Emergentism, and Panpsychism") provides a comprehensive overview of these theories, while Chapter 7 ("Emergent-Selves: Created or Magical?") scrutinizes their religious implications. Farris posits that emergent-self theories, though appealing in their attempt to bridge materialism and personhood, fail to account for the full depth of human experience and identity.

In Chapter 8 ("Why Selves are Probably Not Generated"), Farris presents a thorough objection to emergent dualism, arguing that the notion of selves as emergent phenomena lacks sufficient explanatory power. Chapter 9 ("Do Selves Exist? Perfect Duplicates") addresses the philosophical problem of identity and duplication, questioning whether emergent-self theories can coherently account for personal continuity and uniqueness. Chapter 10 ("Why We are Not Animals: Where Aristotle and Thomas Went Wrong") critiques Aristotelian and Thomistic views on human nature, emphasizing the distinctiveness of the soul in defining personhood.

Part IV: Creationist-Selves

The final section of the book advocates for a creationist perspective on the self. Chapter 11 ("Why Creation of the Self is a Better Solution?") argues that a creationist view, which posits God as the intentional creator of selves, offers a more coherent and comprehensive explanation of personhood. Chapter 12 ("Constructive Creationist Solutions") outlines constructive ways in which this view can address contemporary philosophical and theological challenges.

The conclusion ("The Anti-Scientific Worry") addresses potential objections to the creationist view, particularly concerns that it may conflict with scientific understanding. Farris argues that recognizing the soul as a creationist entity does not undermine scientific inquiry but rather complements it by providing a fuller account of human existence.

Conclusion

Dr. Joshua Farris' "The Creation of Self" provides a rigorous and thought-provoking exploration of the nature and origins of personhood. By defending a creationist view of the soul, Farris challenges materialist and emergent-self theories, advocating for a perspective that sees individuals as unique and divinely created beings. This work is a significant contribution to the discourse on science and religion, offering valuable insights for philosophers, theologians, and lay intellectuals alike. Through its comprehensive analysis and robust argumentation, "The Creation of Self" underscores the importance of considering religious conceptions of personhood as foundational to understanding human identity.

]]> episodic no Joshua R. Farris joshua.r.farris@gmail.com no full Panpsychism-A Trendy Philosophy_Reflections on the EPS symposium Panpsychism-A Trendy Philosophy_Reflections on the EPS symposium 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I discuss the nature of panpsychism and explore some of the significant challenges with it and with Joanna Leidenhag's theological panpsychism.

]]> <p>Here I discuss the nature of panpsychism and explore some of the significant challenges with it and with Joanna Leidenhag&#39;s theological panpsychism. </p> 69074705-c529-4a57-83a0-65689d9cc33c https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/cf0823d4-75a6-477b-9704-46a8bf47a001 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:39:28 +0000 1458 no full Souls, Origins, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society 2024, part II Souls, Origins, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society 2024, part II 1 Joshua R. Farris Here we discuss a variety of issues on the soul, personal origins, and the impact this has on a whole host of issues beyond the philosophy of mind. I give some additional highlights on the discussion with some of the authors from The Origin of the Soul: A Conversation which included Bruce Gordon, Joanna Leidenhag, and J.T. Turner, and myself. I also connect it to some of the offerings of Soul Science Ministries and some of the things that will be occurring in the near future. So take a listen and let's keep the conversation going.

]]> <p>Here we discuss a variety of issues on the soul, personal origins, and the impact this has on a whole host of issues beyond the philosophy of mind. I give some additional highlights on the discussion with some of the authors from The Origin of the Soul: A Conversation which included Bruce Gordon, Joanna Leidenhag, and J.T. Turner, and myself. I also connect it to some of the offerings of Soul Science Ministries and some of the things that will be occurring in the near future. So take a listen and let&#39;s keep the conversation going. </p> a6722520-31b7-4093-b5b0-52682b914a87 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/abf7aa15-8f18-432f-8fa6-e32e83f22c97 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:25:59 +0000 1235 no full Souls, Origins, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society Souls, Origins, and the Evangelical Philosophical Society 12 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I discuss the recent symposium over The Origin of the Soul: A Conversation ed. by Joshua R. Farris and Joanna Leidenhag. It was a great discussion and there are many highlights that prompt numerous and important conversations about the soul, the meaning of the universe, consciousness, and the role that these issues play in theology (or faith seeking understanding). These are important issues and deserve additional engagement.

]]> <p>Here I discuss the recent symposium over The Origin of the Soul: A Conversation ed. by Joshua R. Farris and Joanna Leidenhag. It was a great discussion and there are many highlights that prompt numerous and important conversations about the soul, the meaning of the universe, consciousness, and the role that these issues play in theology (or faith seeking understanding). These are important issues and deserve additional engagement. </p> 62582299-a91b-4315-ab81-e8c1a25fc6ac https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/d119caa1-17ff-47c8-bec9-22bf25dc0f2f Wed, 27 Nov 2024 20:38:33 +0000 1235 no full The Banquet of Souls__Reveal Party and Q/A The Banquet of Souls__Reveal Party and Q/A Joshua R. Farris We take a break from our normal routine to discuss Dr. Farris's newly published work, The Banquet of Souls: A Mirror to the Universe. We have some fun along the way and discuss the highlights of The Banquet of Souls.

]]> <p>We take a break from our normal routine to discuss Dr. Farris&#39;s newly published work, The Banquet of Souls: A Mirror to the Universe. We have some fun along the way and discuss the highlights of The Banquet of Souls. </p> 7a722ecb-0fd3-4895-8150-288ec2764fbf https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/6eeb38ff-5928-4d29-8daf-ab21667dd3eb Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:01:09 +0000 2073 no full On Descartes’ Queer Theory and Freshmen Writing in Troutt On Descartes’ Queer Theory and Freshmen Writing in Troutt Joshua R. Farris In exploring Pastor Seth Troutt's, "Queer Theory as Actualized Cartesianism," published in Mere Orthodoxy, I discuss the problems with the parallel and 'connection' developed between Cartesianism and Queer theory (or transgender ideology) of which those in his circles would object. While Troutt touts certain common objections often advanced in a variety of academic discussions or in popular discussions, it reflects a superficial reasoning that exhibits a problematic tendency to conflate various terms, concepts, and ideas that deserve clear definition. However, Troutt does not provide clear definitions for most of the technical terms he uses and as a result muddies the discussion and poisoning the well against Descartes and those who follow him. But, more importantly, the whole article represents a clear instance of the fallacy called non-sequitor.

]]> <p>In exploring Pastor Seth Troutt&#39;s, &#34;Queer Theory as Actualized Cartesianism,&#34; published in Mere Orthodoxy, I discuss the problems with the parallel and &#39;connection&#39; developed between Cartesianism and Queer theory (or transgender ideology) of which those in his circles would object. While Troutt touts certain common objections often advanced in a variety of academic discussions or in popular discussions, it reflects a superficial reasoning that exhibits a problematic tendency to conflate various terms, concepts, and ideas that deserve clear definition. However, Troutt does not provide clear definitions for most of the technical terms he uses and as a result muddies the discussion and poisoning the well against Descartes and those who follow him. But, more importantly, the whole article represents a clear instance of the fallacy called non-sequitor. </p> abd3c507-f633-4f42-85a8-0e2fcb895cf9 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/502a2f71-190a-4735-8fcf-56d01d95297e Fri, 09 Aug 2024 22:08:47 +0000 2643 no full Conditional Immortality? Conditional Immortality? 9 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I continue the discussion from the previous episode about the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, which is represented in numerous creedal, ecumenical, and confessional statements. I consider the doctrine of conditionalism and suggest that it is largely consistent with what I have said in the last several episodes because I was affirming the doctrine of the soul which entails some version of immortality (as the catholic statements affirm) contra the immediate resurrection and extinction re-creation views affirm. That being said, conditionalism does contradict the clear teaching of many of the ecumenical and confessional statements mentioned, which prompts several other important questions about the nature of the soul and the nature of immortality of which there are nuances in the philosophical, biblical, and theological discussions that deserve our attention but in another context.

]]> <p>Here I continue the discussion from the previous episode about the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, which is represented in numerous creedal, ecumenical, and confessional statements. I consider the doctrine of conditionalism and suggest that it is largely consistent with what I have said in the last several episodes because I was affirming the doctrine of the soul which entails some version of immortality (as the catholic statements affirm) contra the immediate resurrection and extinction re-creation views affirm. That being said, conditionalism does contradict the clear teaching of many of the ecumenical and confessional statements mentioned, which prompts several other important questions about the nature of the soul and the nature of immortality of which there are nuances in the philosophical, biblical, and theological discussions that deserve our attention but in another context. </p> 228c8bff-693a-4bc4-a81c-e9fb698451db https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/53d115c8-7e53-44a2-be68-430711ee88c3 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:48:55 +0000 1213 no full Immortality of the Soul vs. Resurrection of the Body? Immortality of the Soul vs. Resurrection of the Body? 8 1 Joshua R. Farris In the present episode, I briefly clarify some issues regarding the nature of the soul doctrine and the immortality doctrine that is represented in the wider Christian Church and catholicity throughout history. I highlight the dialectic for which I am addressing the immortality of the soul in recent episodes and restate why it is important to affirm that, in fact, there is a soul and that soul is immortal in some sense as entailed by the doctrine of disembodied persistence. This is done, once again, in the context of a discussion going back, in large measure, to Oscar Cullmann who raises the question: "Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Body?", which I take to be primarily the object of criticism in recent episodes as it has found its way into many of the biblical and theological discussions concerning anthropology and eschatology. What I affirm explicitly is contradicted by the immediate resurrection views and the extinction re-creation views of the afterlife. What I do not explicitly lay out, although they may be implied in some way, is whether or not this entails essential, natural, or conditional immortality. These issues are rather nuanced and deserve further attention of which I only give some nuanced distinction in the present episode.

]]> <p>In the present episode, I briefly clarify some issues regarding the nature of the soul doctrine and the immortality doctrine that is represented in the wider Christian Church and catholicity throughout history. I highlight the dialectic for which I am addressing the immortality of the soul in recent episodes and restate why it is important to affirm that, in fact, there is a soul and that soul is immortal in some sense as entailed by the doctrine of disembodied persistence. This is done, once again, in the context of a discussion going back, in large measure, to Oscar Cullmann who raises the question: &#34;Immortality of the Soul or Resurrection of the Body?&#34;, which I take to be primarily the object of criticism in recent episodes as it has found its way into many of the biblical and theological discussions concerning anthropology and eschatology. What I affirm explicitly is contradicted by the immediate resurrection views and the extinction re-creation views of the afterlife. What I do not explicitly lay out, although they may be implied in some way, is whether or not this entails essential, natural, or conditional immortality. These issues are rather nuanced and deserve further attention of which I only give some nuanced distinction in the present episode. </p> a2c4522f-6f85-415a-a241-3a228134e188 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/5ffeb2d0-2d82-4a5f-8c16-c343684baf36 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 22:16:35 +0000 2040 no full Persons and Unexpected Origins Persons and Unexpected Origins 7 1 Joshua R. Farris Here we discuss the rationale for The Creation of Self and why persons have unexpected origins despite reports to the contrary. We should take seriously that humans are ensouled, which means that their origins are probably different than what some expect concerning biological origination. We actually have very good reasons to affirm this, but when we do it leads down a path that many are unwilling to accept.

]]> <p>Here we discuss the rationale for The Creation of Self and why persons have unexpected origins despite reports to the contrary. We should take seriously that humans are ensouled, which means that their origins are probably different than what some expect concerning biological origination. We actually have very good reasons to affirm this, but when we do it leads down a path that many are unwilling to accept.</p> 30f08fd3-1cc6-42e9-afe7-f873df48c037 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/589196ea-5123-427b-8a75-a7b94f73512a Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:09:46 +0000 630 no full Nancey Murphy Fails on Anthropology and Eschatology! Nancey Murphy Fails on Anthropology and Eschatology! 6 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I give a very brief commentary on Nancey Murphy's teachings on anthropology and eschatology

]]> <p>Here I give a very brief commentary on Nancey Murphy&#39;s teachings on anthropology and eschatology</p> b7ebc475-d517-4843-bdf8-3aaf8d49ad98 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/2b4036a3-87ca-47c6-8f8d-4067b98a365c Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:50:09 +0000 767 no full To all the Deniers of the Immortality of the Soul! You're Wrong! To all the Deniers of the Immortality of the Soul! You're Wrong! 5 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I offer a quite brief, yet sufficient treatment, on the the fact of the immortality of the soul as a doctrine that should be held and does, in fact, seem to be represented in Scriptural teaching.

]]> <p>Here I offer a quite brief, yet sufficient treatment, on the the fact of the immortality of the soul as a doctrine that should be held and does, in fact, seem to be represented in Scriptural teaching. </p> 9305ce4a-c82d-4846-a862-124648dc6d04 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/3bd9b872-9e77-4e59-9f03-b4c12f6f7b7d Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:32:17 +0000 710 no full Bart Ehrman Gets the Afterlife Wrong! Bart Ehrman Gets the Afterlife Wrong! 4 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I give a brief summary of what Ehrman has taught on the afterlife. He gets it wrong and that means that he not only gets the afterlife wrong, but anthropology wrong!

]]> <p>Here I give a brief summary of what Ehrman has taught on the afterlife. He gets it wrong and that means that he not only gets the afterlife wrong, but anthropology wrong!</p> 6236e7cf-6762-4a15-a9ff-03fd0a1ed44e https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/61bf5ee6-12b4-4c57-9a4d-b6a1406aef48 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 23:29:04 +0000 336 no full Does Christianity teach immortality of the soul? Yes, despite what some would have you believe. Does Christianity teach immortality of the soul? Yes, despite what some would have you believe. 3 1 Joshua R. Farris We explore the rationale for the immortality of the soul doctrine.

]]> <p>We explore the rationale for the immortality of the soul doctrine.</p> 34af3ca0-36b4-43b0-b5d4-c784e6bccee4 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/46fe1de1-62be-4a12-9af9-1e7f3113c87d Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:34:49 +0000 931 no full Created Souls__The Unwelcome Guest Created Souls__The Unwelcome Guest 2 1 Joshua R. Farris I explore why the soul idea is unwelcome.

]]> <p>I explore why the soul idea is unwelcome. </p> a8a9c270-1dc9-4486-8a62-b5ce4d070554 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/b6da9d66-1ad7-4624-8b08-92f6e68ca7cd Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:53:21 +0000 1293 no full The Creation of Self__Why I wrote it The Creation of Self__Why I wrote it 1 Joshua R. Farris Here I give a brief layout of the argument of The Creation of Self.

]]> <p>Here I give a brief layout of the argument of The Creation of Self.</p> 082f79ac-96ba-4c9e-8272-3e6bc8b463b4 https://redcircle.com/shows/046eda82-7eeb-47d3-82e6-9d91813d1d92/episodes/cb2fc42c-c3ab-4f1c-a816-c8d1c49e3ea1 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 17:22:20 +0000 763 no