We are mysterious. The soul is mysterious.

     Here we are, Christmas week, and we don't agree on the origin of Christmas, the birth of the Christ child...who grew up, preached, debated, performed miracles and allowed Roman soldiers to take his life. And, He rose to life, interacted with his disciples and hundreds of others, who watched him rise into the heavens. Offering to forgive and to save. 

     Even many Christians don't recognize "Christ" in the name, seeing the holiday only as gifts, decorations and a magical Santa Clause. 

     Do we have a soul? Well, scientists have studied our nervous system, brain, and peripheral nervous system. Does that make you nervous?  

     "Neuroscience itself suggests that we are more than our brains," says scientist Sharon Dirckx. (spelling is correct) Children missing much brain tissue...function as normal humans. Others, with brains split to minimize seizures don't seem to split the mind. There are many near-death experiences, bodies flatlining, but the person remains vividly conscious. 

     We have known of the elderly who don't recall their own children but are able to pray and take part in a communion service. Dirckx asks, "Could it be that we are more than our brains? Could it be that neurobiology doesn't drive who a person really is?" 

 Tomorrow: Room for the soul?