If I understand correctly, the standard view of the Jehovah's Witnesses is that humans don't have a soul, they are a soul (that is, that our soul is the totality of who we are, including mind and body). Is this true? I have found this particular interpretation appealing because I lean towards the belief that the human mind is a product of brain activity and hence cannot really figure out what a "spiritual" soul separate from the body would even be for humans. However, I'm finding it difficult to reconcile this view with the following verse of scripture (when Jesus was speaking to one of the thieves that were being crucified):
Luke 23:43: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
It would seem to imply, at least on the surface of it, that the thieve's soul was going to a place called Paradise. If the body is part of the soul, then how would this be accomplished (especially considering that the body would have been buried after he died)? How do JWs interpret this?
Luke 23:43: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
It would seem to imply, at least on the surface of it, that the thieve's soul was going to a place called Paradise. If the body is part of the soul, then how would this be accomplished (especially considering that the body would have been buried after he died)? How do JWs interpret this?