How I rationally defend the idea of immortality:
Science not only defines what exists, it can define what should exist but hasn't been found yet. For instance, the periodic table was defined and explained long before some of the elements contained on the table were found in reality. Scientists were even able to predict some of the properties of these elements, based on where they SHOULD be on the periodic table. All the evidence pointed to their existence and their properties - just no "concrete" or "material" proof.
Now, a high and mighty scientist of the early 1900's could scoff at some of the predictions of the periodic table. But they came true, and that scientist, by ruling out everything that he had no experience of, made himself look like a fool.
So too, those who insist that materialism has all the answers, are ruling out everything that they personally haven't had any experience with. Even if they DO come across an article postulating scientific evidence for life after death, they refuse to consider it and denounce it as quackery.
So, just because some scientific types are dismissive of immortality does not prove it false. Now, is there any evidence that points to immortality in humans?
The first is the very idea - it is both a current premise and an ancient myth. Where did such an idea come from? If we evolved, always from mortal creatures, and we are surrounded by death and decay as a basic part of our universe - why is the notion of immortality so deeply ingrained in the human psyche? Why is it the simplest (Occam's razor) explanation for good moral behavior? It seems to belong in our minds as much as a need for order and security. The concept actually works against evolution, by promoting self-defeating actions that destroy the body, often before reproduction can take place. And yet it is recurring and ubiquitous.
The second point that indicates a "place" where immortality might reside is experimentation with the paranormal. These tests, while widely denounced, often bring back mysterious and inexplicable results.
The third, and most telling point, I think, is the incredible difference between humans and animals. Researchers are always finding ways that we are similar to animals, but every day we are confronted with the massive lengths from the most complex chimp to us. There is something different about us, and I think it is the development of the soul.
CZAR
