I just wanted to have a quick post about some differences in terms. Being of a firm belief that no two words, at least in the same language, mean exactly the same thing, I like to figure out and discover what those meanings are. This is probably due to a deep seated desire I have to be understood.
Anyway, my words for this post are "ghost", "spirit", and "soul". Though I have listed "ghost" first, I will be saving it for last, because it is the most intriguing in my personal view. So, let us begin with "spirit".
The "spirit" is the "...part of the living being which exists before mortal birth, which dwells in the physical body during mortality, and which exists after death as a separate being until the resurrection." (The Guide to the Scriptures: Spirit). I find it extremely hard to define it further. However, there are some attributes or at least details about the "spirit" that are worth mentioning. First: spirit is matter (Doctrine and Covenants 131:7).
Second: our spirit bodies look like our physical bodies, meaning human if we are human (Ether 3:15-16) and animals for animals (Doctrine and Covenants 77:2), etc.
Third: all humans have a spirit, animals as well, plants too, and even the very earth itself (Moses 3:4-5)
Fourth: physical matter, like our bodies, do not "feel" spirit bodies when contact is made (Doctrine and Covenants 129:8)
Fifth: multiple spirits can inhabit the same body, as with the countless cases of demons, devils, and unclean spirits possessing people which Christ cured by casting the spirits out. (Mark 1:27, 34, 39) One of the most notable ones being a being by the name of Legion in whom about 2,000 "devils" were residing. (Mark 5:9-13)
Sixth: not only can multiple spirit beings inhabit the same physical body, but spirit beings of different orders can inhabit different bodies. I say "order" instead of "species" because as far as I know the criteria for a species no longer applies to a spirit being. Anyway, it makes sense to me that spirit beings of a higher order could take possession of bodies of an equal or lower order. As evidence of this, there is, again, Legion, "devils" or "demons" who are personages of spirit and thus humanoid inhabiting either a human body or the bodies of swine. (Mark 5:13). Now, as far as I know, an animal spirit cannot inhabit a human body, but that would be kind of cool if it could. I am unaware of any scriptures or revelation on that subject.
Seventh: This is a big one. The Holy Ghost, the name of a distinct, individual spirit being can "dwell in us" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22-23). The gift of the Holy Ghost, meaning the Holy Ghost's very presence, is given to every member of the Church after their baptism. This means that one spirit being can be within several people at the same time. I plan on sharing my theories as to how this could be possible in another post, but it sufficeth me to say that this is so.
Okay, so now that "spirit" is defined to the best of my ability, now is time for "soul". Though most religions, and the television show Supernatural, consider "soul" to be completely interchangeable with "spirit", that is not the case. In the most straight forward way, "...the spirit and the body are the soul of man." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:15). This is verified in the Old Testament when Adam gained life: "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground," meaning the physical body "and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;" the spirit "and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7).
Now, what is the purpose of a "soul"? If we have spirits that exist with or without our physical bodies, then why is it important that we have these bodies? Doctrine and Covenants 93:33-34 answers it quite simply, "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy." We have bodies, or are souls, because we want joy, and a fullness of joy only comes from having our spirits "inseparably" connected with our bodies. This only comes after we are resurrected and we gain true immortality. Resurrection is different than raising the dead in that, as with the example of Lazarus, he was still mortal and would die again (John 11), while a resurrected being, like when Christ rose from the tomb, will never die again.
Lastly, now is the time for "ghost". I find this the most intriguing because "ghost" is not used very often in the scriptures or in the LDS Church except for in The Holy Ghost which has been used seemingly interchangeably with Holy Spirit or Spirit of God. I also have not been able to find any scriptural or doctrinal definition for "ghost". Thus, this definition is my own and is fun to think about.
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To answer these questions, I have come up with my own definition, "a 'ghost' is the manifestation of a spirit to the senses." By this definition, either a "nebulous image" or a full length spirit being appearing would be a ghost. Also, smells, sounds, et cetera. Using this definition, a separation can now be made between Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost. The Holy Spirit is the being Himself while The Holy Ghost is The Holy Spirit in us. Working through us, manifesting in us, and speaking with us.
Now, I am not saying that you should blindly accept this definition, but it works for me, and it brings a deeper meaning our, and my own, relationship with the Holy Ghost. Especially when I pray for the Holy Ghost to be with me.
Alas, there is an interesting scriptural use of "ghost". This may either be appropriate or inaccurate, however I have no way of knowing. John 19:30 gives the account of Christ's death in the verbiage of "...gave up the ghost." This is a way of expressing death given several times in the scriptures. However, with my definition of "ghost" it gives it new meaning. On the extreme end of the spectrum, what if Christ's "Ghost" was actually visually seen leaving His body? How awesome would that be? Alas, because of how frequently and casually it is used, it could more easily be correlated with the "lights going out in their eyes" which would be a visual manifestation of the spirit leaving.
There are so many mysteries in this world, and death is not the least of them. I just feel that I have tried to make sense of my ideas and the world around me by defining words in the language I am fluent in. Take this as you will. Please leave your ideas and comments on this subject.
Love,
Jacobugoth
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