Soul - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

In the context of GCSE Religious Studies, the term "soul" refers to the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being, which many religious traditions believe is immortal and distinct from the physical body. It is often seen as the essence of a person's identity and the seat of emotions, intellect, and will. Different religions have varying interpretations of the soul; for example, Christianity views it as the eternal part of a person that can attain salvation, while in Hinduism, it is considered the true self (atman) that undergoes reincarnation. The concept of the soul raises fundamental questions about life, death, and what it means to be human, making it a central theme in religious philosophy and ethics.