I'm torn, as I believe many are, with the ideas of life or any existence whatsoever after death. Science makes me think that there's nothing. We're simply animals and when we die, that's it... energy is spent and the body along with the "soul" dies. In keeping with that idea, if there's life after death... shouldn't we see the ghosts of numerous gnats? Think about the countless numbers of insects that have died, why don't we have hauntings from those lifeforms?
Is it due to the existence of the soul? I've heard of instances of ghost dogs, cats even horses... Do these animals actually have souls or are we just casting human-like personalities (read: personification) on them due to the fact that they seemingly can understand human language in the form of commands? Personally, at this moment in my life I don't believe in the soul. In all honesty, I hope that eventually I do because the absence of the soul makes for a rather anticlimatic end to life and so on.
I've heard scientific explanations for all of the feelings you experience in death and near-death states... one of which is linked to a drug/chemical, DMT. One author, whose name eludes me at the moment, wrote a book about his studies with DMT, which he called the spirit molecule. In times of serious trauma, such as the brain's oxygen supply being depleted, this chemical is produced in the brain and can cause tunnel vision, hallucinations and altered perceptions. (From what I understand, the closest relation to it is an overdose of ketamin. The infamous k-hole)
Sometime, I hope I'll have an experience that changes my mind to the nonexistance of the soul... I think if anything does it, it would be the birth of a child. That's, by most accounts, a life-changing experience.
On another note, while tripping I've had many experiences with a higher power... but I've chalked it up to the human mind thus far. Nothing can parallel the power we have in our minds... amazing stuff when it comes down to it.
Oh well, I've babbled and I'm not sure any of it makes sense so I'll stop.
