What’s So Great About Christianity: Chapter 21

Chapter 21 – The Ghost in the Machine: Why Man is More Than Matter

In this chapter, D’Souza argues with biologists that believe that humans are simply a function of our brain. They believe that we live a predetermined life. This leads to the conclusion that there is no free will and the people cannot be held accountable for their behavior. People from religious traditions believe that humans have a soul that is spiritual, and provides more than just a response to environmental stimulus. D’Souza lists many things that suggest that we are more than just our bodies. Some of these include: our ability to “experience” music, and not just hear it, an individual’s sense of self, and the thoughts, feelings, and biases that are part of our spiritual self. He argues that we demonstrate the ability to make choices that may go against nature, such as the decision refrain from having children or displays of altruistic behavior. He concludes that free will is required to have religion, and that our values and choices are a function of our soul.