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August 24, 2025 7 mins

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "Bible Difficulties and Answers" with your host, Lance Smith. This week, we delve into the profound discussion about consciousness and free will, pondering whether they hint at a soul beyond our physical brain. Exploring pages 76 to 78 of J. Steve Miller’s Faith is Not Blind, we challenge the materialistic view that portrays consciousness and free will as mere illusions.

Dive into the paradox of self-awareness and explore near-death experiences, as we seek clues pointing to the existence of a non-material soul. Join the conversation with insights from thinkers like Susan Blackmore and Alvin Plantinga, and discover how free will and rationality might align more closely with a supernatural worldview.

Whether a skeptic or a believer, this episode urges you to consider where you stand on the spectrum of belief in the soul. Don’t forget to check the show notes for in-depth resources and share your reflections with us on our social media pages. Tune in for another exciting exploration next week!

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

  1. Miller, J. S. (2016). Faith That’s Not Blind: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Spiritual Beliefs. Wisdom Creek Press. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gTR0odd 
  2. Blackmore, S. (1993). Dying to Live: Near-Death Experiences. Prometheus Books.
  3. Rosenberg, A. (2011). The Atheist’s Guide to Reality: Enjoying Life without Illusions. W. W. Norton & Company.
  4. Nagel, T. (1993). Review of The Rediscovery of the Mind by John Searle. New York Review of Books. Available at: http://www.nybooks.com/articles/1993/03/04/the-mind-wins/ 
  5. Plantinga, A. (2011). Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion, and Naturalism. Oxford University Press. 
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