People believed in an immortal soul long before Christianity
Most religions teach some form of life after death. The most common Christian belief regarding the afterlife is that people possess souls and at death their consciousness, in the form of that soul, departs from the body and heads for heaven or hell.
This concept of an immortal soul was introduced into man's thinking at the beginning of human history. God told Adam and Eve if they sinned they would die (Genesis 2:17; 3:19). Satan then insinuated God was lying. He assured them they wouldn't die (Genesis 3:1-5), and thus introduced the unscriptural teaching of the immortality of the soul into human thought.
According to This Believing World, by Lewis Browne, the ancient Egyptians “...believed that on death the soul of a man set out at once to reach a Judgment Hall on high… and stood before the celestial throne of Osiris, the Judge. There it gave account of itself to Osiris and his forty-two associate gods" (p. 84). If the soul could satisfy the gods, "the soul was straightway gathered into the fold of Osiris. But if it could not…then it was cast into a hell, to be rent to shreds of the 'Devouress.'" (pp. 86-87).
Belief in the immortality of the soul was also espoused by the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Plato (ca. 428-348 B.C.) "... reasoned that the soul, being eternal, must have had a pre-existence in the ideal world where it learned about the eternal Ideals" (William S. Sahakian, History of Philosophy, 1968, p. 56).
The doctrine of the immortal soul caused much controversy in the early Catholic Church. Origen (ca. 185-254), an admirer of Plato, believed the soul was immortal and would depart to everlasting reward or punishment at death (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 4, 1995, p. 240). Augustine (354-430) also believed the conscious soul would continue to live on after death in either a blissful state with God or an agonizing state of separation from God (Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 2, 1995, p. 245.)
Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225-1274) in ‘The Summa Theologica’ taught the soul is conscious intellect and cannot be destroyed. A few centuries later the leaders of the Protestant Reformation generally accepted these views, entrenching them in traditional Protestant teaching.
The Hebrew Scriptures state plainly the soul can and does die. "The soul [nephesh] who sins shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4, 20). The Bible confirms that "no one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven [Jesus Christ]" (John 3:13). Even righteous King David, a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), was described by Peter as being "dead and buried" (Acts 2:29), not alive in heaven or some other state or location (Acts 2:34).
The Bible plainly teaches the dead lie in the grave, knowing nothing and possessing no consciousness. The Old Testament describes death as an unconscious state, and in the New Testament the Apostle Paul describes it as ‘sleep’ (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Although Scripture does not speak of the soul as being immortal, it has much to say about immortality. Paul told the congregation in Rome to ‘seek’ immortality (Romans 2:5-7) stating that eternal life is a ‘gift’ from God (Romans 6:23), and he taught Christians at Corinth they must be changed and ‘put on’ immortality (1 Corinthians 15:51-55).
Although mankind is subject to death God promises a resurrection to eternal life to those who repent, obey God and accept Jesus as the Messiah. The most powerful words on this subject come from Jesus Himself: "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40).
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What Are Wheat Straw Plastics?
As industry experts leading the way in the newest sustainable technology, we look deeper at how wheat straw plastic is changing everyday consumer products. Could this new eco-alternative to plastic be a game-changer?
Wheat straw plastic is a groundbreaking development in the realm of materials science, representing a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. This innovative form of bioplastic is derived from the byproducts of wheat production, specifically the straw that is often discarded after the grain has been harvested. By converting this agricultural waste into a viable material for production, we not only reduce our reliance on fossil fuels but also promote a circular economy where waste is minimized and utilized effectively.
Plant-based plastics, also known as bio-plastics, are creative new materials that have qualities and benefits similar to traditional plastics.
These materials can be molded and shaped just like conventional plastics, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from packaging and disposable utensils to more durable goods. The versatility of bioplastics allows manufacturers to innovate and create products that meet consumer demand while aligning with sustainability goals.
In this article, let’s learn everything about the new zero-waste, eco-alternative to plastic straws:
What Are Wheat Straw Plastics?
The newest eco-friendly material making waves in the sustainability sector is wheat straw plastic, a remarkable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic products.
Plant-based plastics, commonly referred to as bio-plastics, are innovative materials that offer benefits and characteristics similar to conventional plastics. Unlike traditional plastic, which is derived from petroleum, bioplastics are produced from plant sources. Examples of sustainable alternatives include wheat straw, bamboo fiber, rice husks, sugar cane, and corn starch.
Wheat straw, much like traditional plastics, is both lightweight and durable, making it a promising and eco-friendly alternative. Unlike conventional plastics, wheat straw is not derived from fossil fuels. It is a byproduct of edible grain that is utilized globally for producing food items such as flour, bread, and wheat-based products like pasta. Typically, wheat straw is burned after the harvest of wheat grain; however, repurposing this waste for sustainable materials transforms it into an excellent zero-waste solution.
Wheat straw fiber plastic is certified food safe, free from BPA, and approved by the FDA, making it appropriate for various applications. Interestingly, wheat straw is gluten-free! This is a common question that often surprises people. Indeed, wheat straw does not contain gluten naturally, allowing those on a gluten-free diet to use wheat straw fiber products safely.
This innovative material is crafted from the highest quality food-grade components and has received verification from the FDA, ensuring its safety and suitability for various applications.
Wheat straw plastic stands out as a fantastic substitute for conventional plastic due to its significantly lower environmental impact. The production process utilizes a by-product of wheat farming—specifically, wheat straw, which is often discarded after the grain is harvested. By repurposing this agricultural waste, wheat straw plastic not only reduces waste but also conserves resources.
More at: https://tangieco.com/blog/wheat-straw-plastic-explained/
