^{On September 11, 2001, an Anglican Bishop on TV said he was, “Praying for the souls” of the innocent victims of that terrible day. Apparently, the creator of the universe was undecided about where to send these, “souls”. Did the Bishop believe that because of his prayers God might be influenced to send them to heaven? Does God always put souls, “on hold” immediately after death to see how many people pray for them?}

^{Uniquely, amongst all the life forms on Earth, we have the ability to contemplate the end of our lives. What a horrible thought! No doubt it was just as horrible for the authors of ancient religious books. Freud said that for its followers religion is like a childhood neurosis, but for its leaders it is a magnificent tool in the exercise of power. To keep their followers in line religious leaders have always used a big carrot and a big stick. The stick is the threat of eternal torment in hell, and the carrot is the promise of an eternal afterlife (usually in heaven). So, a few thousand years ago, something had to be invented to continue our existence after death and get us up to heaven. Hey presto, a soul! Invisible, totally imperceptible and lighter than air – how convenient!}

^{The truth is a soul allows religious people to continue the fantasy that, unlike all other life forms on this planet, they will live on after death! SMART people would love to believe it too. They’d also love to believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But in the total absence of any evidence of the existence of a soul, they are not afraid to face the reality that their death will be the end of their existence.}