Regarding “Christian Philosopher Mixes Theology, Science in AMBS Lectures” (April 25): What were the responses of the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary folks to the lecturer, Nancey Murphy? Throwing out the idea of a soul sounds like the philosophical groundwork for the “no hell” idea, which has become attractive. If my spirit is dead unless I experience rebirth from above (our Lord’s conversation with Nicodemus, John’s writings) and my body dies — presto! Nothing is left to go to Gehenna and receive justice.

If one writes off all physically mediated reactions as part of the body, how can memory continue after death and result in either cursing God or glorifying him for salvation? Isn’t memory a function that transcends a dead body? If not, what’s left of a person’s being to experience separation from his or her maker?

Miriam Hess
Union, Ore.