Expert: Edward Bode - 4/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: When we die why do we reunite with our body and soul? Why not no just as in the spirit.

ANSWER: Death separates the soul from the body.  The immortal soul continues to live.  Reunion with the body comes at the second coming of Jesus, when creation will be renewed.
To be human requires a body and a soul.  So, it is most fitting that since we are a union of body and soul that the two essentials continue for eternity.  We worked out our destiny with the body, which was our instrument for good or evil.  Our destiny is as human beings.
For details, please read paragraphs 1020-1060 in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, available online at:
usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
If you would like further words from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Rich.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It has been written we are made in the image of God, is this a literal saying or does it mean God looks like us?

Answer
Since God is a spirit, the reference to humanity as an image after a  likeness [Genesis 1:26] does not refer to a person as a literal picture or statue of God or vice versa.
Usually, the "image" denotes a duplicate; "likeness," a similarity.
The context of the statement concerns the divine activity expressed as dominion over the world.  Humanity thus is imagined as a visible representative of God's soverignity.
Hope these thoughts help.
I am available for more should you so desire.
Again, best wishes, Rich.