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The concept of Irrational Soul in Christianity

Irrational Soul is a concept that varies across different religious traditions. In Eastern Orthodoxy, it pertains to living creatures without rational faculties, such as animals, which possess life and a soul from the Good. The Catholic Church views the Irrational Soul as the aspect that harmonizes appetites, promoting personal peace. In Early Christianity, it refers to non-rational components of the soul, thought to emerge due to sin's influence and seen as separate from God.

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Irrational Soul'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The part of the soul that is associated with non-rational elements, which is believed to have arisen later due to the instigation of sin and is considered alien to God.[1]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) This refers to the part of the soul that is characterized by harmonious repose of the appetites, contributing to the overall peace of a person.[2]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) Living creatures, including animals, that lack rational faculties but still possess life and a soul derived from the Good.[3]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Gnostic concept of 'Irrational Soul'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) This refers to the part of the soul that is similar to the animal souls of its nurses, while the rational soul shares the same heredity with the minds, but the spirit within it is illuminated by the Christ.[4]

Plural form: Irrational souls.