When Souls Had Wings: Pre-Mortal Existence in Western Thought

When Souls Had Wings traces the history of belief in human preexistence - the concept that souls live a life before mortal birth. The book examines this idea's presence across Western philosophy, theology, literature, and culture from ancient Greece through modern times. Author Terryl Givens presents key thinkers and movements that engaged with the preexistence doctrine, from Plato and Origin to the Romantics and American Transcendentalists. The work follows both the periods of mainstream acceptance and times of resistance to this belief, documenting its persistence despite official religious opposition. The text draws from theological writings, poetry, letters, and other primary sources to reconstruct how different societies and individuals understood and defended the premise of pre-mortal life. Givens analyzes the philosophical problems this doctrine addressed and the cultural contexts that shaped its various expressions. This intellectual history reveals how ideas about the soul's origins connect to fundamental questions of human identity, divine justice, and the meaning of earthly existence. The treatment of preexistence beliefs offers insight into Western civilization's evolving views on human nature and purpose.

Readers praise Givens' thorough research and documentation of pre-mortal existence beliefs throughout Western history. Many note its value as a reference work that reveals how common these ideas were among philosophers, poets, and religious thinkers. Readers appreciate: - Clear organization by historical period - Inclusion of lesser-known thinkers and texts - Academic rigor while remaining readable - Extensive footnotes and citations Main criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging - Some sections focus too heavily on Mormon theology - Could use more coverage of Eastern religious perspectives Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (46 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (23 reviews) One reader noted: "This book opened my eyes to how widespread the concept of pre-existence was - far beyond just Mormonism and Plato." Another commented: "The academic language made it slow going, but worth the effort for anyone interested in this theological concept."

Life Before Life by Ian Stevenson This research-based examination compiles evidence for reincarnation through case studies of children's memories of past lives.

Plato's Theory of the Soul by T.M. Robinson This analysis traces Plato's conception of the pre-existent soul through his major works and dialogues.

Heaven: A History by Colleen McDannell, Bernhard Lang This historical survey examines Western religious and philosophical perspectives on the soul's journey and existence beyond mortal life.

Origins of the Soul by Edward F. Edinger This Jungian exploration delves into ancient and modern concepts of soul pre-existence through mythology and psychological frameworks.

The Death of Death by Jacob Neusner This examination of resurrection doctrines in Judaism presents theological arguments for the soul's immortality and pre-mortal existence.

🌟 Despite being a scholarly work on pre-existence, the book draws from an astonishingly wide range of sources - from ancient Greek philosophy to Mormon theology to Romantic poetry. ✨ Author Terryl Givens was raised Roman Catholic before converting to Mormonism, giving him a unique dual perspective on religious doctrine and philosophy. 🔮 The concept of pre-mortal existence appears in writings from multiple cultures and religions, including Judaism's concept of the guf (Chamber of Souls) where unborn souls are believed to dwell. 📚 The book reveals how belief in pre-existence influenced major literary works, including William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" and Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights." 🎭 The idea of pre-mortal existence was officially condemned as heresy by the Christian Church in 553 CE at the Second Council of Constantinople, though it remained influential in Western thought.