Amaras

Crompsin, NEVER worry about the degree from a college, just the degree of open-mindedness and willingness to learn that you bring to the table.
As to the soul, as stated above you seem to have framed it in a very
Judeo-Christian manner. All of the major religions that I can think of
(notable exceptions would be Zen Buddhism & Taoism) seemed to promote
the idea of the soul being eternal.
After all, how better for a local power (like a priest, who is but a faulty
human being) to influence your actions than to threaten you with
eternal pain if you do not toe the official line.
Also, I believe it is Man's quest to seek meaning in any otherwise
empty existence. Hey, if we have a soul, we will one day join with the
(name your) supreme being and learn why we are here in this vale of
tears.
For me, the only measure of existence I will have beyond my physical
existence is in the minds of those I've effected.
Also, I believe individuals CAN have a lasting effect on society in
subtle ways without being super famous or a genius.
Just some quick thoughts Crompy.
As to the funeral you attended, I hope the deceased person's
family and friends remember the good, and can forgive the bad
of their life.

__________________
Propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state.
-Noam Chomsky
Love is a verb, not a noun.
-My Mom
The function of genius is to furnish cretins with ideas twenty years later.
-Louis Aragon, "La Porte-plume," Traite du style, 1928