December 05, 2003
Exploring Reincarnation
Reincarnation goes in and out as the belief du jour among ‘cutting-edge’ intellectuals. This always surprised me since the belief is so unreasonable. I always wondered how reincarnation believers explained the sheer increase in humans over the years. Where did all these people come from? If you look at the statistics, clearly there are many, many more people than ever before. The common answer is from animals or bugs. Bugs is tough to argue, since there are no good statistics, but some stats suggest that animals have also increased over time, largely due to house pets and farms.
I think reincarnation always goes back to the feeling that we are special, better than everyone else. By claiming we were someone famous or formerly intellectual, we feel special. Unfortunately many people get sucked into this vortex, particularly if they are having trouble justifying their current state of life with that which they want. I once had a woman try and convince me that the Bible taught reincarnation! No lie, she had a couple of verses that seemed to support it (don’t remember which). Of course you had to ignore every other verse of the Bible, but this didn’t bother her. Odd.
As Christians, we must remember than emotions or feelings can be manipulated by other people or by the devil. God gave us reason and a conscious (if properly formed) to lead our decision-making. This is not to say emotions aren’t important, but they should not be used to make decisions in important matters – especially religion. God gave us so many ways to understand Him: His works (nature), His Word (Scripture), and His Church. He continually calls us to him. Don’t fall into the reincarnation trap, the simple fact that God loves You, specifically, is enough for you to realize you are special. You have a specific reason for your existence. God has a plan for You.
God bless,
Jay
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I am a unique individual, created only once. How more special could I be? I think more so than the need to feel special most people like the notion of reincarnation because they feel they have a second chance at life and they have an excuse for their shortcomings. This notion or desire is a truth which is misguided, we do have a second chance in Christ. No matter how far we have fallen, if we but ask for His saving grace, He will give it to us.
Posted by: Maria at December 12, 2003 12:06 AM im studying reincarnation...and i have come across some very interesting things when it comes to the bible......so u forgot that ladies bible references to reincarnation. heres one:
In Matthew the disciples asked jesus about the old testament prophecy that Elias would reappear on earth, "And jesus answered them, Elias shall truly first come and restore all things. but i say unto u that Elias is come already, and they knew him not. then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of john the baptist." in other words jesus is clearly saying that john the baptist 'is' Elias!!!! i think u cannot deny that it could be possibe. How can u say that its honestly not implying that when many read it in that way.......maybe instead of telling people its wrong and we should accept that it could be possible...u dont have a clear list stating exactly what the bible means....we as readers all should be able to interpret gods word the way we want...and if people need or want to believe in reincarnation, then who are u to stop them. We are living in a world that is changing...think about it.
Jane, that is what seperates Catholics from Protestants. Catholics have the infallible word of the Pope to fall back on. In the bible Jesus clearly gives this power to Peter and the word of the Pope is guided by the Holy Spirit. If Catholic teaching is that John was not Elijah then that is the way it was because the Holy Spirit could not lie through Papal teachings.
Posted by: Tom Ace at March 26, 2004 03:32 PMJane,
I think you are misinterpreting the passage you have quoted. Jesus didn't mean that John the Baptist is literally Elias, or Eliha, but instead, he is fulfilling the role of Elias. The verse you are referring to is Matthew 11:14. The term "is" in the greek, as it is used in this verse means "represents".
Hope this helps!
if you wish to learn of the true meaning of reincarnatin look up "the law of one" book. At first you'll be a skeptic but please try to have an open mind
Posted by: Justin Young at January 27, 2005 12:04 AMHow can you cite a book (the law of one) that was written by a man that spent the majority of his life looking for ghosts and UFOs. As for you Jane, the bible can be interpreted in many ways. For example, depending upon what version of the bible you have Matthew 11:14 says completely different things. Also, you are correct to believe that people have a right to interprete it in a way they want. And you apparently interpreted MAtthew 11:14 one way and than proceeded to change that interpretation a few days later. So make up your mind on reincarnation. Don't flip-flop based upon yuor ever chaning interpretations of a book thats exact meaning is entirely dependent upon the version and translator the made it.
Posted by: Hector at March 26, 2005 09:35 AMHow can you cite a book (the law of one) that was written by a man that spent the majority of his life looking for ghosts and UFOs. As for you Jane, the bible can be interpreted in many ways. For example, depending upon what version of the bible you have Matthew 11:14 says completely different things. Also, you are correct to believe that people have a right to interprete it in a way they want. And you apparently interpreted MAtthew 11:14 one way and than proceeded to change that interpretation a few days later. So make up your mind on reincarnation. Don't flip-flop based upon yuor ever changng interpretations of a book thats exact meaning is entirely dependent upon the version and translator the made it.
Posted by: Hector at March 26, 2005 09:35 AM
