grossg@patriot.rtp.dg.com (Gene Gross) (07/01/91)
Why Do People Believe in Reincarnation? Several rationales are given, but I believe that the most basic three, and the most common, are the belief in an immortal soul, psychological evidence of past lives, and the justice of reincarnation. So let's explore these in this part. In reading Plato, you will find that he believed that the soul, the immaterial part of man, to be uncreated and indestructible. He, and many others, believed that the soul existed before we are born and it continues after we die. Plato also believed that nothing good or evil can corrupt the soul. This being the case it is likely that the soul appears in the world in different bodies at various times. This is part of its perfecting process. Similarly, pantheistic philosophies assume that all is eternal and divine, so the soul is equally incorruptible. Have you ever had feelings that you simply could not overcome. I know a person whose greatest fear is dying by decapitation. I know another person who cannot visit the Alamo without breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably. No other battle site has this affect on him. Here is what Ian Stevenson, a noted parapsychologist and researcher of past-life recall, says "The idea of reincarnation may contribute to an improved understanding of such diverse matters as: phobias and philias of childhood; skills not learned in early life; abnormalities of chidl-parent relationships; vendettas and bellicose nationalism; childhood sexuality and gender identity confusion; birthmarks, congenital deformities and internal disease; differences between members of monozygotic twin pairs; and abnormal appetites during pregnancy." Thus, it is believed that by finding some experience in a past life, a person may be relieved of the feelings of fear, depression, or unwantedness. A person can find out the source of unwanted emotions and relational problems that prevent happiness and a fulfilled life. Yet, many of the psychologists and hypnotists who practice past-life recall therapy do not themselves believe the events recalled by their patients are real. So why do it? As one therapist said, "It doesn't matter if it is real or imagined if it helps someone [sic] make sense out of their lives....If it works, who cares?" To many, the idea of having more than one chance at life seems to be the most equitable solution for several reasons: 1. Karma is just; do bad things, you pay the price; do good things, you get the reward. The punishment suits the crime, not all or nothing. For many, the idea of condemning someone to an infinite hell for a finite amount of sin sounds harsh in the extreme. But karma is just. 2. The suffering of this life makes sense and can be justified if it is the working out of our karma from past lives. This explanation eliminates the need to make God responsible for suffering in any way. Suffering is payment for the things you've done wrong in past lives. 3. In the words of Quincy Howe, "One of the most attractive aspects of reincarnation is that it removes entirely the possibility of damnation." To many, the idea of eternal punishment for anyone seems thoroughly incompatible with the love of God. Reincarnation suggests a way in which God can punish sin (through karma), demand faith in Christ (during at least one lifetime), and still save everyone in the end. 4. Reincarnation is just because it makes salvation a wholly personal matter between the individual and God. This removes the problem of impuited guilt from Adam's sin or being reckoned righteous by faith. Everyone is responsible for taking care of his own karma. En Agape tou Iesou, Gene