Reincarnation

[JesusPrincess]

Does anyone believe in reincarnation?
I heard about little 5 year old boy who was a reincarnation of a pilot who had died 60 years back. He'd wake up having nightmares about his plane crashing and 'the little man can't get out'.
His toy planes scared him as well as excited him. He'd say that the Japanese had captured him and things like that.
Later tests proved that this person had lived before and he could tell this pilots' sister of the things they used to do when they were kids, and he was spot on.
There are a lot of other incidents like this one. What do you think?

[Zipster]

I think I'd need to see hard evidence of such; i.e. an article of some sort.

I can make up any story about pretty much any topic - but such never happened. Basically, I'd need to see credible evidence about such an occurrence before I see much reason in discussing it thoroughly.

[AliveInHim]

Originally Posted by JesusPrincess

Does anyone believe in reincarnation?
I heard about little 5 year old boy who was a reincarnation of a pilot who had died 60 years back. He'd wake up having nightmares about his plane crashing and 'the little man can't get out'.
His toy planes scared him as well as excited him. He'd say that the Japanese had captured him and things like that.
Later tests proved that this person had lived before and he could tell this pilots' sister of the things they used to do when they were kids, and he was spot on.
There are a lot of other incidents like this one. What do you think?

I don't believe that "later tests proved this person had lived before" because there is no scientific way to test this. What is able to be proven is that this child was born - 5 years ago. There's no part of science that can prove someone was born twice (essentially, that is what reincarnation would be).

There are some cultures where reincarnation is essential to the makeup of the culture, and, to be honest, it makes sense in the context of that culture. An example of this would be India. The social structure of India doesn't have social classes, rather they have a caste system. This means, the caste you are born into is the one you REMAIN in. If you have a class system, there is a possibility of gaining better jobs, wealth, and influence to move up in society (lower class to upper class). Or, there's also a possibility of moving DOWN in society. In a caste system, this isn't an option. You remain where you are born. Reincarnation is the only way to "move up" into society. Say you are born into one of the lower castes, depending on your actions during that time, you could be reincarnated and born again in another caste that is higher. The catch is that you could also be reincarnated to a lower class. This is the ONLY way that there is to see a chance to change one's present circumstances. It is a way to keep the hope. If you know anything about India, you would understand why they need hope. Hope is a POWERFUL thing for anyone.

I did have a friend in high school that was positive she had "past lives", but I basically think it was ridiculous (not her -- the idea of it). You are born ONCE -- not multiple times. And, repeating here, there's no scientific way to prove otherwise. Even though the article or report said there was, it's wrong.

Love and Light,
Amanda

[Iceman]

the bible and the kabalah make reference to reincarnation.
But from a Christian perspective it's not exactly important. Even from a Jewish one it's considered highly esoteric and isn't often spoken of.

I have no real thoughts on the topic past that. I'm more interested in New Creation.

[Zipster]

I'd be interested in hearing these Biblical references; the Kabballah is occult, so I wouldn't expect much from there.

[Iceman]

Occult you may consider it, but acknowledge it is Jewish you must. Especially if you're going to take into Judaism from a much earlier period of history.

John Chapter 1.12

21They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."

From what I understand of the kabblah stance of reincarnation, is that specific people can be reincarnated for a specific purpose. It's not the same as the modern understanding of reincarnation. Which is why I say it's highly esoteric.

Is this a reference that proves reincarnation? No.
Does it say anything at all about it? No.
Does it mean reincarnation as an idea of the audience? Well it's an implication. Not really a great one. Which is why would would be a reference, and not a stance or comment. Just a fleeting mention.
Does it mean anything on it's own? Definately not. Especially as the Christian view is that John played the role of Elijah in pointing to the messiah.

Like it or not though, the implication that first century judaism considered reincarnation is there.

[h03t]

Like it or not though, the implication that first century judaism considered reincarnation is there.

Honestly I don't think the audience had reincarnation in mind at all when they said this. I don't remember anywhere in the old testament of reincarnation being mentioned, and if it wasn't then I don't think they would have it in their thinking...
May just be the way you are reading it.

[Zipster]

the fact of the matter, however, is that while it may not be a direct statement of reincarnation, the thoughts existed during the old testament times. I have not studied the kaballa too much, but I know some of its basic principles, and that it had an impact on early jews.

[h03t]

Ya..
Speaking of Kabulla, when I was into meditation and things of the sort, I researched it and almost got into it.. Never did though.
Isn't there some kind of book you read, and the more you read, the more your mind opens, and the more you read, the more you open, until every sentence you read its keeps opening your mind more and more..

[xspinningisfun]

I don't believe in reincarnation. If the Bible doesn't say anything about reincarnation, then there's no such thing. However, I still haven't read the WHOLE Bible. I'm working on it, but I still haven't read the whole thing. So I don't know if it does mention reincarnation. But I don't believe it does say anything about it. Therefore, I do not believe in it.