Question 45 – Was reincarnation removed from the Bible?

(reincarnation, past lives, afterlife)

This question is increasingly being voiced by critics. The most common argument we hear is that the Bible originally contained teachings about reincarnation, but these were later erased by the Church. Alternatively, some argue that books containing such teachings (described as apocryphal) simply didn't make it into the Bible. Finally, there are those attempting the impossible – to reconcile current Christian doctrine with the idea of reincarnation. I am personally appalled by how many people who claim to be Christians also believe in this system of faith, which is completely contradictory to the Bible. Often, they have surely succumbed to the false and unfounded arguments used by proponents of reincarnation. At other times, they have probably misunderstood the Christian message and found the idea of reincarnation to be more just or logical. Let's therefore delve into the basic premises of reincarnation.

What is reincarnation about?

The cradle of reincarnation lies within the Eastern cultures and religious systems (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism...), with some ideas also adopted by Western philosophers such as Plato and Pythagoras. In our cultural context, we can almost view reincarnation as a separate religious concept that intertwines various belief systems or exists as an individual faith. Reincarnation manifests in innumerable forms, with each belief system adapting it to fit its cultural and religious image to some extent, making an exact definition of it challenging.

The fundamental idea stems from a true biblical reality – fallen human nature and human sin. Every person (unless they are utterly ignorant) realizes that they are not perfect and that they have committed many wrongs during their lifetime. Toward the "highest instance," which people might call God or an impersonal universe, they bear a sort of debt that they need to address somehow. Reincarnation offers an attractive and seemingly fair solution – all your wrongdoings are accumulated on a sort of karmic account that must be settled. The essence is that after the death of the physical body, our soul separates and borrows a new form or body. If you lived a bad life, you might become a piece of stone, a leech, a locust, or a handicapped human child in your next life. If you lived a good life, you could be born into a wealthy family with good social standing. One way or another, if this life doesn't go well for you, there's no worry – you get another chance.

What are the goals of soul reincarnation?

The goal of all these reincarnations is to cleanse one's karma and break free from the endless cycle of incarnations – to merge with God, the universe, reach nirvana, or whatever you choose to call it. This can take thousands or millions of incarnational cycles. There are also certain "shortcuts" that can speed up this process, such as transcendental and other meditations, regression therapy, hypnosis, energy healing (often known as Reiki or similar practices), courses of self-improvement, etc. These "shortcuts" should alarm every Christian significantly, as they almost always involve occult teachings, which we shall discuss later.

Why do people believe in reincarnation?

At this point, we shall bypass a significant portion of reincarnation adherents from Eastern religions like Hinduism, where people likely believe in reincarnation because it's part of their religious system. Let us rather ponder why people in Western society, who are not part of these religions, adopt these ideas. 

The arguments can be numerous; here I want to mention just a few central ones:

1) Disappointment with Churches and Christianity

At least in the context of our country, we can speak of disillusionment with the church and hypocritical Christians. As a result, people are much more likely to accept alternative or outright anti-Christian philosophies. Many, based on their observations, believe Christianity "doesn't work," leading them to seek other explanations for how the world functions.

MY ANSWER

This reason for sympathizing with reincarnation is somewhat justified, yet it cannot stand on its own, as anyone could use it to defend their philosophy. It is more of a critique of Christianity itself and fundamentally has nothing to do with reincarnation. How to explain these unpleasant facts without negating the existence of the Christian God will be shown in the issue of Christian hypocrisy and evil committed in God's name (see question 71).

2) Evidence of past lives – memories, foreign languages, regression therapy…

This might be the strongest evidence that resonates with the most supporters of the idea of reincarnation. At least, I have always been fascinated by these "proofs". One proponent of reincarnation, using the pseudonym Hade, describes it as follows: 

"Experiences explained by reincarnation always have a very similar scenario. Some person recalls a previous life, mentioning details from that life that they should have no knowledge of. Some individuals even begin to speak fluent foreign languages. Often, these are languages hard to identify as they are ancient languages known only to a few experts. When examining experiences from these 'past lives', it appears that the experiences are verifiable, real, and the person had no means of obtaining this information elsewhere. In some cases, regression experiences unveil previously unknown details." [23]

In practice, this means that, for example, a child who can barely speak starts talking in foreign languages they've never learned or begins talking about things they couldn't possibly remember or know. Yet, upon thorough investigation, it sometimes turns out that the described events indeed occurred or the mentioned persons existed.

Another type of evidence within this category involves so-called induced memories of past lives. These are brought to life using various regression methods and are becoming increasingly popular not only among healers but also among some "ordinary" psychologists (such as hypnosis, meditation, autogenic training, etc.). The aim of regression therapy is to uncover the root cause of various current physical or mental problems that supposedly originate from a past life (like various phobias, neuroses, allergies, diseases, etc.).

People undergoing this type of therapy often describe various memories, visions, and other forms of "awareness" of past lives. Reincarnation supporters frequently state that the root cause of the problem the person had was understood and that the issue was resolved (healed). For the reasons mentioned above, which originate from what we perceive as supernatural, many people accept reincarnation as fact, with the simple assumption that it works.

MY ANSWER

This entire set of evidence can be summarized in one sentence – an individual receives information, visions, or various sensations that they would typically have no way of knowing and which can help resolve their physical or mental complications through certain methods. I completely and fully understand that when an average person encounters such phenomena, they are captivated by them and often get goosebumps. My question, however, is this – when confronted with something supernatural, does it automatically mean that the information (method, idea...) is true? Many uncritically believe it does. It works? Then it must be true…

I am convinced, however, that this is not the case. Christianity actually offers a simple and internally consistent answer to these mysteries. According to the Bible, our visible physical reality isn't the only existence. We are also surrounded by a spiritual world, where both God's angels and fallen angels (demons) operate. As we've pointed out earlier, the desire of these fallen beings is to thwart God's plans, deceive us, and prevent us from forming a relationship with the living God. It is no surprise, then, that they also intervene in our world – often in supernatural ways. The subject of demonic teachings and lies is extensive, and we will address it in several subsequent questions. Still, I want to state here that not all supernatural phenomena are to be trusted. This can be observed especially when examining occult and esoteric phenomena (such as spirit summoning), where people receive "supernatural" information that is neither consistent nor reliable, and often contradicts itself. The aim of demons is indeed to confuse those willing to listen, regardless of what information they deliver. Their primary motive is to draw you away from God, a goal that they achieve simply by having you listen to them.

God's warning must therefore be heard here as well: 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Here's a brief focus on some components of this argument:

Spontaneous Memories 

When a "foreign" person starts speaking through a child, recounting their past life, the question arises – is this truth being told? Clearly, information is being received "from the other side." However, I ask – why should we presume that the world of people is rife with lies and malice, but in the spiritual realm, everyone wishes us only good and speaks the truth? What if that foreign entity lies? If it lies, then it does not have to be a human at all, but rather a demon, leading you down a blind alley that more people will start exploring. Once you accept that demons do indeed exist, it becomes feasible to entertain the possibility that they can transmit any information and skills they themselves possess to a human being. Having existed since the beginning of the world, they could easily know your entire family line and have information about various people, places, events, etc. All they need is to convince you that these are your own memories, or those of your children.

Foreign Languages

This phenomenon is easily explainable. Even Satanists, Hindus, shamans, and many other groups not necessarily connected to reincarnation can speak in languages they have never learned (sometimes called xenoglossy). The resemblance is apparent and should make us stop and think immediately. Satan provides his abilities to various groups who knowingly or unknowingly serve him. Demons may work similarly but on different fronts.

At this stage, I'd like to add that the phenomenon of "speaking in tongues" also exists among Christians. The earliest references can be found in the Acts of the Apostles when God sent His Holy Spirit, granting Christians the gift of speaking divine matters in unfamiliar languages so that people of all linguistic groups could believe their message. Another type of this gift is mentioned elsewhere, serving for the personal edification of the believer. However, many Christians reject these gifts, suspecting that this might be the work of Satan. It's true that Satan often "infiltrates" among Christians who focus excessively on these gifts. Out of fear of infiltration, some Christians turn down these gifts, often discarding the good with the bad. Nevertheless, this threat is real, and everything must be discerned through prayer.

Induced Memories (Regression)

Here, the situation can be the same or completely different from that of spontaneous memories. A person who knowingly undergoes regression is therefore voluntarily opening themselves up (whether knowingly or unknowingly) to the spiritual world, which then has a certain right to intervene in their life. Thus, a demon can provide any information and visions that serve its purposes. Such visions may not be true at all (which often becomes evident upon verification) and can often be unverifiable. For this reason, even many secular psychologists are skeptical of regression. Nonetheless, regression therapists often do not mind. Does it work? So why not use it! Whether it is merely a figment of the patient's imagination or a real memory, it's all the same to them. What matters is that this recollection brings healing.

Healing of Various Illnesses, etc.

If, indeed, during regression, phobias are eliminated, issues are resolved, or diseases are healed, it does not automatically affirm the truth or validity of the methods used. It might sound strange, but even demons can heal and solve our problems. However, this never comes for free and will always have unpleasant repercussions for the individual involved. The only true healing, unconditional and without tragic consequences, is in the name of Jesus Christ. When God heals, He heals for freedom; when Satan heals, there is always a cruel price to be paid.

3) The Question of Evil, Short Life, and Justice

Proponents of reincarnation believe that this concept of repeated opportunities is more just than the single chance offered by Christianity. If we commit evil, we'll be punished; if we do good, we'll be rewarded. The idea that we bear eternal consequences for a finite number of sins (without the chance of redemption) is, for many, unacceptable and contrary to the notion of a loving God. Reincarnation also reliably explains the existence of evil. The suffering we must face is nothing other than the just consequence of evil committed in past lives. Good, then, is a result of our righteous behavior. In other words, everyone lives as they deserve within the context of their account of sins against karma. In some cases, reincarnation advocates claim they are responsible for their own karma, not someone else's. In this context, the sacrifice of Jesus—who according to Christian tradition is punished for the sins of others—is seen as unfair.

MY ANSWER

The Question of Justice

A few lines below, it is shown that reincarnation is not as just as its proponents believe. In fact, it raises more questions and problems than it demonstrates clear aspects of justice. Not to mention, it leaves an individual to suffer for an indefinite time (perhaps for millions of years), repeatedly, without knowing what exactly they are suffering for. The entire idea of injustice within the Christian view resides largely in misunderstanding what justice is and who God Himself is. If God claims to be supremely just, merciful, and loving, how can we speak of any injustice? Would God—an unjust liar—be willing to lower Himself, become human, and allow Himself to be killed for our sake? Maybe we do not comprehend all the details of God's judgment and justice, yet strong indications suggest that God is indeed just—therefore, I have no reason to doubt it.

The Question of Evil

Some people consider reincarnation to be just. If we logically extend this thesis, we must accept very serious consequences and related attitudes toward evil and suffering. For instance, when you encounter thousands of crippled (with severed limbs, gouged eyes, etc.) beggar children in India, you need not pity them. In fact, you shouldn't help them in any way! By doing so, paradoxically, you commit evil against them. They are merely receiving what they deserve! They are serving time for offenses committed in past lives. If you help them, you only postpone their sentence to another reincarnation. You might earn "good karma," but they lose the chance to endure their punishment.

Who cares that these children have no idea why they are being punished? Partly for this reason, some countries are as they are. When people accept the concept of reincarnation, they often entirely ignore the evil, poverty, and suffering around them.

Yes, Christians may not always know how to answer why a particular tragedy occurred or why a certain person died. But God knows (see question no. 18). However, if we accept the reality of reincarnation, the answer is straightforward—these people are receiving what they deserve. You could perhaps give that same answer to a mother of a dying child—"Ma'am, your child was evil, and that's why they suffer and die." I'm sure that will console her…

No, I am not trying to mock another belief. I just want to show you that this ideology is inherently inhumane, lacking compassion, love, forgiveness, and the effort to combat evil. Christianity teaches that suffering, evil, and disease are not good! They are all consequences of human rebellion, and God will soon end their existence. Moreover, God requires love for one's neighbor and compassion from a person. Unfortunately, you will find these traits missing in reincarnation. Reincarnation essentially ignores the existence of evil.

The Question of Personal Responsibility

This argument sounds fairly wise. I made a mistake, and I must bear responsibility. Why should someone else pay for my wrongdoings? To a large extent, this principle holds true. God calls each one to account for their deeds. Yet, He knows that we cannot reach Him by our own means because nothing impure or unholy may stand in His presence. And because He loves us, He decided to make an offer—I will forgive you and take the punishment for your transgressions upon myself. Do you accept? If not, and you believe in reincarnation, where's the guarantee that you'll settle your debt? You recall nothing of past lives. You can neither compare them with previous ones nor know what to avoid because everything is relative. This notion is an imaginative trap. If you choose to bear responsibility for your offenses and don't accept God's grace and forgiveness, you will reap exactly what you desire—"the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). You will carry your transgressions with eternal consequences in the form of being separated from God.

 4) Immortality of the Soul

The argument posits that if an immortal soul exists, then logically, it must either end somewhere after death or continue its journey. Given that people often reject the main alternatives of a final destination in heaven or hell, the idea of further journeying seems logical, more probable, and appealing.

MY RESPONSE

This argument cannot truly serve as a defense of reincarnation. It's an assumption open to multiple interpretations. If our consciousness doesn't cease after death but continues to exist in some form, then what form might that be? Does it reincarnate? Does it dissolve into infinity? Does it stand before God? The mere existence of a soul doesn't inherently indicate whether reincarnation is the correct perspective on our world. Therefore, its truth or falsehood must be evaluated using different benchmarks and arguments. We need to delve deeper into this issue and examine whether there are more reliable arguments to support our beliefs and faith.

5) Reincarnation in the Bible

As previously mentioned, critics of the Bible from the perspective of reincarnation proponents generally follow these lines of argumentation:
a) The teaching of reincarnation was erased from the Bible.
b) The teaching of reincarnation never made it into the Bible because the "church" crafted it according to its preferences.
c) Even though something about reincarnation was erased, the Bible actually teaches it; only the church holds a monopoly on its interpretation and immediately demonizes alternative interpretations.

MY RESPONSE

I hope that after reading the entire section of questions about the Bible, an attentive reader will be able to respond to objections a) and b) themselves. Argument a) can be quite reliably refuted based on modern scholarly findings in textual criticism and archaeology. Although these arguments cannot withstand factual scrutiny, their proponents still frequently employ them. With the existence of hundreds and thousands of different manuscripts found all over the ancient world, it is really impossible to falsify them all and erase anything. And if someone has done so with some part, today's methods of textual criticism can detect it. Argument b) can also be easily refuted from a Christian perspective, as no apocryphal texts carrying the doctrine of reincarnation met the criteria for inclusion in the biblical canon (see the question on canonization). Yet, proponents of reincarnation are still convinced that some prominent Christians did support this teaching, although they were not given a voice. For instance, Origen is cited as a defender of reincarnation, yet he once rejected it outright: 

"In this place it does not appear to me that by Elijah the soul is spoken of, lest I should fall into the dogma of transmigration, which is foreign to the church of God, and not handed down by the Apostles, nor anywhere set forth in the Scriptures." [24]

Answering argument c) is somewhat more complex, as it essentially claims that the current biblical text can be reconciled with the idea of reincarnation. Surprisingly, this stance is held not only by non-Christians but also by a few who identify as Christians. Although their concept of reincarnation differs from the usual one and thus represents a sort of compromise, its proponents still strive to advance it. The principle is simple: Christianity is true, and the only way to God is indeed solely through the Lord Jesus. The catch is that we do not have only one chance to recognize and accept Jesus. If, for some reason, we fail to recognize Jesus (for example, if we live in a remote jungle at the end of the world), we will simply reincarnate repeatedly until we recognize Jesus and achieve salvation. I must describe this attempt to reconcile such contradictory teachings as a travesty, a distortion, and a misrepresentation of the fundamental Christian doctrines. Analyzing specific texts that reincarnation defenders often point to would require much more space. Therefore, I will not address them here. However, we can generally mention the following facts:

Why is reincarnation incompatible with Christian teaching?

• If we could achieve righteousness and salvation by ourselves, Jesus' death (and thus the core Christian message) would be unnecessary. If it were possible to reach God in this manner, Jesus wouldn't have needed to do what he did (e.g., Galatians 2:21).

• If such a crucial doctrine were true, I believe there would be many obvious references and mentions of it in the Bible. We find no such thing.

• The few passages used by reincarnation proponents are utterly insufficient for defending it, are taken out of context, and can be easily explained within the natural context of the Christian message.

• They often refer to apparent similarities that have nothing to do with reincarnation.

• Reincarnation contradicts the fundamental biblical message of the resurrection of the body (we shall have the same body, only perfect and "glorified").

• In reincarnation, you must earn salvation, but in Christianity, God offers it as a gift.

• Reincarnation ignores evil and consequently even encourages people to ignore suffering, whereas the key elements of Christianity are love, forgiveness, and mercy.

• In reincarnation, ultimately everyone might (eventually) achieve salvation, but Christianity emphasizes:

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18)

We could identify many additional problems this doctrine presents (for example, what karmic debt did the first life repay, or where does karma derive its information on what is good and what is evil, when good and evil do not exist in an absolute sense according to reincarnation teachings). Certainly, every doctrine has its challenges, including Christianity. If it were otherwise, I wouldn't be writing this book at all. Therefore, the existence of controversial questions doesn't necessarily mean we must reject a particular idea.

Personally, I have come to understand that the only pathway to God is God himself, revealed in Jesus Christ—not an attempt to earn salvation through our own efforts. Similarly, most, if not all, arguments in favor of reincarnation can be reliably challenged or explained within the context of the Christian God revealed in the Bible.

Summation

Reincarnation draws many supporting arguments from the realm of supernatural experiences and encounters. For this reason, it remains increasingly popular. However, Christianity is capable of reliably responding to its arguments, challenging them, and explaining them in the context of the existence of the spiritual world.