Is Reincarnation Real?

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While Christianity may be the most prevalent spiritual belief in the world, it certainly doesn’t hold a monopoly on the religious market. Many other faiths follow similar beliefs. One major difference is the acceptance of reincarnation.

The Christian Bible makes no mention of the concept of reincarnation. As a consequence, Christian churches traditionally reject the idea.

But what is the truth?

In our ongoing effort to reconcile the differences between spiritual beliefs and the world of science and logic, we need to step back once again, and view the Bible as a whole rather than nitpick what is or is not included. We also need to acknowledge the evidence of personal accounts of our fellow human citizens. After all, the Bible itself is a collection of reflections of people who are open to admitting their flaws and their struggles to learn.

Just because the Bible omits any reference to a subject, doesn’t automatically mean that it doesn’t exist. The Bible doesn’t mention sounds that our ears cannot detect, light waves our eyes cannot see, nor radiation we cannot feel, yet science has revealed those factors. Neither does the Bible address the sub-atomic world that science has identified as the foundation of our existence.

Over the course of many years, stories have come forward that suggest that the human spirit may, in fact, transition in and out of physical form. Stories abound of those who claim memories of a past life, including details that are not readily available through research. Evidence from children is especially compelling. When a young child expresses a familiarity with something or someone that existed before they were born, it is difficult to deny there is something going on outside of our normal experience.

In judging the likelihood of anything related to the realm outside of our normal physical existence, most of us are handicapped by the simple concept that there are things outside of our ability to recognize because we just don’t have the tools. Try as we might, even our science struggles to develop the tools we need to sense what lies beyond.

But, there are exceptions, and it is those exceptions that give us reason to open our minds to possibilities outside of the established parameters of any particular spiritual footing.

While still controversial, accounts of those who have had a confirmable experience with a medium only add to the accumulated evidence that there is a spiritual realm beyond our ability to detect. Likewise, narratives of those who claim to have experienced death and somehow returned, reveal details of a state of existence that we can only imagine while in our physical form. Many of those anecdotes speak of sensations that have no counterparts in human experience.

Once we come to terms with the vast amount of knowledge that we are unable to access despite our ever-expanding science expertise, it becomes easier to consider that reincarnation may be just another secret ingredient in the recipe of our existence.

 

 

Flavors of Faith

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While the prevailing theme of these posts is predominately Christian, there is little doubt that world-wide, there is a wide variety of beliefs regarding human connections to the Creator and the fate of those who pass through death’s door. From a purely Christian standpoint, the statement attributed to Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” seems to rule out any other religion for those who hope to enjoy a continuing existence after death.

For those of us who struggle to justify our logic with our efforts to embrace faith, this seems to be in direct conflict with the idea of a loving God. Would a loving God reject those who never had the chance to experience the Christian faith?

Perhaps there is another answer. If we accept the idea that Jesus is essentially the gatekeeper to the heavenly afterlife, is it possible that there are many paths that eventually lead to that gate, and it is at that point that souls find their opportunity to encounter and accept Jesus and gain access?

When we reflect on the incredible volume of mysteries of our existence, we must concede that we need to accept the possibility that the principles of Christianity, or any other religion, simply don’t reveal the whole story.

Perhaps the simplest truth is that all of humanity instinctively knows that there is more to our existence than the physical world, and just as instinctively, seeks to connect to the source. The confusion comes from the fact that we are handicapped by the limitations of the human form. As a result, humanity “invents” forms of worship in a never-ending effort to make that connection. At the same time, we explore other possible concepts such as numerology, astrology, and other mystical avenues, each with its own hint of being a part of the whole picture.

Rather than outright rejecting alternate “flavors” of faith, we might recognize and appreciate the effort and, like choosing a variety of foods from the market, recognize that all paths ultimately lead to the same “checkout.” All ultimately lead to the Gatekeeper.

Along the way, human nature and curiosity may lead to exploring other beliefs. Perhaps that impulse is part of the human experience as we strive to grow, learn, and embrace bits and pieces of the vast mystery of our existence.

Glimpse of Heaven

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Perhaps the greatest question of faith is – “what lies beyond death’s door?”

Whether a person has a strong faith or none, that question applies to all. Different denominations or even different beliefs share that same question. What is it like after death? What will I see or feel? Will I be reunited with loved ones who have gone before? Will I continue to exist at all?

Certainly the Bible provides some hints, but just that – hints. We need to remember that the Bible was written in the language of the time and using examples that would be familiar. Even if we accept that the texts of the Bible were inspired, the translation of that inspiration needed to be in a language that readers would understand. The report that heaven contains “many mansions,” and that the streets are paved with gold creates the image that would appeal to a human being concerned about that uncertain future, but ring a bit hollow when tested against contemporary logic. Would a spirit-being require a mansion? Would a spirit-being require a street, let alone a street of gold?

The reality is that these images are in the form that we, as human beings, can identify with. The truth is something far beyond our ability to comprehend because we don’t have the background of experience to compare. There’s an old expression that fits this scenario perfectly – “there’s more than meets the eye.”

Fortunately, current technology gives us access to additional examples that provide more insight into the realities of the realm of existence after physical death. Most commonly referred to as NDE (near death experience), these episodes are strong evidence that the human personality or spirit continues to exist following physical death. One critical benchmark of these reports is the fact that the person reporting this experience has no agenda. In fact, many of those making such claims would prefer not to be publically acknowledged. The second critical benchmark is that, having had such an experience, they no longer fear death because they claim to know for a certainty what lies beyond death’s door.

The Bible and traditional discussions about heaven would have us believe that heaven is just another world with conditions that mimic the physical world that we experience. Those who have experienced death and a return to life report sensations that exceed our earthly experiences such as a bright light or colors that don’t exist in the physical world. Some report landscapes of serene beauty. Some report different landscapes. Some report meeting deceased loved ones, dressed in familiar garb. In short, people seem to experience what means the most to them. It seems that “heaven” is, at least, partially defined by the individual’s interpretation.

The bottom line is that the afterlife, or heaven,  is not so much a physical space as it is a dimension of spirit energy. A large part of our struggle to imagine the afterlife is simply that we don’t have words in our vocabulary to describe a spiritual realm. If we reflect on it, we would recognize that all the words in our vocabulary are connected to some type of image or sensation. Lacking that connection, we are handicapped in our efforts to grasp the concept of a realm where our spirit exists, not in a physical form, but as a free-form energy.

We keep trying to imagine the “where” of the afterlife. The problem is that “where” is a feeble substitute for that missing word from our vocabulary. Perhaps we will never know the correct description until we arrive.

 

The True Power of Prayer

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Perhaps the most fervent of prayers occur in moments of desperation when it seems relief from our pain is out of our control. Even non-believers will resort to prayers when it seems there is little hope. Lost loves, betrayal, death of a loved one, job loss, serious illness – all of these trigger passionate prayers seeking relief.

So, why does it seem so many of these prayers go unanswered?

Perhaps the simplest answer is also the most complex.

If we view our human lives as a training experience for the eventual spiritual phase of our existence, we might begin to understand. It might be fair to say that we cannot fully appreciate the light without also experiencing the darkness. We cannot truly appreciate the sound of music without first experiencing silence. Most importantly, we cannot entirely appreciate joy without also experiencing pain and sorrow.

In that respect, perhaps God’s answer is simply – “no.”

Still, we might question – why would a loving God deny us our most earnest plea?

If, even in our most tepid degree of faith, we acknowledge the existence of an all-knowing, all-powerful God, we need to respect and accept that He would know what is in our best interest in the long term. In the most basic understanding, we must acknowledge that, if every prayer to spare the life of a loved one were answered to our satisfaction, we, the inhabitants of the earth, would long ago have run out of room and resources. So, the basic cycle of life and death is necessary.

But not all prayers are devoted to extending a life. Some are for relief from pain, hunger or mental anguish. Perhaps the simplest answer is clearly – it is as it is meant to be. If God has a plan for each of us, those moments of stress or pain are part of our training.

Finally, there is the possibility that we are disappointed because we don’t get the answer we desire. Perhaps we need to pray for the right solution – the solution to which God always answers “yes.” Then, it is up to us to accept the answer.

The prayer which always receives a loving answer is the prayer for peace of mind. The answer to that prayer, if we are willing to accept it, is always “yes.”

 

 

Eve’s Apple

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If nothing else, the Bible is a mysterious book, filled with prophecies and admonishments. Perhaps none is more well-known than the tale of Eve being tempted by the serpent and eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

And perhaps none is more pertinent to today’s worldwide culture than that story.

It seems that there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of violence, conflict, and intolerance on an international scale. Lately, it seems particularly extreme in the USA.

The advances in science and technology have given us great gifts in the area of communication. Unfortunately, that gift of knowledge comes with the companion or at least the potential of evil. The ease of spreading valuable information allows the spread of misinformation just as easily. The floodgates are open, and the flood is a mix of good and bad. Even our churches are not immune. Sadly, there have been stories in the news of clergy and churches that seem to have abandoned the principles of Christianity in favor of political expediency.

There is no denying that the Bible is filled with stories of conflict, cruelty, and intolerance. If we take a step back and view the Bible in its entirety, we might recognize that much of the Bible is a history that leads up to a revelation and confirmation of the ultimate goal and standards for humanity.

But, the apple is off the tree, and we need to recognize and travel the right path. We need to learn to recognize and reject those messages that are in conflict with basic ethical and Christian principles. We need to learn how to use those principles in making the judgments of the messages we receive daily.

There is another familiar phrase we might want to reference – “one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.” Its roots can be traced back to  “A rotten apple quickly infects its neighbor”, first recorded as used in English in 1340.

There is no question that there are some bad apples in current harvests. It is up to each of us to reject those bad apples before they can spread hate and intolerance.

Christian is more than just a title – it is a way of life, but it shares a common theme with many other religious beliefs – do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

We may have gained the knowledge of good and evil, but perhaps we still need to learn how to make the right choice.

 

 

 

The Greatest Commandment

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While it may seem at times that logic and faith are at odds, a deeper look reveals that logic supports faith to a degree that most of us ignore. The Ten Commandments and the lessons of Christianity are a prime example.

The Bible records that Jesus was challenged with the question –  which was the greatest of the Ten Commandments. His response was “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

While it might seem that this simple answer dodges some of the more realistic issues addressed by the other commandments, nothing could be further from the truth.

If we drill down to the core values expressed by the Ten Commandments and the messages of Jesus’ ministry, we will discover that love is the common and foundational element of both. Even with all the controversy over who wrote the books of the Bible, which translation is most accurate, and which denomination is closest to true Christianity, there is little doubt that love is the bedrock of faith.

If we review each of the Ten Commandments, we should recognize that love is the reason behind each, and loving God gives us the energy and commitment we need to embrace the other commandments.

Here’s where the logic comes in.

Each of us, to varying degrees, has had the experience of being loved. If the love we experience is strong enough and sincere enough, we feel the desire to love in return.

When we apply this understanding to the Ten Commandments, we will recognize that loving God is an expression of appreciation for our existence, and fulfilling the obligations of the other commandments is our way of showing our love of God.

The most common element of those who have reported a near-death experience (NDE) is a sensation of overwhelming and unconditional love. Logic suggests that loving God is the key to developing a connection with the power of the Creator.

And the intensity and sincerity of that love can only enhance that vital connection.

 

 

Heaven’s Address

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The core belief of just about any religion is the concept of heaven. The interpretation of that concept varies, and Christianity is no exception.

Probably the most common fallacy in many of these beliefs is that heaven is a place. While the Bible is guilty of promoting the same notion (In my father’s house are many mansions” -“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass”) – even basic logic challenges these claims. If gold was so common that it could be used as a paving material, it would seem to diminish the value of that element.

What is more likely is that these descriptions are meant to project the value of a heavenly existence in terms that humans would find appealing and worthy of the effort to gain.

Perhaps the simple truth is that the heavenly afterlife is a state of existence that defies human description. Perhaps we need to recognize that the afterlife is not so much a place, as it is a state of existence for which we have no earthly terms.

We tend to rely on the passages of the Bible without questioning the accuracy of those texts. We disregard the very real issue that those passages were recorded by human hands, using the language and terminology of the times. Even if we allow that they might have been inspired by God, they are still the recollections and interpretations of human agents.

If we were to consider contemporary accounts, we might have a clearer picture of our hoped-for destination.

Todays’ technology has opened the floodgates of access to descriptions of the afterlife provided by those who have reported a near-death experience (NDE). Basically, these are stories related by those who have experienced clinical death, only to recover. Their descriptions tend to be very similar, frequently describing intense white light and vibrant colors never encountered in physical life. Another common element is a report of encountering deceased relatives, sometimes relatives they never meet in life.

While many people feel these reports are merely the result of a human brain, struggling to project a final dream state, logic challenges that interpretation. The commonalities and the lack of a personal agenda are  strong arguments for the reality of these experiences. Many are reluctant to speak of their experience for fear of ridicule, and several report that they were atheists or hard-core skeptics prior to their experience, but no longer held those beliefs afterward.

One unique element of these reports is that the “landscape” of the afterlife varies according to the desire of the individual. Another aspect, unique to each experiencer, is a report that those they encounter on the other side are younger, in perfect health, and wearing familiar garb.

Finally, the most common recollection of those who undergo an NDE is the sensation of unconditional love. Perhaps that is the best description of all. Heaven is the home of unconditional love.

And a better neighborhood cannot be imagined.

 

 

Everything Happens for a Reason?

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Everything happens for a reason.

It’s a common expression that people use to explain the unexplainable – at least in human terms. The implication is that there is some higher power that has an agenda. The irony is that the person using this expression is typically a non-believer. There is no belief system attached to this expression and no logic. It is merely a throwaway response to an unfortunate and unexplainable event.

If pressed, this person would assign the blame to that mystical force that most of us would identify as “God,” – but purely as a matter of convenience, because he has no logical explanation.

This is one time when logic and faith are equally incapable of a credible response. While believers might cling to the concept that God has a purpose linked to every event, even the slightest application of logic weakens that argument. The Bible itself provides evidence that God does not manipulate and orchestrate all human behavior. From the first example of Eve, defying God’s directives, to the masses rebelling and leading to the flood of Noah’s task, it is apparent that God has given his creation free will.

On the logic side of the question is the improbable concept that God is juggling the lives of millions of human beings at every moment. That, of course, is based on the human grasp of numbers. As human beings, we are incapable of believing that the entity we call God, could possibly manage the infinite number of actions and moments of all of humanity. It’s just too much.

Or is it?

We might be able to accept the idea of God coordinating events if we revise the saying to read – some things happen for a reason. On that basis, we can see the possibility that God could allow us our free will lifestyle, while reserving that special moment or event to fulfill His ultimate purpose for each of us.

There have been numerous reports of people who have experienced what is called an NDE – near-death experience. A frequent element of these accounts is the report of those having such an experience that they were informed that they needed to return to life because they had not yet fulfilled their purpose on earth.

Now, it begins to make sense.

Perhaps there are moments in each of our lives when we need a certain experience as part of our maturing as a spiritual beings. Perhaps there are moments in our free-will lifestyle when we are on the verge of encountering a dangerous act that would jeopardize our ability to achieve our purpose on earth.

Perhaps some things do happen for a reason, but the reason is beyond our ability to comprehend. Perhaps some things happen because God allows us our free will and we create those happenings by our own actions.

And perhaps that is part of His plan.

Christmas Facts and Fallacies

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Between elves, flying reindeer, and black Friday deals, it’s very easy to lose track of what the Christmas season is all about. Christmas is, after all, supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Or, is it?

One of the interesting things that we discover when comparing science and logic against tenets of faith is that elements that we have come to associate with certain religious events are not quite what we were led to believe. In fact, the Christmas that we have come to celebrate is pretty much cobbled together from a variety of traditions from various cultures across the globe.

In ancient Rome, December 25 was a celebration of the Unconquered Sun, marking the return of longer days. It followed Saturnalia, a festival where people feasted and exchanged gifts. . The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.  The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice.  (source – Britannica.com)

The actual location and setting of the birth of Christ is also debatable. We’ve been led to believe that the special event took place in what is essentially, a stable, in a town called Bethlehem. Both of those elements of the Christmas story are challenged by contemporary scholars.

Somewhere along the line, Christmas became a holiday devoted to gift exchanges along with mythical Santa Clause, elves, and those flying reindeer. It is a time when we are all urged to give in remembrance of the gifts that were given at that special time so long ago.  It is easy to see how Christmas was highjacked by commercial interests.

But what about that special date?

The origin of assigning December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is unknown. There are various explanations related to seasonal recognition or adaptation of previous celebrations. But what is the truth?

The truth… the real truth, is that it doesn’t matter. The purest version of Christmas is that it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an annual event celebrating and honoring the moment that Christianity truly began. It is a moment in time when love, and giving, and joy are the order of the day. The specific date doesn’t matter as much as the annual remembering.

In the end, time has no meaning. Neither does the specific place and time. What does have meaning is the annual reminder of the greatest gift mankind has ever received, a gift that exists beyond time.

 

Miracle Recipe

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Those who are hard-core deniers of the concept that our universe and everything in it are the result of God’s creation cling to the belief that evolution of life forms over eons of time, resulted in the human form. True, it’s hard to ignore the evidence of variations of the human form thousands of years ago, but that evidence doesn’t override the question of the origins of humanity.

The question still remains. Are we the result of intelligent design, or just the lucky combination of eons of nature’s trial and error?

Right up front, the problem is that the hard-core evolutionists fail to consider that the evolutionary process might, in fact, be God’s intentional process. It might simply be the tool He chooses to use.

While we are considering God’s tools, we need to consider the complexity of one of the most important tools in the collection – DNA.

At this point in time, most of us are aware of DNA, if for no other reason than the scientific community has revealed the incredible number of variations that DNA can produce. Like fingerprints, it seems that no two people have the same mix (with the possible exception of identical twins).

But DNA is much more than a handy identifier. It is a complex blueprint for a living being. It is like a self-replicating instruction manual or recipe, with thousands of options. And, a copy of that instruction manual is contained in every cell. That, in itself, is evidence of complex planning. When we consider that each cell contains instructions for every aspect of the human body, regardless of the location and function of that cell, it becomes impossible to explain the how and why that would happen.

Our scientific community likes to explain the variety of human variations by citing the odds as some number, followed by lots of zeros. What they fail to acknowledge, is that every zero takes it farther and farther away from the probability that life is the result of that lucky combination of nature’s trial and error.

Every added zero increases the odds in favor of the probability that the vast mix of human life on earth is the result of intelligent design.