Reincarnation and Near Death Experiences

ndo6532 · #1 Jul 2, '12, 1:32 pm

Hi. I recently stumbled across a program on tv that was featuring people discussing near death experiences that they believed to have had, as well as reincarnation. I was wondering what the Church believes on these topics, as I want to be informed and not ignorant on the subject. Thanks!

chataranga · #2 Jul 2, '12, 1:57 pm

I believe the church teaches that man is appointed to die only once. Therefore the church does not believe in reincarnation-however there are several if not more instances in the Christian Bible where people have been brought back to life by Jesus and also in "Acts" of the apostles. Stay safe and blessings to you and yours.

Dorothy · #3 Jul 2, '12, 2:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by chataranga

I believe the church teaches that man is appointed to die only once. Therefore the church does not believe in reincarnation-however there are several if not more instances in the Christian Bible where people have been brought back to life by Jesus and also in "Acts" of the apostles. Stay safe and blessings to you and yours.

You are correct that the Church teaches that we are appointed to die only once.

Reincarnation is a belief system where the souls of those who die are transmigrated into newborn humans or animals. This is erroneous and not based at all on Divine Revelation. Satan has a field day in trying to get people to believe in this.

Those who died that Jesus or the saints brought back to life were special signs for the people so that they may believe in the power of the Lord, and how He works through the saints for the glory of God. Those same people were to die at their appointed time later on.

The Blood of Jesus is enough to save us in our one life. We have many chances to follow Him!

**GEddie** · #4 Jul 2, '12, 2:58 pm

In respect of near death experience, the Church has never ruled on them. There is simply no way to prove that these are anything more than the dying head giving it's owner one last experience before the oxygen runs out. Nor can it be proven the other way.

As has been stated, reincarnation is wholly alien to the Catholic faith. You do not have a body; you *are* soul AND body. In life eternal, your soul/mind will be fitted with a renewed human body and you will resume being alive.

ICXC NIKA

thistle · #5 Jul 2, '12, 10:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndo6532

Hi. I recently stumbled across a program on tv that was featuring people discussing near death experiences that they believed to have had, as well as reincarnation. I was wondering what the Church believes on these topics, as I want to be informed and not ignorant on the subject. Thanks!

CCC 1013 Death is the end of man's earthly pilgrimage, of the time of grace and mercy which God offers him so as to work out his earthly life in keeping with the divine plan, and to decide his ultimate destiny. When "the single course of our earthly life" is completed, we shall not return to other earthly lives: "It is appointed for men to die once." There is no "reincarnation" after death.

Nelka · #6 Jul 3, '12, 12:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndo6532

Hi. I recently stumbled across a program on tv that was featuring people discussing near death experiences that they believed to have had, as well as reincarnation. I was wondering what the Church believes on these topics, as I want to be informed and not ignorant on the subject. Thanks!

Re-incarnation is rubbish.

chataranga · #7 Jul 3, '12, 12:36 pm

We see what we believe. We'll experience the Truth some day God willing.

thistle · #8 Jul 4, '12, 1:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by chataranga

We see what we believe. We'll experience the Truth some day God willing.

We know the truth now but some choose not to accept it. Once we see God it is too late because your destination is determined by the state of your soul at death. After death you can't say to God I'm sorry, how could I know?
There is no such thing as reincarnation.

Crescentinus · #9 Jul 4, '12, 2:25 am

I know that I'll get attacked for saying this, but I'll say it anyway.
Reincarnation is highly illogical. If karma is the standard for it, then who or what decides it?

chataranga · #10 Jul 4, '12, 7:03 am

Greetings-Actually reincarnation is no less logical than any other theory on what does or doesn't happen to us or other sentient beings. Karma is action so our karma is "decided" by our thoughts, words and deeds good and bad. Jesus basically said in Matthew 26 I believe that if we live by the sword we die by the sword. It is also stated several times in the christian sacred text that if we do good we will be repaid 100 times greater (something to that effect). That is karma though the word karma isn't used(neither is the word purgatory) In the west most folks of faith don't believe this because it is an eastern thought/belief and therefore must be evil. The Buddha says "Do good and be good and this will take you to freedom and whatever truth there is." I believe that by following the teachings of Christ as in Matthew 25:35-36(extend this to all beings-not just this poor lot we call humanity that thinks we are better than all others as we destroy the earth),by doing good and being good I'll maybe knock a few thousand lifetimes off before I find Salvation/liberation or whatever other traditions may call it. That is IF reincarnation exists. If not then maybe I'll make it to purgatory for a shorter period than I would had I not been good and decent to all beings everywhere. Blessings to you and yours.

Hansel Paul · #11 Jul 4, '12, 7:49 am

Reincarnation goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Irishgal49 · #12 Jul 4, '12, 8:24 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nelka

Re-incarnation is rubbish.

Isn't that a shame? If you had a horrible life at least you have the hope of having a better one.

thistle · #13 Jul 4, '12, 8:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishgal49

Isn't that a shame? If you had a horrible life at least you have the hope of having a better one.

You have that when you die in a state of grace and are saved. Eternity in Heaven with God is better than any second shot at life on earth!!

Dorothy · #14 Jul 5, '12, 4:10 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishgal49

Isn't that a shame? If you had a horrible life at least you have the hope of having a better one.

Christians have many chances in their one life. The Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient!

Irishgal49 · #15 Jul 7, '12, 10:34 pm

Not if your life has been a living hell. The afterlife will have to suffice. Just a shame when a life is ruined through no fault of your own. Heck we all sin and mess up our lives but when someone else takes it on themself to destroy your life....sad.