View of Orthodox Church on Reincarnation

zlata · Post by **zlata** » Sun 14 December 2003 8:13 pm

I need to write a paper to despute Reincarnation, I haven't find any internet sources except the paper of Fr. Alexey Young.
If anyone have any ideas, please help...I would hate to write pro reincarnation
God Bless

bogoliubtsy · Post by **bogoliubtsy** » Sun 14 December 2003 10:51 pm

I don't know that there is much Orthodox literature available on this topic. It's covered a bit in Fr. Seraphim Rose's The Soul After Death, so you may want to check that out.
Depending on the class you're writing it for, you might discuss the injustice of reincarnation. Those who believe in reincarnation usually point to the absolute "justice" of it, compared to what they perceive to be an unjust Christian concept of judgement. Those who adhere to the idea of reincarnation say that one is reborn in a body that provides them with either a reward or punishment based on the activities and "spiritual progress" of their past life. This cycle of rebirth and reward or punishment (for instance,one may be born in a "spiritual" family for good works in their past life, or born as a pig for bad behavior) continues until one makes enough spiritual progress to get out of the cycle of birth and death and eventually return to god. They say the Christian concept of eternal hell or heaven is unjust because one is put into this eternalstate based on the actions of a quick and transitory life which could, over time, possibly be rectified and brought to God.

The fact is, there is no justice in reincarnation. One is placed in a body(be it a plant, animal, man, or demigod) and possibly punished for a past life they cannot even remember. If you cannot remember your past transgressions, what hope do you have to correct them? It's like being told to go to your room by your parents, instructed to think about what you've done wrong, but not having the slightest idea what it is you've done. There's no justice in that.

zlata · Post by **zlata** » Mon 15 December 2003 12:54 am

God bless for your help, PJH. Very good points $/\$
Based on Fr. A. Young, Orthodox Church basicly condamns a belief in reincarnation... but I never knew that it was based on injustice of reincarnation...
It's a comparable religion class. I have to argue fron the point of my religion, not social issue of justice.
So, I guess I'll have to stick with Fr Young's paper... to get Fr Seraphim book would be at least 2 weeks for me... I have until Thursday

Also, please pray for my teacher... he didn't know anything about orthodoxy and now he's so close to actually going to church :mrgreen:

bogoliubtsy · Post by **bogoliubtsy** » Mon 15 December 2003 1:01 am

I don't think the Church rejects reincarnation because it is unjust. The point on injustice was just a simple one I wanted to make that I find interesting. I think the Church rejects reincarnation because it tampers with the idea of creation and personhood. I'll try and remember to pray for your teacher!

Liudmilla · Post by **Liudmilla** » Mon 15 December 2003 7:31 am

http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets ... agon_e.htm

perhaps the above site will be of help to you....