Where do we go after we die? And how do you know? (Jesus, paradise)

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by GPV

Other folks have found reasons to think reincarnation is Biblical. I'll see if I can track down some of the pro arguments, if you want. (NOTE: we aren't supposed to debate in here, but I don't think this counts as a debate since we are presenting info from both sides but not getting into a who's right and wrong argument.)

As a moderator, I say "Go ahead!" Nobody's going to get nasty. If we all had exactly the same thing to say, this wouldn't be a particularly interesting discussion, would it?

[GPV]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

As a moderator, I say "Go ahead!" Nobody's going to get nasty. If we all had exactly the same thing to say, this wouldn't be a particularly interesting discussion, would it?

Well all righty, then.

Here are some links to sites about reincarnation and universalism.

http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/....htm#salvation

[michel]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Hey, Michel.

So what's this logical argument? I'm curious.

O.K a logical argument for reincarnation

Children born all over the world, each day. Some in abject poverty, from the second they are born, malnourished, covered in flies looked after by a mother who is more than likely just as malnourished - walking miles each day to get some water to drink, and with which to cook............one out of four of those children will live more than six years..........

Another child, born here in England, to parents who are 'comfotably off' financially, with all the benefits of a reasonably comfortable life (at the worst), the opportunity of a good education, a good job, money, a car..............

How could a loving God be one who would allow such extremes to occur to different people ? - one born into certain illness, poverty and more than likely an early death, whilst giving another one all the benefits denied to the first child?

I came to rationalize this apparent inequality by believing in reincarnation - that throughout the 'string' of all our incarnations, we would all suffer the lows, and be bless with the highs of these different lifestyles. At the end of the day - both children will have lived as much bad and good as each other.

Of course, I have zoomed in on one example - just to give you the idea of my reasoning ; I saw it as logical - perhaps others will disagree. But it was what 'got me through' some extremely bad patches in life - the belief that I was going through a low either to repay a previous high, or to 'prepay' for a high in the next incartnation.........

It was also a sarned good argument against suicide - because if I failed to go through 'all the mess' - I'd have it all to go through again...

[GPV]

Michael, I once had an epiphany wherein for a split second knew that I had been everyone at one time or another, poor, rich, white, black, male, female... I'd been all of it.

And it wasn't an intellectual understanding, but a deep feeling of knowing in my soul. Now, whether God was telling me I had literally lived all of that or if He meant that we are all One therefore their experiences are mine I am not sure.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by michel

How could a loving God be one who would allow such extremes to occur to different people ? - one born into certain illness, poverty and more than likely an early death, whilst giving another one all the benefits denied to the first child?

I came to rationalize this apparent inequality by believing in reincarnation - that throughout the 'string' of all our incarnations, we would all suffer the lows, and be bless with the highs of these different lifestyles. At the end of the day - both children will have lived as much bad and good as each other.

Well, I see your point, but I don't see how God forcing us all to go through poverty, illness, abuse, etc. is really preferable to His only forcing some to go through it. I guess I'm just looking at the whole plan somewhat differently than you are. Yes, it's tragic that we are not all born into good families who enjoy blessed lifestyles. But I also believe that where much is given, much is expected. Maybe those we feel sorry for now will be in a position to feel sorry for us in the eternities. Have you ever thought of it that way?