Let’s first consider accounts of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). Examples of NDEs are generally embraced by Christians. Though they don’t directly prove God’s existence, they do provide evidence that consciousness continues independent of one’s physical body. This invalidates a materialistic worldview which insists that consciousness requires a functioning brain.
A person without heart or brain activity should not be able to witness things happening down the hall and even miles away. A person, blind from birth, has no mechanism for accurately forming visual images. Seeing for the first time during an NDE cannot be attributed to a dying brain. What about a person interacting with a dead person whom they thought to be alive? This doesn’t sound like an experience a dying brain would create. Finally, there are cases when a person experiencing an NDE receives previously unknown information from a dead person that is confirmed later. A dying brain shouldn’t be able to do this. Abundant cases like these are documented in peer-reviewed medical journals. If we accept the science, these provide compelling evidence that consciousness persists even after a person is pronounced physically dead.
But what about reincarnation? There are documented cases where a child remembers details of a former life. These accounts later are verified to be accurate, containing precise details. What does a Christian make of this? We could declare, “This never happens and hide our heads in the sand.” We might push back by postulating that spiritual entities planted the information. Therefore, it was not reincarnation at all. But for sake of argument, let’s not do either of these two things. Let’s assume rather that there are cases where a person really is reincarnated. Would this invalidate Christianity?
The Bible teaches “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).” A strong statement, Isn’t it? Sounds black and white at first glance. But wait. Lazarus died twice, as did many that Jesus and the disciples brought back to life. “It is appointed once,” but Enoch and Elijah didn’t die at all. Those embracing the Jewish tradition await Elijah’s return. There are even Elijah chairs in synagogues. Many Christians wonder if Enoch and Elijah will be the two witnesses of the book of Revelation. Are these speculations reincarnations? One thing is for sure. We cannot take the “die once” statement literally. It establishes a general rule. For most of us, we indeed will die once and then face the loving God of the Universe who will be quick to burn away all of our imperfections.
So, what about reincarnation? Is God allowed to make an exception? Suppose a person facing judgment pleads desperately for another chance at life. Is God obligated to deny the request? Might Jesus enter a plea on the person’s behalf? Can we proclaim, “No never! God cannot!”? I say no. Be clear. I am not saying reincarnation happens. I’m simply saying that God is free to do what he chooses. So, No! Existence of cases of reincarnation do not invalidate Christianity.
Thanks for listening,secondlooknow.com
This is great Dan. I would encourage you to research this further. I happen to think that we need to be fair in judging the evidence. However, we must also consider all possibilities. Could a person’s memories and emotions be transplanted in another in some strange way? Maybe it’s not the soul, just displaced memories?