Reincarnation refers to the doctrine or belief that a person may be reborn after death, either as a new person or in another form, such as that of an animal. It is a common belief of both ancient and modern religions and philosophies, including Spiritism, Theosophy, and Eckankar, as well as the more established religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, African Vodun, and others. Most of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) do not believe in reincarnation, there are some minor groups within these religions that do refer to reincarnation, such as the Kabbalah, the Cathars, Alawites, Druze, the Rosicrucians, and some New Age Christian groups. Christian Gnostics also had a belief in reincarnation. While reincarnation is a tenet of several religions, the sites listed in this category focus on reincarnation itself, as reincarnation as a part of a specific faith will be discussed in sites listed within the categories for these faiths. In other words, a New Age church that believes in reincarnation would more appropriately be placed in the New Age category or in the regional category corresponding to its location, but if that same church created a site to discuss its belief in reincarnation, this might be an appropriate category for it. Some sites may appropriately be listed in both categories.
Feature Article
Reincarnation in the Western World
In the Western world, at least in the United
States and, I suppose, Canada,
reincarnation is thought of as the superstitious belief of Hindus
or of ancient traditions of some Native American tribes. According to a
2009 poll by the Pew Research Center, roughly twenty-four percent of
adults in the United States believed in reincarnation, which is nearly one
out of every four people. Since Hindus comprise only less than one-half of
one percent of the population, and Native Americans make up less than one
percent of the population, this suggests that most of those who believe in
reincarnation have a basis for their beliefs elsewhere, especially since
it is unlikely that a large percentage of Native Americans held a belief
in reincarnation in 2009. A report published by James T. Richardson in
2004 numbered the total membership in Native American religions at about
nine thousand people.
However, oral traditions and written records throughout the world are
clear that reincarnation has played a significant role in the human
worldview since the early days of civilization; everywhere, that is,
except in the Western World.
The traditional Yoruba people of West Africa believed that a child born to
a family that had recently experienced the death of a grandparent was that
grandparent being reborn into the family. The Mbuti people of Central
Africa believed that every human being existed in a non-physical
state prior to conception. The Cherokee people of North
America believed that the soul chose a family where it believed it
might be appreciated, and where it might be able to complete a cycle of
learning. The Sioux, the Inuit, and the ancient Incas also held a belief
in reincarnation, but the belief was not all inclusive among the
indigenous people of North America.
The Teutons, Celts, and Gauls were believers, as were the indigenous
people of Hawaii,
the South Sea, and Australia.
Reincarnation was a part of the traditional belief system of people in the
Orient, including Eastern Russia and Japan.
While beliefs in reincarnation fluctuated over the years, except for some
of the indigenous people of North America, the belief was not common in
the Western worldview.
While reincarnation can be found in Judaism,
in the Kabbalah, it has never been an essential tenet of traditional
Judaism. In Christianity,
where it came up, traditionally, such as in the case of the Gnostics, it
was deemed heretical, and drastic measures were taken to stamp it out.
Depending on the poll, from seventy-three to eighty percent of adults in
the United States identify themselves as Christians. Since twenty-four
percent of the adult population believes in reincarnation, does this imply
that everyone else is Hindu? No, because, according to the same polls,
fifteen to twenty percent of adults claimed no religious affiliation.
Interestingly, eleven percent of adults who identified themselves as
evangelical Christians also claimed a belief in reincarnation, although
only about five percent of those claimed regular church attendance.
Although there is nothing in traditional Catholicism
to suggest reincarnation, a full twenty-five percent of U.S. Catholics
believe in reincarnation. Also included among believers in reincarnation
who identify themselves as Christian are adherents to various New
Age sects that have become prominent in the United States since the
1960s and 1970s.
In fact, in the United States, and in Europe
as well, some level of belief in reincarnation seems to be independent of
the age of the person, or of the type of religion they belonged to, the
majority of them being Christians.
However, a 1999 study by Walter and Waterhouse found that most of those
who responded to its study held their belief in reincarnation lightly, and
were unclear on the details of their ideas, and only a few reported direct
experience of the phenomena. Most of those in that survey had heard other
people's accounts of past lives and found them to be fascinating.
It appears then, that while a belief in reincarnation has flowed from the
Eastern into the Western world, the ebb and flow is not held by strong
beliefs. The percentage of Christians in the United States who reported a
belief in reincarnation is fewer than those who claimed a belief in
astrology.
They probably won't be damned for heresy, at least not if their beliefs
count, because only fifty-nine percent of Americans believe in hell.
Recommended Resources
Viewing the subject from a Buddhist perspective, this site discusses the definition of reincarnation and whether it is possible, offering proof of reincarnation, and relates stories of people who have been reincarnated, as well as other topics, such as the relationship between the body and mind, consciousness, and meditation on reincarnation. A guided meditation CD for beginners is available in CD or MP3 formats.
http://www.aboutreincarnation.org/
Carol Bowman's Past Life Forum
Presented by Carol Bowman, author, lecturer, counselor, past life regression therapist, and pioneer in reincarnation studies, the site includes an overview of her theories of past life regression, an introduction to the author, a schedule of workshops, and an online discussion forum. Forum topics may be viewed by anyone, but a (free) member account is required in order to participate. Topics include scientific and anecdotal research, past life memories, and reincarnation questions.
http://www.reincarnationforum.com/
Catholic Answers: Reincarnation
Discussing the topic of reincarnation from a Catholic viewpoint, Catholic Answers refutes New Age doctrines that hold that early Christians believed in reincarnation, or that it was recorded in the first editions of the Bible, but was removed during the Council of Nicaea in AD 533. Arguing that there was no Council of Nicaea in AD 533, and that the closest the Second Council of Constantinople, which was held that year, came to addressing reincarnation was to condemn Origin for his beliefs in it.
https://www.catholic.com/tract/reincarnation
International Project Oriented on the Research and Scientific Proof of Reincarnation
Defined as an alternative science project, the site seeks to prove the reality of reincarnation through scientific means. The methods and technology of the project are discussed, including the use of extrasensory perception, hypnosis, as well as the personality model, which is also defined, and a chart depicting the psycho-biological model of personality is included. The site solicits readers to apply to participate in the project.
http://www.proofofreincarnation.com/
My Journey Down the Reincarnation Highway
Available in book format, Frank Mares discusses is experiences with reincarnation, and the discovery of nine of his past lives. Reincarnation facts are given, and the author's past lives are identified by name, occupation, time period, and cause of death, only two of which were by natural causes. His book may be purchased online in Kindle or paperback from Amazon, in paperback from Barnes & Noble, or purchased for download from Scribd or Google Books.
http://www.reincarnationhighway.com/
The site features what are purported to be actual accounts of reincarnation, including children reporting on their past lives. Readers who have a reincarnation story or experience are invited to share their stories for consideration on the site. Also featured is an introduction to reincarnation, why most people don't remember their past lives, and whether it is possible to regain past life memories and experiences. A directory of past life regression practitioners is included.
http://realreincarnationstories.com/
With a focus on views and tips for exploring the essence of ones past life through reincarnation patterns, June Kaminski offers articles on the subject are presented, as well as online courses on learning to tune in to memories from a past life, including a workbook, links to additional information, and other resources. Also included is an author biography and an online shopping area offering books on the subject.
http://www.reincarnationcentral.com/
Norma Holt reciters what she portrays as facts about reincarnation from her own experiences and studies. She also discusses faith, God's plan, commissions, a sixth sense, healing, treasure, faith, and religious hatred. The author cites Bible passages that she believe speak of reincarnation, such as prophecies of Elijah returning at the end of the day to identify the real God, and discusses how her own experiences contradict what she had been taught about God, heaven, and and hell.
http://www.reincarnationfacts.com/
The purpose of the site is to promote research into reincarnation, and to work for the social change that evidence of past lives can bring. General information about reincarnation and awareness of past lives is put forth, and a book, by Gordon Keirle-Smith, on the subject of children's past-life memories, is reviewed. Specific cases of past lives are examined, noting shared characteristics that might are indicative of past life identifications.
https://reincarnationresearch.com/
Ann Barham offers in-office past-life therapy sessions in Gilroy, California, or by Internet video conferencing. General information on past life sessions are outlined, including an idea of what might be expected, how many visits might be necessary, the costs and payment options, as well as the procedure for setting up for a video conferencing session. Press information, a calendar of events, blog, and information on her book, including online purchasing.
https://www.pastlives.org/
The project seeks to link mainstream science with reincarnation theory, testing the concept that knowledge, talents and experiences accumulated in one lifetime can be found in individuals who have no biological link to the deceased person. The research collaborators are identified, along with an overview of the experiment, periodic updates, illustrative cases, and cases in progress. A published book, with peer reviews, is also available.
http://www.reincarnationexperiment.org/
The Reincarnation of Famous People
Created by Thomas Wolke, who claims to be a retired intelligent analyst and current reincarnation researcher and hypnotist, the web site proposes matches between very famous people with other well known deceased persons. He discusses the methodology used, and how he came about developing an interest in the subject, and his own past lives. People within the Obama circle, prominent Republicans, and other politicians, actors, writers, and other famous people are cited.
http://www.reincar-nation.com/
Based on the answers to a series of personal questions, the web site seeks to determine what a person is likely to be reincarnated as. Another option allows someone else to answer the questions about the subject. Subjects include gender, several questions on self esteem and situational ethics, then presents an answer that may or may not be based on actual reincarnation theory. Comments are solicited.
http://www.reincarnationstation.com/
Norma Holt believes that everyone who has ever lived is back in their bodies at this time, and that this explains the overpopulation problem. Through her experiences, she offers information about what happens after death, arguing that it contradicts what she had been taught about Jesus Christ, heaven, and hell. She also names the Roman Catholic Church as Babylon and discusses contemporary topics, such as terrorism and Israel in light of her experiences in reincarnation.
http://www.italk4u.com/
