A Xian friend told me she thinks she was reincarnated. Can Xian's really believe in that?

Question

I didn't think that it was allowable.

But according to Xian belief system when you die you either go to heaven or hell. How could you come back as something else then?

Answer 1

They can't officially because it complicates salvation too much. It wouldn't all fit in the creed. But as long as their ultimate fate is divine judgment and disposition, extra rounds of life aren't necessarily a theological problem. It would probably rule out any non-human incarnations, though.

The biggest issue would be how it affects one's attitude toward the current life. Assuming that you have another chance later can lead to fatalism and giving up on either personal improvement or on world improvement. However preliminary it may be, the present life should be taken seriously. (Come to think of it, even some conventional Christians don't take it too seriously.)

Answer 2

The belief in reincarnation is not standard Christian theology, but I've met several Christians who do believe in it. Some of the early Christian sects believed in it. The Rosicrucian Fellowship of Oceanside, CA is just one group that teaches reincarnation, and they label themselves as Christian mystics. I also know people at the local Unity church who believe in it. So yes, some Christians do believe in reincarnation, but it's not a widespread Christian teaching. Some Christians view reincarnation as heretical.

Answer 3

Sure. Reincarnation is in the bible.

Matthew 17:9-13 - And His disciples asked Him, saying, 'Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?' And Jesus answered and said unto them, 'Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them.' Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Matthew 11:13, 14 - For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was to come.

Luke 9:7, 8 - Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; and of some that Elijah had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said, "John have I beheaded: but who is this of whom I hear such things?" and he desired to see Him.

Matthew 16:13, 14 - When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" And they said, "some say that Thou art John the Baptist; some Elijah; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets."

Answer 4

Reincarnation is contradictory to the word of God. It is a belief from an entirely different religion, and has no basis in truth.
The scriptures say that it is appointed to man to die only once, but after that comes judgement.
No room for coming back is made.

Answer 5

Reincarnation is in the Bible.
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen03.html

Answer 6

Are you referring to a friend who is a pedestrian and does a lot of walking?

Answer 7

well, if you don't believe the bible is 100% accurate, then i suppose you could fit a variety of concepts into your belief system.

then again, that one is pretty rare. would Jesus be like Buddha in that scenario? or what?

Answer 8

Christians can believe in anything they like. Who can stop them?

Answer 9

um she CAN but in my belief thats not true, um basically i just go by what the bible says which says it isn't true and after we die if we are christians we go to heaven

Answer 10

It is a historic Christian belief, although most Christians do not know that.