reincarnation

Someone asked that I write about reincarnation.  Reincarnation is the belief that when we die, we return to life as a person again or as an animal or insect.  These cycles continue until we "get it right" and enter heaven.

Reincarnation is an idea that although uncommon in the west, is very common in the east.  Not all eastern ideas are bad, but in my opinion, this is not a good one.

For one, the math just doesn't add up.  Think of the world's population in 500 AD, 1000 AD, 2011, and one hundred years from now.  There are more and more people, so I guess that there must be fewer animals and insects. If you follow my logic.  It just doesn't add up.

Another problem with reincarnation is that instead of seeing the animal world as here for our benefit, many cultures will not kill animals or insects for fear that they are killing someone's relative.  Consequently, people in such cultures suffer from insect born disease and hunger.

Ultimately, I don't see how the concept of reincarnation fits at all with my understanding of the Christian faith.  The scriptures say, it is given to man once to die, and then the judgement.  Hebrews 9:27.  This simply means to me that this is our chance, in this life to recognize and respond to God or not.  After death, we are judged and we spend eternity in the place that God has prepared for those that love him, or in the place that God has prepared for those who are selfish and perfer not to love God.

So, thats my take on reincarnation.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.