Do you believe in reincarnation?

I think with reincarnation I will experience great technologythe world running out of resources in my next life.

No, if there is reincarnation then how does the earths population increase? How do you know you will end up back on earth again, or even a human? Etc, etc.

No, but I'm open to the possibility.

No, it's not possible at all. Sorry.

No, if there is reincarnation then how does the earths population increase? How do you know you will end up back on earth again, or even a human? Etc, etc.

Yandere

As a man who tries his best to adhere to the agnosticphilosophy I can't outright deny the possibility of reincarnation... but it's not bloody likely!

No. That's tought mainly by Hinduism and Buddhism; neither of which I follow.

[QUOTE="Yandere"]

No, if there is reincarnation then how does the earths population increase? How do you know you will end up back on earth again, or even a human? Etc, etc.

slipknot0129

No, bugs and parasites are still growing, the only reason is the animal population is lowering is because of us killing them.

I'd rather beleive you come back than stay in eternal bliss or eternal damnation...

I'd rather beleive you come back than stay in eternal bliss or eternal damnation...

ps3wizard45

Don't forget eternal oblivion :D

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

ariz3260

[QUOTE="ariz3260"]

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

mindstorm

oh the irony.

[QUOTE="ariz3260"]

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

mindstorm

I agree to a certain extend. I took a class in Buddhism in college and somehow the experience is different than learning it in Chinese, it just doesn't sound the same...

Same thing when I learned Christianity in Chinese though. I guess the language barrier is a hurdle that needs to be overcome, espeically in regards to religion

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="ariz3260"]

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

ariz3260

I agree to a certain extend. I took a class in Buddhism in college and somehow the experience is different than learning it in Chinese, it just doesn't sound the same...

Same thing when I learned Christianity in Chinese though. I guess the language barrier is a hurdle that needs to be overcome, espeically in regards to religion

As a man who tries his best to adhere to the agnosticphilosophy I can't outright deny the possibility of reincarnation... but it's not bloody likely!

Schwah

reincarnation without memory of past lives = no point in reincarnation.

Believing in it to ensure you do good in this lifetime is similar to christian belief in an afterlife. You must realise that you should "do good" for yourself and others around you - not for a lolly at the end of it.

oh the irony.

FamiBox

:P

I agree to a certain extend. I took a class in Buddhism in college and somehow the experience is different than learning it in Chinese, it just doesn't sound the same...

Same thing when I learned Christianity in Chinese though. I guess the language barrier is a hurdle that needs to be overcome, espeically in regards to religion

ariz3260

Yeah, that's what I've noticed in my studies. The cultural barrier makes it extremely difficult to understand at times.

That's two things I absolutely love studying, cultures and religion. Sadly I have not studied the former as much as I would like.

right.. so it's the learning that's wrong, not the subject...jasperrussell

Partially that. I suppose the culture you came from and the frames of reference play a huge part in it too. In China, people often focus on the philosophical aspect of a religion and that tends to fly well with how Buddhism is taugh, at least to me anyway. I have yet to meet anyone here in the US who focus on the living philosphy of Christianity. That is always something I look forward to find out.

reincarnation without memory of past lives = no point in reincarnation.

Believing in it to ensure you do good in this lifetime is similar to christian belief in an afterlife. You must realise that you should "do good" for yourself and others around you - not for a lolly at the end of it.

jasperrussell

I came across some mention of studies where people have recollection of their previous life. As to the validity of such claimes I have yet to see any concrete evident. But a Buddhist would probably tell you that either you have no need to know of it (a nice way to cop out of it it seems), or that if you want to know what your previous life was like, you current life is a reflection of that. And if you what to know what your next life is like, your actions in this life will determines that....(another nice way to cop out)

Stuff like this just throws me into deep thoughts....

Yeah, that's what I've noticed in my studies. The cultural barrier makes it extremely difficult to understand at times.

That's two things I absolutely love studying, cultures and religion. Sadly I have not studied the former as much as I would like.

mindstorm

Mindstorm since I got your audience here and I know you are big on religion, let me ask you something:

What would get you into heaven? Faith in Christ alone? Or how one conduct his/her life on this earth?

No I don't

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Yeah, that's what I've noticed in my studies. The cultural barrier makes it extremely difficult to understand at times.

That's two things I absolutely love studying, cultures and religion. Sadly I have not studied the former as much as I would like.

ariz3260

Mindstorm since I got your audience here and I know you are big on religion, let me ask you something:

What would get you into heaven? Faith in Christ alone? Or how one conduct his/her life on this earth?

Yes, I completely and wholheartedly believe in it. Just as there have been cases of NDEs, angels and bright lit tunnels and such, so have there been testimonials of people being born with past memories and even some physical similarities to past lives. Personally I believe the soul evolves, and Earth is not the only place rebirth occurs, it can and does happen anywhere.

The main reason I believe this is because the alternative (eternal life, heaven, a loving holy father) is so absurdly ludicrous and laughable to me that reincarnation is the next most sensible thing. :)

Grace through faith alone can redeem a person before God, but true faith is carried out in action. If a person truly believes and has faith then it will be seen in his or her actions. The very heart of the individual is changed into one that seeks the things of God rather than one's own selfish desires.mindstorm

Good. Now how about people who had never heard of Christ? Sorry about all the quetions... I rarely get the chance to have a frank discussion with a person of faith without being feel like the target of conversion.

[QUOTE="ariz3260"]

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Grace through faith alone can redeem a person before God, but true faith is carried out in action. If a person truly believes and has faith then it will be seen in his or her actions. The very heart of the individual is changed into one that seeks the things of God rather than one's own selfish desires.ariz3260

Good. Now how about people who had never heard of Christ? Sorry about all the quetions... I rarely get the chance to have a frank discussion with a person of faith without being feel like the target of conversion.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="ariz3260"]

Besides being reborn to this world, in Buddhism a soul can be reborn to different realms. The concept makes sense to me

zombiefruit

It's no problem. According to Romans 1 all men have some knowledge of a Creator God within them. That knowledge can either redeem them or they will deny it, living a life apart from God. All men, having this knowledge deep within them, are therefore without excuse when it comes to whether or not they have heard the good news of Jesus Christ. Many, like Abraham, lived before the time of Christ but knew that this God would provide a sacrifice (which is Jesus) for his sin, his turning from God. We all have this ability to know God. At least, that is my view on the subject. I need to do more research to find out what others have believed on this topic as well. :Pmindstorm

Good good. Now hope you don't mind me getting more techical here. You mentioned in Roman 1 that everyone have some knowledge of a Creator God within them, and to be saved (in the Christian sense) one not necessary need to have faith in Christ (in the case of Abraham) but to the Creator God.

My question is, is it possible to have complete and utter faith in this Creator God through other means? I guess my question is, in the absense of Christianity, is it possible to have faith in a religion other than Christianity to reach Creator God?

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]It's no problem. According to Romans 1 all men have some knowledge of a Creator God within them. That knowledge can either redeem them or they will deny it, living a life apart from God. All men, having this knowledge deep within them, are therefore without excuse when it comes to whether or not they have heard the good news of Jesus Christ. Many, like Abraham, lived before the time of Christ but knew that this God would provide a sacrifice (which is Jesus) for his sin, his turning from God. We all have this ability to know God. At least, that is my view on the subject. I need to do more research to find out what others have believed on this topic as well. :Pariz3260

Good good. Now hope you don't mind me getting more techical here. You mentioned in Roman 1 that everyone have some knowledge of a Creator God within them, and to be saved (in the Christian sense) one not necessary need to have faith in Christ (in the case of Abraham) but to the Creator God.

My question is, is it possible to have complete and utter faith in this Creator God through other means? I guess my question is, in the absense of Christianity, is it possible to have faith in a religion other than Christianity to reach Creator God?

Not the Western interpretation of the Indian take on it. From what I've read the commonly known interpretation of karmic rebirth is wrong. At least from how I understand it. Your "self" doesn't continue on after death, but merely the total events that made you who you were in life, those continue on and continue to influence the universe long after you're dead. i.e. Your "karma's" effects carry consequences long after those choices took place, and it takes a long time for it to dissolve.

Considering the stuff I've been reading about Hinduism, I don't see where the "your spiritual body is reborn in a new body" concept comes from. It makes sense in context with the Vedic mythology... but that has more to do with morality and the living of everyday life than an understanding of the universe, which comes in the Upanishads.

Its complex, and goes far beyond the "old self in a new body" ideal. One of the major things that makes me think this way is that the newly born "self" can't remember events of past "selfs." Some yogis, rishis and sadhus (as well as many Buddhists) claim its possible, but don't see how.

Not the Western interpretation of the Indian take on it. From what I've read the commonly known interpretation of karmic rebirth is wrong. At least from how I understand it. Your "self" doesn't continue on after death, but merely the total events that made you who you were in life, those continue on and continue to influence the universe long after you're dead. i.e. Your "karma's" effects carry consequences long after those choices took place, and it takes a long time for it to dissolve.

Considering the stuff I've been reading about Hinduism, I don't see where the "your spiritual body is reborn in a new body" concept comes from. It makes sense in context with the Vedic mythology... but that has more to do with morality and the living of everyday life than an understanding of the universe, which comes in the Upanishads.

Its complex, and goes far beyond the "old self in a new body" ideal. One of the major things that makes me think this way is that the newly born "self" can't remember events of past "selfs." Some yogis, rishis and sadhus (as well as many Buddhists) claim its possible, but don't see how.

foxhound_fox

why s everyonre saying bluntly is not true. anything is probable and theres no way of knowing untill we die.mayforcebeyou

Sadly not. I've known of great Christians such as C. S. Lewis who has believed this but I do not. Basically, a person must worship the Creator, not the creation (including themselves or their own enlightenment). Furthermore, one realize their own fault before this good God and thus seek to become right with this God. Simply trusting in this God to provide a way (ultimately through Jesus Christ) is the only way to find salvation. Also, denying the name of Jesus once the name has been heard is a big no no. Keep in mind these are simply some of my ideas. Only through Jesus Christ can a person's salvation truly be secured. I realize most of the world does not do this. That realization is a huge reason why I preach the good news of Jesus Christ any chance I get.mindstorm

Fair enough. Back to your point. I thought you mentioned that having faith in Creator God precede having faith in Jesus Christ, as evident by Abraham and those that came before Christ. And of those that had not the good fortune to heard of Christ and his teachings, let alone the chance to believe in him.

In bold when you mentioned these are your own ideas, exactly what are you referring to? Is it the denying the name of Jesus once one heard of his name? Or is it the part where Christ is the only vehicle for salvation? I suppose they are one and the same question but just want some clarification on that.

Personally I accept many of Christianity precepts as they formed a very good moral fundation for all to follow. People might call me a radical for believing this, but I do believe that all religions are not meant to be exclusive, and that at the end, what science will utimately teach us is, "God" (or the concept of it) is what is behind everything.

Before all of you bust out your pitchfolks, this is just my personal belief and I have absolutely no proof of this whatsoever and you are free to disagree with me. It makes sense to me on a philosophical basis.

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

Sadly not. I've known of great Christians such as C. S. Lewis who has believed this but I do not. Basically, a person must worship the Creator, not the creation (including themselves or their own enlightenment). Furthermore, one realize their own fault before this good God and thus seek to become right with this God. Simply trusting in this God to provide a way (ultimately through Jesus Christ) is the only way to find salvation. Also, denying the name of Jesus once the name has been heard is a big no no. Keep in mind these are simply some of my ideas. Only through Jesus Christ can a person's salvation truly be secured. I realize most of the world does not do this. That realization is a huge reason why I preach the good news of Jesus Christ any chance I get.ariz3260

Fair enough. Back to your point. I thought you mentioned that having faith in Creator God precede having faith in Jesus Christ, as evident by Abraham and those that came before Christ. And of those that had not the good fortune to heard of Christ and his teachings, let alone the chance to believe in him.

In bold when you mentioned these are your own ideas, exactly what are you referring to? Is it the denying the name of Jesus once one heard of his name? Or is it the part where Christ is the only vehicle for salvation? I suppose they are one and the same question but just want some clarification on that.

Personally I accept many of Christianity precepts as they formed a very good moral fundation for all to follow. People might call me a radical for believing this, but I do believe that all religions are not meant to be exclusive, and that at the end, what science will utimately teach us is, "God" (or the concept of it) is what is behind everything.

Before all of you bust out your pitchfolks, this is just my personal belief and I have absolutely no proof of this whatsoever and you are free to disagree with me. It makes sense to me on a philosophical basis.

To clarify, Jesus is the only way a person can gain salvation but according to some texts within Scripture, Abraham not knowing the literal name of Jesus was not what saved him but his faith in God and his promise. Abraham knew that God would provide a sacrifice because of his faith in God. In the end, Abraham was still saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the one and only vehicle for salvation.

As for what you say about exclusive religions, many religions are able to include teachings of other religions. Christianity, however, is an exclusive religion. It makes blunt claims that everything else is idolatry and that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to the Father. Because of this, one cannot logically accept both the teachings of Christianity and another religion in good conscious. As C. S. Lewis once said, Jesus is either liar, lunatic, or Lord. He can be nothing else as he did not leave room for another option.

What I was refering to was everything said before that statement. Everything after is standard within Christianity.

To clarify, Jesus is the only way a person can gain salvation but according to some texts within Scripture, Abraham not knowing the literal name of Jesus was not what saved him but his faith in God and his promise. Abraham knew that God would provide a sacrifice because of his faith in God. In the end, Abraham was still saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the one and only vehicle for salvation.

As for what you say about exclusive religions, many religions are able to include teachings of other religions. Christianity, however, is an exclusive religion. It makes blunt claims that everything else is idolatry and that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to the Father. Because of this, one cannot logically accept both the teachings of Christianity and another religion in good conscious. As C. S. Lewis once said, Jesus is either liar, lunatic, or Lord. He can be nothing else as he did not leave room for another option.

mindstorm

I definitely hear you on the part about Christianity being exclusive as claimed in the Bible (I read through the entire Bible but it was ages ago, I don't remember much of it). There are some points I like to discuss with you on the Bible but I will have to look it up before doing so.

Thank you for your time mindstorm, I'll definitely be seeing you around :)