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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Opus 2018-034: The Original Recycle Idea

When we talk about reincarnation we tend to think of Buddhism and Hinduism.  Both religions teach that a person goes through a repeated cycle of death and rebirth.  Evidently the idea is not unique to India.  Consider this from Plato.
“There comes into my mind an ancient doctrine which affirms that they go from hence into the other world, and returning hither, are born again from the dead.”  Kindle Highlight 814-815
He expands on this a little later.

“For if the soul exists before birth, and in coming to life and being born can be born only from death and dying, must she not after death continue to exist, since she has to be born again?”  Kindle Highlight 952-953
Buddha was born as early as 563 B.C.  No one is sure.  The same is true of Plato except he is given a more specific date of 427.  In ancient terms that makes them almost contemporaries.  Did the idea originate with Buddha and travel to Plato?  Was it an already popular idea that both felt had value?  Did they come up with them on their own?  I am not sure.  Maybe some scholar has better knowledge. 

Some ideas are repeated by great thinkers and religious leaders.  For instance, the Golden Rule is found in many systems of belief.  Just because someone you disagree with believes something to be true or of value does not mean you must discard all that they believe.  Hitler liked vegetables.  That does not make them evil by association.

The People of the Book, Jews, Christians and Muslims reject the idea of reincarnation.  It doesn’t matter what you local new age pastor says.  It is directly opposed to the teachings of the Bible.  People of the East disagree.

Lots of ideas.  Lots of truth.  Not enough thinking.

Plato.  Phaedo.  Project Gutenberg download.

homo unius libri

4 comments:

  1. A friend of mine believes that souls are recycled, but that sometimes people are born when no soul is available, and that's where such people as Hitler come from - beings with no souls. He's a very good friend, but I pray a lot for him as he considers himself a Christian.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like Plato might have loved a dialogue with him.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete
  2. Wish I was a high practicing Buddhist so that I could give some insight but alas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When you get there it will lead to some interesting discussions. Practicing would help. I am not sure about being high.

      Grace and peace.

      Delete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.