There have been a number of discussions on this Forum, which have touched upon the theory that all references of reincarnation had been removed by the Church by the Roman Emperor Justinian I in 553 C.E. Yet, some have continued to argue that because the present Bible teaches Christians that Reincarnation is not part of Christian dogma. In this article,
Reincarnation and Western Religion: Part I by Fr. Marty Patton suggests that the present Church is beginning to accept Reincarnation as a belief: The article is interesting in that Fr. Patton claims that Reincarnation was an integral part of Christian teachings, and that the five [sic] Gospels were edited without the cooperation of Pope Vigilius, who did not recognize the Second Council of Constantinople. Fr. Patton goes on to say,
Several theories have been offered in other articles as to why references to Reincarnation were removed by order of the Emperor, but the reasons may never be thoroughly understood. What is certain is that the readings of the Saints will show that in spite of Justinian's directive, Reincarnation was an accepted belief according to: Origen, St. Francis of Assisi, Johannes Scotus Erigena, Thomas Campanella, O.P., St. Francis Xavier, St. Bonaventure, St. Ignatius Loyola and others.
If this is true, why do so many Christians still feel so strongly that Reincarnation is a heretical belief?
The Christian church is in my opinion only slightly less dogmatic than the Catholic church, and it is my strong belief that both are on very thin ice concerning any kind of openness to any and all "new age beliefs".
If you study the prevalent tendency among younger people today, you will find that many believe in "something bigger than us", but are unable to accept most religions due to the closedness and dogmatism of these religions, and their resentment to accept the tendencies in most modern societies.
Personally, I have always believed that all religions contain some truths, but no religion contain only truths. The only "exceptions" might be hinduism and buddhism, both of which I consider to be life philosophies more than religions. That being said, I also find many things in theosophy that speaks to me.
But religion has nothing to do with reincarnation, other than the fact that most religions have actually accepted it in earlier times. Why they no longer do so, is of no interest to me. Reincarnation is a part of how nature works, both for animals and humans, just like the law of karma exists and works for all beings, even to this day.
Everything in the universe is connected to other things, "dead" as well as living things, and there is a constant exchange of energy going on between all of them. The universe functions as a whole; a vast network, an organism, just like the body of you or me, with energy constantly moving around from cell to cell, from nerve to nerve, and so on. "As above, so below". Look at the tiniest objects, and you will find them repeated in the big picture, and vice versa.
Another thing: How could living beings be able to evolve spiritually, if there was no reincarnation?
I have read Carlos Castanedas books countless times, tried to understand Einsteins relativity, read countless books on buddhism and theosophy, and I still find it amazing how many small hints makes me realize, that there are a number of common denominators "binding" them together. This has lead me to believe the way I do, that a new kind of complete openness is necessary to accomplish an understanding of the truths in science, religion, sorcery etc.
Put together, they will reveal many exciting things, taken one by one, they will reveal no new findings.