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" Reincarnation is not taught in the Bible"

I know the fatuousness of debating with Biblical fundamentalists. It is pointless. No minds are going to be changed nor is that my purpose. I do find it interesting that fundamendalists always interpret the Bible literally until it comes to an uncomfortable literalism that requires an 'explanation.'

Such as: "No man can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John Ch.3) That's pretty literal to me, and I don't need anyone 'explaining' it to me.

Jesus explaining that John the Baptist is the reincarnation of Elijah. "For all the prophets and the law have prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who was to come." (Matt. 11:13-14)

"Though they dig down to the depths of the grave, from there my hand will take them. Though they climb up to the heavens, from there I will bring them down." (Amos 9:2)
Sounds like God is returning ascended souls to earth to me if I dare to interpret this literally.

In Revelations it is told about Jesus's Second Coming:
"Look he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him." (Rev. 1:7)
How exactly is it that those who pierced Him will be able to see if they have not been reincarnated?

And as for the Biblical quote you stated to me,
"it is appointed unto men once to die."
Unfortunately, lots of people in the Bible died more than once. Lazarus comes to mind. This thread alone has shown how people have died on operating tables only to be 'returned.'

More people in this world believe in reincarnation than not. Early Christians (Origen, the Gnostics) and Jesus taught reincarnation until its teaching was banned in 553AD by the Roman church - an edict by Gregory, the Bishop of Nyssa - because it made the teaching of salvation inconvenient.

When you think about it a belief in reincarnation and karma does not violate Christian teachings any more than evolution denies creation. It fact karmic teachings make God a MORE just God in my mind. I have never understood how a person could live a life of sinfulness, murder, and debauchery (Bill CLinton comes to mind) and in his last breath accept Christ and be saved.
Nor could I understand how God could allow little children to suffer. If you believe in karma/reincarnation you neither have to question or blame God - since our spirits choose our lives and fates.

Read about the humble life of Edgar Cayce and his incredible health and life 'readings' in the book,
"There is a River." It validated what I've always felt inside.

This website also gives a great history of reincarnation in the church: Sorry I don't know how to link it for you.

http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen03.html