The Argument over Reincarnation in Early Christianity
Historia: the Alpha Rho Papers
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| Historia: the Alpha Rho Papers
5 his ministry and for no higher purpose. 11 From this we can see why Valentinus’s belief in reincarnation does not limit Christ’s redemptive powers like it did to other Christians. That is not to say that Valentinus and his followers did not believe that Christ’s mission was sacred, but that it provided a sacred example and not a sacrifice. Basilides and Valentinus and their beliefs are typical examples of those early Christians who used their Platonistic roots to interpret Christ’s mission and life’s purpose. The idea that spiritual progression is not related to the physical body explains their disbelief in corporeal resurrection and their argument that Christ came for sacred reasons other than as sacrifice for sins explains why they did not feel that a belief in reincarnation undermined Christ’s mission. Not all Christians at the time who were influence by Plato’s teachings used his teachings to form beliefs on the resurrection and Christ’s mission that led to a belief in reincarnation. The other side of the argument on reincarnation must be considered; which is the opinion of those early Christians who did not believe in reincarnation. We know from the results of the Second Council of Constantinople that those who did not believe in reincarnation would eventually find success from their arguments, but what we cannot learn from simply reading The Council’s conclusion how complex that conflict really was, even within the individuals arguing against the idea of reincarnation themselves. One such Christian individual is Origen of Alexandria, who lived during the 2 nd century A.D. Origen is an interesting character in the history of Christianity based upon his beliefs. Like Basilides and Valentinus he believed that souls had descended from a pre-existing perfect state to a life of punishment in physical bodies. He also believed that the redemptive sacrifices of Christ were the saving forces in a person’s life and the only way to gain an eternal life in the presence of God. 12 There is much debate and confusion still in existence today over whether or not Origen believed in reincarnation. At places within his writings Origen seems to confirm reincarnation, at other times he avoids the issue, and in some cases he flat out denies it. 13 Origen’s On First 11 Howe, Quincy. Reincarnation for the Christian. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1974) 70-75. 12 Segal, Life After Death, 572-74. 13 Prophet, Elizabeth and Prophet, Erin, Reincarnation: The Missing Link in Christianity. (Gardiner: Summit University Press, 1997) 179. |