Historia: the Alpha Rho Papers
9
The extent of the conflict over reincarnation between early
Christians can be seen within one man. Origen’s writings not only show
several opposing opinions on
the subject written himself, but many of the
writings are so vague that authors today have come to completely
different conclusions after reading the same passages of his work.
Contemporary author Jefferey Trumbower points out that Origen had a
“research theology” and often attempted to
answer difficult questions
while remaining faithful to scriptures and orthodox doctrines, which at
times resulted in a speculative theology.
23
Based on this idea we can
assume that Origen was trying to come to a conclusion on the reality of
the reincarnation while trying to implement orthodox doctrines. We know
from the differing opinions discussed so
far that orthodox Christian
doctrines cannot be taught harmoniously with the idea of reincarnation
despite that so many early Christian tried. This could be why Origen was
so conflicted while trying to find an answer. As each early Christian
theologian’s ideas are studied we can see that their beliefs on Christ were
the deciding factor on their belief in reincarnation. That is not to say that
those who believed in reincarnation were not Christian, but
that similar to
today’s religious societies, being a Christian means something different to
each person claiming the title.
23
Trumbower, Jefferey,
Rescue for the Dead: The Posthumous Salvation for non-
Christians in Early Christianity. (New York: Oxford University Press, 2001): 114.
The Argument over Reincarnation in Early Christianity
10
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