ok.
nuf said for now. more soon.
at one time, early christians accepted reincarnation but then theodora, the wife of a roman emporort squashed it and one of the vatican councils killed it. Take me back before the time of theodora and describe several points that illustrate early christian perhaps pre catholic acceptance of reincarnation.
Okay, let's travel back in time to explore the early Christian perspectives on reincarnation before the alleged suppression by Theodora and the purported Church council decision. It's important to preface this by saying that the historical evidence for a widespread acceptance of reincarnation among early Christians is complex and debated. The mainstream Christian narrative typically downplays or denies this view. However, there are intriguing points to consider:
**Disclaimer:** This is based on historical interpretations that challenge the dominant narrative and should be viewed critically with consideration of other scholarly perspectives.
Here are some points illustrating potential early Christian leanings towards reincarnation, keeping in mind that this wasn't a unified, dogma but rather a current of thought present within some groups:
1. **Biblical Interpretations:** Some early Christian scholars interpreted certain biblical passages as suggesting pre-existence or reincarnation.
* **John 9:1-3 (The Blind Man):** The disciples ask Jesus, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Some interpret this question as implying the possibility of the man sinning *before* his birth, suggesting a previous life. While Jesus' response doesn't explicitly confirm this, the very posing of the question indicates the idea was circulating.
* **Malachi 4:5-6 (Elijah's Return):** This passage prophesies the return of Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Matthew 11:14 identifies John the Baptist as the "Elijah who was to come." This was interpreted by some as a literal reincarnation of Elijah in the person of John. This idea had roots in Jewish mysticism as well.
* **Romans 9:11-13 (Jacob and Esau):** Paul writes that Jacob was loved and Esau hated "before they were born and had done anything good or bad." Some saw this as suggesting a pre-natal existence where destinies were partially shaped.
* **Wisdom of Solomon:** This Old Testament apocryphal book, which was accepted by some early Christians, describes a soul entering "an undefiled body" and suggests a cycle of embodiment. [reminds me of demons entering pigs who ran off a cliff]
2. **Origen of Alexandria (c. 185-254 AD):** Origen was one of the most influential theologians of the early Church. He wrote extensively about the soul, and some of his writings have been interpreted as supporting a form of pre-existence and the possibility of multiple lives for purification and spiritual growth.
* **"De Principiis":** Origen's most famous work, "De Principiis" (On First Principles), explores ideas about the creation of souls, their fall from grace, and their eventual return to God. While the exact interpretation is debated, passages within suggest that souls exist before embodiment and undergo a process of learning and purification through various lives.
* **"Peri Archon":** Contains further notions of a continuous spiritual process.
* **Controversy:** It's crucial to acknowledge that Origen's views were controversial even in his own time, and he was later condemned by some church authorities, though not universally. His views were also not exactly a "reincarnation" as it is currently conceived.
3. **Gnostic Christian Groups:** Various Gnostic Christian sects, which flourished in the early centuries of Christianity, often incorporated ideas about reincarnation into their cosmological and soteriological systems.
* **The Gnostic View:** Gnostics often viewed the material world as flawed or even evil, created by a lesser, imperfect god (the Demiurge). The goal was to escape the cycle of rebirth (often associated with suffering and ignorance) and return to the true, higher God.
* **Valentinianism:** A prominent Gnostic school, Valentinianism, taught that souls originate from the divine realm and become trapped in the material world. Reincarnation was seen as part of the process of purification and eventual return to the Pleroma (the fullness of God). [VALENTINE???? ]
4. **Early Church Fathers and Possible Reincarnation:**
* **Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 AD):** While not explicitly advocating reincarnation, some interpret his writings as suggesting the soul's immortality and the possibility of multiple embodiments.
* **Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 AD):** Similar to Justin Martyr, Clement's writings on the soul have been subject to interpretations suggesting a belief in its continued existence beyond death and the potential for further experiences.
5. **Absence of Definitive Condemnation:** Before Theodora, the absence of a clear, universally accepted condemnation of reincarnation by the early Church Fathers or major church councils allowed the concept to persist and be debated. The issue wasn't explicitly addressed as heresy in the early centuries. It was an open discussion, that later was quelled by actions of secular and religious individuals.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Not a Unified Doctrine:** It's crucial to remember that early Christianity was diverse, and there was no single, monolithic view on reincarnation. These ideas were debated and held by certain individuals and groups, but not necessarily by the majority.
* **Interpretations Vary:** The interpretation of early Christian texts is complex and subject to scholarly debate. What one scholar sees as evidence of reincarnation, another may interpret differently.
* **Theological Evolution:** Christian theology evolved over time. What was acceptable or debated in the early centuries might become condemned or rejected later.
**In Conclusion:**
Before Theodora and the Council of Constantinople (553 AD), the question of reincarnation was much more open within some circles of early Christianity. While not universally accepted, some individuals and groups found support for the idea in biblical interpretations, philosophical concepts, and Gnostic teachings. The absence of a definitive condemnation allowed these ideas to persist and be debated, creating a complex and fascinating aspect of early Christian thought.
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