Siddhartha eventually married and had a son but was still confined to the
BUDDHISM palace and its pleasures. One day he informed his father that he wished to see
Chapter 25
Back to previous page
uddhism began in India about five hundred years before the birth of
B Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with
certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had
grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not
belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow.
Moreover, the Hindu belief of an endless cycle of births, deaths and
rebirths was viewed with dread. Consequently, the people turned to a
variety of beliefs, including the worship of animals, to satisfy this
spiritual vacuum. Many different sects of Hinduism arose, the most
successful being that of Buddhism, which denies the authority of the
vedas.
The Buddha
Buddhism, unlike Hinduism, can point to a specific founder. However,
in Buddhism, like so many other religions, fanciful stories arose
concerning events in the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama (fifth
century B.C.).
The Buddha, or "enlightened one," was born about 560 B.C. in northeastern
India. His family name was Gautama, his given name was Siddhartha.
Siddhartha was the son of a rajah, or ruler. His mother died when he was just
a week old and Siddhartha was cared for by his mother's sister, who was also
the rajah's second wife. There was supposedly a prophecy
given at the time of his birth by a sage at his father's court.
The prophecy said that the child would be a great king if he stayed at home,
but if he decided to leave home, he would become a savior for mankind. This
bothered his father, for he wanted his son to succeed him as king. Therefore,
to keep him at home, his father surrounded him with wealth and pleasures
and kept all painful and ugly things out of his sight.
1 2
the world. This excursion would forever change his life, for it was during this
journey that he saw "the four passing sights."
Although his father ordered the streets to be cleansed and decorated and all
elderly or infirmed people to stay inside, there were those who did not get the
message. The first troubling sight Siddhartha saw was that of a decrepit old
man. When Siddhartha asked what happened to this man, he was told that the
man was old, as everyone someday would become.
Later, he met a sick man and was told that all people were liable to be sick
and suffer pain like that individual.
He then saw a funeral procession with a corpse on its way to cremation, the
followers weeping bitterly. When he asked what that meant, the prince was
informed that it was the way of life, for sooner or later both prince and
pauper would have to die.
The last sight was that of a monk begging for his food. The tranquil look on
the beggar's face convinced Siddhartha that this type of life was for him.
Immediately he left his family and the palace in search of enlightenment. The
night he left his home to seek enlightenment became known as the Great
Renunciation.
The former prince, now a beggar, spent his time wandering from place to
place seeking wisdom. Unsatisfied by the truths taught in the Hindu
scriptures, he became discouraged but continued on his quest. He tried
asceticism but this gave him no peace. The fateful day in his life came while
he was meditating beneath a fig tree.
Deep in meditation, he reached the highest degree of God-consciousness,
known as nirvana. He supposedly stayed under the fig tree for seven days.
After that, the fig tree was called the bodhi, or the bo tree, the tree of wisdom.
The truths he learned he would now impart to the world, no longer as
Siddhartha Gautama, but as the Buddha, the enlightened one.
When the Buddha emerged from his experience under the bo tree, he met
with five monks who had been his companions. It was to these monks that
the Buddha began his teaching ministry with the sermon at Benares. The
sermon contained the following:
 These two extremes, monks, are not to be practiced
by one who has gone forth from the world. What are
the two? That conjoined with the passions and
luxury, which is low, vulgar, common, ignoble, and
useless; and that conjoined with self-torture, which
is painful, ignoble, and useless. Avoiding these two
extremes the Blessed One has gained the
enlightenment of the Middle Path, which produces
insight and knowledge, and leads to calm, to higher
knowledge, enlightenment, nirvana.
And what, monks, is the Middle Path . . . ? It is the
noble Eightfold Path: namely, right view, right
intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood,
right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
After the sermon at Benares, the Buddha started to spread his teachings to the
people of India. The Indian people, disillusioned with Hinduism, listened
intently to this new doctrine. By the time of Buddha's death, at age 80, his
teachings had become a strong force in India.
Some time after his death, the Buddha was deified by some of his followers,
even though veneration of the Buddha is against the basic teachings of
Buddha himself.
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
Early Buddhism was confined largely to India and is usually referred
to as Theravada Buddhism. Later Buddhism, which became very
popular outside India (notably in China and Japan), became known as
Mahayana Buddhism:
Buddhist Teachings
A key concept in Buddhism is nirvana, the final goal for the Buddhists
Donald K. Swearer gives insight into this important concept.
3 4
Nirvana has been a troublesome idea for the
students of Buddhism. Just what is it? The term
itself does not offer much help. Like not-self
(anatta), nirvana is a negative term. Literally, it
means the "blowing out" of the flame of desire, the
negation of suffering (dukkha). This implies that
nirvana is not to be thought of as a place but as a
total reorientation or state of being realized as a
consequence of the extinction of blinding and
binding attachment. 23/44
There are five precepts taught by Buddhism that all Buddhists should follow:
1. Kill no living thing (including insects).
2. Do not steal.
3. Do not commit adultery.
4. Tell no lies.
5. Do not drink intoxicants or take drugs.
There are other precepts that apply only to monks and nuns. These include:
6. Eat moderately and only at the appointed time.
7. Avoid that which excites the senses.
8. Do not wear adornments (including perfume).
9. Do not sleep in luxurious beds.
10. Accept no silver or gold.
Sacred Scriptures
In Theravada Buddhism there are three groups of writings considered
to be holy scriptures, known as "The Three Baskets" (Tripitaka). The
Vinaya Pitaka (discipline basket) contains rules for the higher class of
Buddhists; the Sutta Pitaka (teaching basket) contains the discourses of
the Buddha; and the Abidhamma Pitaka (metaphysical basket) contains
Buddhist theology. The total volume of these three groups of writings
is about 11 times larger than the Bible.
In Mahayana Buddhism the scriptures are much more voluminous, as Clark
B. Offner reveals:
"A Mahayanist is one who reads Mahayana
scriptures" is the definition given by one ancient
Buddhist scholar. In contrast to the comparatively
limited scope of the Pali canon used by Theravada
Buddhists, Mahayana scriptures have multiplied to
the point where standard editions of the Chinese
canon encompass over 5,000 volumes. While the
oldest scriptures are based on Sanskrit and contain
much that is parallel to the Pali canon, other
scriptures which have no Sanskrit prototypes have
been written in Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese.
Since there are no clear limits to the Mahayana
"canon," comparatively recent works by later
innovators are often given de facto canonical status
in the sects which adhere to their teachings. As there
are such a number and such a variety of scriptures,
most Mahayana sects have chosen certain favorite
ones to which they refer exclusively. The fact is that
some such selection is necessary, for this extreme
bulk and breadth of the scriptures makes it
impossible for believers to be acquainted with, let
alone understand and practice, the often
contradictory teachings found in them.
Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism
5 6
One form of Buddhism that has seen a revival of sorts in the past fifty years
is a Japanese mystical sect known as Nichiren Shoshu. Its recent growth has
been astounding, as chronicled by Walter Martin:
In 1960 Daisaku Ikeda was inaugurated president
over 1.3 million members. Ikeda expanded NSB's
evangelism in foreign countries, opening a branch in
the United States in 1960. The quickly growing
branch or the sect held its first convention in 1963
in Chicago, with representatives from ten chapters.
By 1973, membership was more than 250,000.
From 1960 to 1973, NSB in the United States
increased three-hundred fold! Japanese growth was
even faster. The number of practicing Japanese
families grew from three thousand in 1951 to more
than seven million in 1971.
The origins of Nichiren Shoshu go back to a Japanese reformer named
Nichiren Daishonon, who lived in the 13th century A.D. He was convinced
that the true faith was taught by Dengyo Daishi (named Saicho before his
death) who had introduced Tendai Buddhism to Japan in the eighth century.
Nichiren went about preaching his newly discovered truth, condemning all
others as false religions. This did not go over well with the authorities,
making Nichiren the object of persecution. Nichiren was both arrested and
exiled for his preaching, many times narrowly escaping with his life. At the
time of his death in 1282 he had attracted many followers.
Central to Nichiren Shoshu belief is the "gohonzon." The gohonzon is
a black wooden box containing the names of important people in the
Lotus Sutra and is used as a private altar. The gohonzon supposedly
contains universal forces that control the devotee's life. There is, they
believe, a direct connection between events in a person's life and the
treatment of the gohonzon.
The worship ritual practiced by Nichiren Shoshu members is called it
gongyo." The practice consists of kneeling before the gohonzon, the
recitation of passages from the Lotus Sutra, then the rubbing of rosary-type
beads while chanting the daimoku - "nam-myoho-rengekyo. "
The chief object of worship in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is a shrine known
as the Dai-gohonzon located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Individual
gohonzons are mystical representations of the Dai-gohonzon.
Nichiren Shoshu's recent accelerated growth (1970 figures by the Japanese
Office of Cultural Affairs put membership at over 16 million) can be
attributed directly to its missionary emphasis.
Zen Buddhism
Zen is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that has become widely known in the
West.
The Chinese added to the many schools of Buddhism a new school,
whose name reveals its history. Dhyana is the Indian word for
meditation; it was changed in China to Chan and in Japan to Zen,
which is now the best-known title of this sect.
Zen actually developed about a thousand years after the death of the Buddha.
However, it contains Buddha's emphasis on meditation which led to his
enlightenment. One statement attributed to the Buddha has become a frequent
reference by Zen teachers: "Look within, you are the Buddha." One famous
story tells about a man who desired to be a Zen master. He asked to be taught
Zen. The Zen master did not speak but began to pour a cup of tea for his
visitor, using a cup that was already filled. The extra tea overflowed and ran
across the table to drip to the rice-mat covered floor. Still the Zen master kept
pouring until the pot was empty. He finally spoke: "You are like this cup," he
said. "You are full. How can I pour Zen into you? Empty yourself and come
back."
Central to Zen practice is zazen. Zazen is the method of sitting in Zen
meditation, which is done daily at specific times with occasional periods of
intense meditation lasting one week. The goal is final enlightenment.
In Zen the sudden illumination or enlightenment is known as satori. Satori is
an experience beyond analyzation and communication, bringing the
practitioner into a state of maturity. The experience of satori comes abruptly
and momentarily, but it can be repeated. It cannot be willed into existence.
7 8
Part of Zen's attraction is that one is not required to be responsible in
evaluating anything in the world or even in his own thoughts. One loses his
capacity to think logically and critically. While the Bible commands
Christians to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21,22), Zen mocks critical
analysis.
Buddhism and Christianity
There are radical differences between Buddhism and Christianity that make
any attempt of reconciliation between these two faiths impossible. The
Buddhistic worldview is basically monistic. That is, the existence of a
personal creator and Lord is denied. The world operates by natural power and
law, not divine command.
Buddhism denies the existence of a personal God.
Any concept of God was beyond man's grasp and since Buddhism was
a practical approach to life, why not deal with practical things? India,
where Buddhism was born, had so many Hindu gods that no one could
number them. They were often made in the image of men, but
Buddhism was made in the image of concepts about life and how life
should be lived. If the truth were known, you often tell yourself,
Buddhism has no God in the Hindu or Christian sense, nor does it have
a savior or messiah. It has the Buddha. And he was the Enlightened
One, the Shower-of-the-Way.
There are those who deify the Buddha but along with him they worship other
gods. The Scriptures make it clear that not only does a personal God exist,
but He is to be the only object of worship.
"You are My witness," declares the Lord, "And My servant whom I
have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and
understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and
there will be none after Me" (Isaiah 43:10, NASB).
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of
hosts: "I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me"
(Isaiah 44:6, NASB).
 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Another problem with Buddhism is the many forms it takes.
Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other Consequently, there is a wide variety of belief in the different sects
gods before Me (Exodus 20:2,3, NASB).
with much that is contradictory. John B. Noss makes an appropriate
comment:
Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! For it is written 'You shall
worship the Lord your God, and serve him only' " (Matthew 4:10,
The rather odd fact is that there ultimately developed within Buddhism
NASB).
so many forms of religious organization, cultus and belief, such great
changes even in the fundamentals of the faith, that one must say
Jesus therefore said to them again, "Truly, truly, I
Buddhism as a whole is really like Hinduism, a family of religions
say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who
rather than a single religion. 17/146
came before Me are thieves and robbers; but the
sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone
With these and other differences, it can be seen readily that any
enters through Me, he shall be saved and shall go in
harmonization of Christianity and Buddhism simply is not possible.
and out, and find pasture" (John 10:7-9, NASB).

There is no such thing in Buddhism as sin against a supreme being. In The Mystery of
Christianity sin is ultimately against God although sinful actions also Reincarnation
affect man and his world. The Bible makes it clear: Written by Patrick Zukeran

Against thee, thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in thy
sight (Psalm 51:4, NASB).

Therefore, man needs a savior to deliver him from his sins.

According to Buddhist belief, man is worthless, having only temporary

existence. In Christianity man is of infinite worth, made in the image of God,
and will exist eternally. Man's body is a hindrance to the Buddhist while to
the Christian it is an instrument for glorifying God.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image,

according to our likeness; and let them rule over the
fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over
the cattle and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creeps on the earth" (Genesis
1:26, NASB).
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of
the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from
God, and that you are not your own? (1 Corinthians
6:19, NASB).
9 10

Eastern Doctrine of Reincarnation
Many cultures throughout the world have long held to the concept of
reincarnation. A recent Gallup Poll revealed that one in four
Americans believed in reincarnation. Reincarnation literally means, "to
come again in the flesh." World religions author Geoffrey Parrinder
defines reincarnation as "the belief that the soul or some power passes
after death into another body."{1}
Reincarnation is a major facet of the eastern religions of Hinduism and
Buddhism. Many sects have variant views of reincarnation. Here is a
general summary of the basic principles. Most hold to a pantheistic
view of God. Pantheism comes from the Greek pan meaning "all" and
concept of theism meaning "God." In Pantheism, God is an impersonal
force made up of all things; the universe is God and God is the
universe. All created beings are an extension of or an emanation from
God.
Living things possess a physical body and an immaterial entity called
the soul, life force, or Jiva. At death, the life force separates from the
body and takes a new physical form. The law of karma determines
what form the individual will take. This law teaches that one’s
thoughts, words, and deeds have an ethical consequence, fixing one’s
lot in future existences.{2} Our present state is the result of actions and
intentions performed in a previous life. The amount of good or bad
karma attained in our present life will determine if one returns in a
higher or a lower form of existence.
One will endure hundreds, even millions of reincarnations, either
evolving into a higher or lower form of life to work off the debt of
karma. This cycle of reincarnation is called the law of samsara.
Eventually one hopes to work off all bad karma and free oneself from
the reincarnation cycle and attain unity with the divine. This freeing
from the cycle of reincarnation is called moksha. The soul is viewed as
imprisoned in a body and must be freed to attain unity with the divine.
Each school of thought varies in their teaching regarding how one
11
attains ultimate deliverance from the reincarnation cycle. Most agree
that it is only from the human form one can attain unity with the
divine. Deliverance from the bondage of the body can be attained
through various means. Some schools teach that through enlightenment
that comes from knowledge, meditation, and channeling, one can break
the cycle. Other schools teach that deliverance comes through faith and
service to a particular deity or manifestation of the divine. In return,
the deity will aid you in your quest for moksha. Other schools teach
that one can attain deliverance through discipline and good works.
Much of the reincarnation teaching in the West is adapted from the
teachings in the eastern religions. Is there evidence that proves
reincarnation to be true? We will examine these next.
Evidences for Reincarnation
Leading reincarnation researcher Dr. Ian Stephenson, head of the
department of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Virginia,
believes there is compelling evidence for reincarnation. Proponents
give five proofs: hypnotic regression, déjà vu, Xenoglossy, birthmarks,
and the Bible.
The first proof is hypnotic regression. Reincarnation proponents cite
examples of individuals giving vivid and accurate descriptions of
people, places, and events the individual could not have previously
known. Today there is a small branch of psychology that practice past
life therapy, the belief that one’s present problems are the result of
problems from a previous life.
However, the accuracy of facts attained from hypnosis remains highly
questionable. First, some people are known to have lied under
hypnosis. Second, human memory is subject to distortions of all sorts.
Third, under hypnosis a patient’s awareness of fantasy and reality is
blurred. Dr. Kenneth Bowers, a psychologist at the University of
Waterloo and Dr. Jan Dywane at McMaster University states:
". . .although hypnosis increases recall, it also increases errors. In their
study, hypnotized subjects correctly recalled twice as many items as
12
did unhypnotized members of a control group but also made three
times as many mistakes. During hypnosis, you are creating
memories."{3}
Fourth, studies have shown that under hypnosis, patients are easily
influenced by leading questions. In the process of hypnosis, the patient
is asked to release control of his or her consciousness and body. Hans
Holzer states, "Generally women are easier to hypnotize than men. But
there are exceptions even among women, who may have difficulty
letting go control over their bodies and personalities, something
essential if genuine hypnosis is to take place."{4} In this state,
memories can be altered by the cues from the hypnotist. For these
reasons, many law courts do not consider testimony under hypnosis
reliable evidence.
Past life recall can also be attributed to the influence of culture.
Cultures heavily steeped in the doctrine of reincarnation create an
environment conducive to past life recall. The countries of India, Sri
Lanka, Burma, and western Asia have a very high number of cases.
Many who make claims of past life recall win the respect of their
society. In areas like these the culture can have a strong influence on
one’s subconscious mind. If reincarnation is true, past life recall should
be prevalent in all cultures, not primarily in one area.
Finally, the majority of the incidents occur among children. Dr.
Stephenson states, "Many of those claiming to have lived before are
children. Often they are very emotional when they talk of the person
they used to be, and they give minute details of the life they lived."{5}
Children are the most susceptible to suggestion and their testimony
should be viewed with caution.
At best, the evidence from hypnotic regress can only suggest a
possibility of reincarnation, but it does not conclusively prove it.
Déjà vu refers to a distinct feeling you have been to a place or
performed an event before, while engaged in something that is
presently happening. Reincarnation proponents attribute this to a
previous life. However, researchers give alternate explanations. In our
13
subconscious, we often relate a present event with a past one that the
conscious mind does not remember. Since the two events are similar
we often fuse the events together in our minds, thus creating an
impression that we have experienced this before. Other researchers
have shown that the data that enters the eye is sometimes delayed for a
microsecond on its way to the brain. This leads one to think that they
have seen the data before.
Xenoglossy is the sudden ability to speak a language one has never
learned. Reincarnation advocates attribute this as the language one
spoke in a previous life. However, cryptoamnesia can account for this
phenomenon. In cryptoamnesia, an individual forgets information that
was learned earlier and recalls it at a later time, not knowing its source.
It is possible that one can hear foreign terms through the media or as a
child and recall these when prompted.
The fourth proof is the appearance of unique birthmarks that are
similar to those possessed by a deceased individual. However, it is
difficult to show any connection to reincarnation. Similarity does not
prove sameness.
These alternative explanations can explain most of the evidences for
reincarnation. However where they fall short, we must entertain the
possibility of demonic possession where a foreign spirit takes control
of the person as demonstrated several times throughout the New
Testament. Demonic spirits have existed for thousands of years and are
not limited by time and space. The information they possess can be
injected into a person’s mind during possession. Eastern meditation
techniques allow for this possibility. Dr. Bro writes of Edgar Cayce,
the father of the New Age movement, "Cayce’s power came without
equipment, in quiet. He appeared to empty himself, to hollow out his
consciousness as a receptacle, a conduit."{6}
Even reincarnation advocates believe that many cases of past life recall
can be attributed to possession. They confess that it is difficult to
determine whether a past life recall is the result of reincarnation or
possession. William de Arteaga states, "In reference to the demonic
counterfeit hypothesis, we can safely say that for many past life visions
14
it is the most solidly verified hypothesis of all."{7}
Edgar Cayce stated, "That’s what I always thought, and against this I
put the idea that the Devil might be tempting me to do his work by
operating through me when I was conceited enough to think God had
given me special power. . . ."{8}
Although the evidence can be interpreted to support reincarnation, it
cannot conclusively prove it.
Biblical Evidence for Reincarnation
Although reincarnation proponents cite the Bible as proof of their
claim, the Bible refutes the idea. It teaches that we live once, die once,
and then enter our eternal state. Hebrews 9:26b-27 states, "But now he
has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by
the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once and after
that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the
sins of many people. . . ." The focus here is on the sacrificial work of
Christ. Instead of the continual animal sacrifices needed to atone for
sins under the old covenant, under the new covenant Christ paid for
sins once and for all.
In the same way as Christ, who appeared only once, man is destined to
die once. Just as there is finality in Christ’s sacrifice, there is finality in
man’s physical death. After that, the soul faces the judgment before
God to determine one’s eternal destiny. Once judgment is delivered,
Scripture gives no evidence that sins can be atoned for in another time
of living on earth (Rev. 20:11-15; Luke 16:19-31; Matt. 25:31-46).
The passage often appealed to by those who support reincarnation is
John 9:1-3, which states, "As he went along, he saw a man blind from
birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his
parents, that he was born blind?’" Reincarnation proponents claim that
in this passage the disciples are attributing the man’s blindness as the
result of bad karma from a previous existence.
However, Jewish theology attributed birth defects to two factors.
15
Prenatal sin committed by the baby after conception, but before birth,
or sin committed by the parents. Genesis 25:22, the struggle of Jacob
and Esau in Rachel’s womb, was interpreted as a conflict that resulted
from prenatal sin. Exodus 20:5 states that the parents’ sin often had
repercussions on their offspring. However, in the passage in John 9:1-
3, Jesus refutes any connection between the man’s defects and any
previous sins, thus putting an end to any concept of karma.
Another passage is Matthew 11 where Jesus states that John the Baptist
is Elijah. Reincarnation proponents interpret John as being the
reincarnated Elijah from the Old Testament. This cannot be true for the
following reasons. First, in 2 Kings 2, Elijah never died, but was taken
to heaven. In the reincarnation model one must die before one can take
on a new form. Second, in Matthew 17 Elijah appears with Moses on
the Mount of Transfiguration. John the Baptist had lived and died by
this time. If he had been the reincarnation of Elijah, John would have
appeared instead. John came not as the reincarnation of Elijah, but in a
metaphorical sense as Elijah in that he was filled with the same spirit
and power as Elijah. So the Bible does not affirm reincarnation.
Reincarnation and Resurrection
The Bible teaches that what happens after death is a resurrection, not
reincarnation. First Corinthians 15 is one of the clearest passages on
what happens to the human soul after death. Like the reincarnation
proponents, we agree that the immaterial component of man separates
from the body at death and survives eternally. We both agree that the
soul inhabits another bodily form.
The major difference is this: reincarnation proponents believe that the
soul inhabits many bodily forms in an evolutionary progress toward
union with the divine. This can happen over millions of years or in a
shorter period. The Bible teaches in Hebrews 9:26b-27, as previously
discussed, that we live once, die once and then enter into an eternal
state.
Our eternal state is described in 1 Corinthians 15. Verse 20 states, "But
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those
16
who have fallen asleep." By "firstfruits" Paul was drawing on the Notes

imagery found in the Old Testament. The firstfruits were prior to the 1. Geoffrey Parrinder, Dictionary of Non-Christian Religions (Philadelphia; Westminister Press, 1971),
main harvest and served as an example and an assurance of the harvest 286.
that was coming. So Christ's resurrection is a precursor and a guarantee
of the believer’s resurrection. His resurrection greatly differs from the 2. John Noss, Man's Religions, New York: MacMillan Press, 1980, 90.

reincarnation model. 3. Elizabeth Stark, "Hypnosis on Trial," Psychology Today, February 1984, p. 35, as cited by Geisler and
Amano, The Reincarnation Sensation, 67.
First, Christ's resurrected body physically resembled His earthly body.
It had physical properties displayed by the fact that He could be 4. Hans Holzer, Life Beyond, Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1994, 176.

touched, He communicated, and He ate. His glorified body also

5. Dr. Ian Stephenson, quoted in Life Beyond by Hans Holzer, Chicago: Contemporary Press, 1994, 167.
possessed supernatural attributes. He was able to walk through walls,
appear and disappear, and ascend to heaven. 6. Harmon Bro, A Seer Out of Season: the Life of Edgar Cayce, (New York: New American Library,
1989), 13.

Paul describes the glorified body as having a different kind of flesh

7. William de Arteaga, Past Life Visions: A Christian Exploration (New York: Seabury, 1983), p. 174, as
from the earthly body. He states, "All flesh is not the same: Men have cited by Geisler and Amano in The Reincarnation Sensation, 80.
one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, fish another.
There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. . . ." The new body 8. Thomas Sugue, The Story of Edgar Cayce: There is a River, (Virginia Beach: Association for Research
and Enlightenment, 1973), 219, as cited by Geisler and Amano in The Reincarnation Sensation, 79.
will be imperishable and immortal. It will be a spiritual body that is
designed for life in heaven. The glorified body will not suffer the
©2000 Probe Ministries.
effects of sin or the effects of time, sickness, or pain.

The unrighteous, however, enter a state of eternal torment immediately

after death. Luke 16:19-31 demonstrates this point. In this example the
unrighteous wealthy man enters hell immediately at death. In Matthew
25 the goats enter a state of eternal punishment with no hope of escape.

In summary, these are the differences. First, reincarnation teaches that

the migration of the soul occurs over many lifetimes while resurrection
occurs once. Second, reincarnation teaches we inhabit many different
bodies while resurrection teaches we inhabit only one body on earth
and a glorified immortal body in heaven that resembles our earthly
one. Third, reincarnation teaches we are in an evolutionary progress to
union with God while resurrection teaches we arrive at our ultimate
state immediately at death. The Bible does not support reincarnation
and it must not be confused with the doctrine of the resurrection, which
is very different.

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