BOOK REVIEW: Reincarnation: A Christian Critique of a New Age Doctrine

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In my pursuit to research Reincarnation, I came across this book written by Mark C. Albrecht. I knew going into this reading that I would probably be privy to many biblical and scripture lessons regarding the "facts" of reincarnation...that is the Christian method of using the bible like a textbook to refute the concept. 

In the early chapters I was pleasantly surprised by the many cultural, religious, occult, and scientific viewpoints discussed and well documented. There was much discussion surrounding the Gnostics, at certain points the author discusses their views on Reincarnation and the scripture that supports it. The author however mentions that since the Gnostics do not follow biblical teachings, they cannot use scripture to support their theories. Fast forward to the part where the author is discussing his own views of Reincarnation he uses a Taoist saying/teaching to support his view, forgetting that he mentioned Taoists believe in Reincarnation. Unfortunately the author missed his own boat of validating theory. 

The author mentions many researchers and intellectuals who have studied the many cases of reincarnation, who also hypothesized on the mechanics. Dr. Ian Stevenson is a psychiatrist that put a lot of time into researching reincarnation and supporting theories. He has also written a few articles and books surrounding the case studies. The author often mentions the studies and the resulting conclusions Stevenson formed, and uses theology to disprove the factual studies. There are also mentions of hypnosis being used to recall past lives and there is more mention by theological means to state that hypnosis connects with the demonic realm. While I can appreciate the content, there is cause to be concerned that the many supporting case studies of hypnosis helping with mental illness and other psychological issues are not mentioned, but there is mention of a completely erroneous conclusion that it connects the sitter with the demonic realm is absolutely outrageous. 

I think at this point I have to do a PROS and CONS list...

PROS: The book has many diverse viewpoints on Reincarnation. There are mentions of cases studies, detailed information about each viewpoint, and how it may or may not support their conclusions. It gives a great jumping off point to research each viewpoint. 

CONS: The book cherry picks details that disproves Reincarnation, and leaves out ones that could further the argument FOR Reincarnation. Halfway through the book the author drops the pursuit of supporting the argument with facts and only uses theological and philosophical details to support his argument. 

As I said I knew going in that "Christian Critique" was going to mean more personal belief and religious support for or against Reincarnation, and less about facts. By the last few chapters it was more of a Sunday School lesson than a discussion about Reincarnation. I highly recommend that if you are reading this book that you set aside your desire to ABSORB all the information as fact and do a detailed study of each mention in the book. The other religions, sciences, cultures, etc. Cognitive dissonance wrote this book. While I DO recommend it to help you with your studies, I do not recommend it if you are already very indoctrinated into accepting the bible as irrefutable evidence. 

Rebecca Boyer
Co-Founder/ Case Manager
Antietam Paranormal Society

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