Reincarnation

The British theologian, Joseph Glanvill (1636-1680), who in the Age of Enlightenment influenced the movement in England called the "Cambridge Platonists", in a simple way asked the question, which at that time in Europe was strongly provocative, if not even fatal: "Which other conclusion can we arrive at than that the soul itself is the direct subject to all this diversity, and that it has entered this body with preconceived opinions and some built-in ideas, which it has acquired in another?".

The Swiss born poet and prelate, Johann Peter Hebel (1760-1826) reached the same conclusion in his vivid questions and reflections. For is it not characteristic how some people have special talents in one direction, as if they have trained or acquired it through past efforts? Hebel dared to say, almost with the spontaneous astonishment of a child: "Do we not see gifts, certain talents, that develop with effortless ease? What if we had possessed these talents once before? …inexplicable sympathy, preference for the history of special periods, people and localities. Have we been there before…?

The American priest and scientist, William R. Alger (1822-1905), decided in the 1850'ies to write a work of immortality. His theory was that the idea of reincarnation was an untrustworthy delusion. But as his research and reflection proceeded, he changed his view in the case and ended up defending the idea of reincarnation with enthusiasm. In his recognized and important work he states a.o.: "One must admit that of all the suggestive and delicate forms of belief in a future life, none is as widespread as this idea. It is in majority, as it down through the ages has been maintained by half of humanity with such a strong conviction, that it is almost unprecedented. At first glance the most striking about this teaching about the soul's repeated incarnation is the circumstance that the belief in it constantly appears in all parts of the world... The thoughts it holds are so wonderful, its method so rational, the reflections whereto it raises the thought so magnificent, and the perspectives that it opens so comprehensive and significant, that the study of it brings us into complete harmony with the great, sublime conception of immortality and with a cosmopolitan assertion of a providence that manifests itself to everybody".