Hi Kristy!
I can definitely relate! I felt the same way when I was a Christian, and it took me awhile to release the fears associated with leaving the church. And I have had past life memories ever since I was a little child, and I still had fears about believing what was obvious to me!
Here is what I respond to Christians with, on the reincarnation issue:
May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation? which makes a very compelling case for reincarnation being Biblical.
Here is another compelling story (one among many thousands such stories):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWwzFwUO...re=related
But, Biblical scripture can be used to prove or disprove reincarnation, since there are so many seemingly contradictory scriptures. So that usually doesn't convince them. But I would never try to convince them. The most we can hope for is to offer a suggestion that these scriptures can be interpreted either way, and a person isn't 'satanic' for believing that there is scriptural support.
Of course, if you don't accept the Bible as the 'word of God' (which I personally don't) then the scriptures aren't relevant in the decision of whether to believe in reincarnation. But I find the Biblical support to be useful when discussing with Christians, because it gives them some viewpoints in alignment with their beliefs.
Here's another excellent book for introducing the topic to Christians in a non-threatening way:
Edgar Cayce and Christian Faith by Lynn Sparrow
Ultimately, I tell them that I cannot accept their version of 'heaven' and 'hell' and the idea that 'God' would sentence MOST of the world's population to eternal torture, just because of their beliefs. I just can't believe in a God like that. Reincarnation is much more merciful and compassionate than sending souls to 'hell.'
The whole idea of "don't believe in reincarnation or you'll open yourself up to demons" is very fear-based.
When I left Christianity, I felt fear and doubts for several years. I kept trying to find books that reconciled my new beliefs with Christianity, such as works by Corrine Helene, Rudolph Steiner, etc. and of course the Edgar Cayce readings. This was part of the process of letting go of the indoctrination, for me. I personally no longer accept the Bible as authoritative at all, though there is some good stuff in the New Testament.
My suggestion is to trust your own process, and give yourself time to find beliefs and viewpoints you are comfortable with, and consider questioning anything that is fear-based.
blessings
I can definitely relate! I felt the same way when I was a Christian, and it took me awhile to release the fears associated with leaving the church. And I have had past life memories ever since I was a little child, and I still had fears about believing what was obvious to me!
Here is what I respond to Christians with, on the reincarnation issue:
May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation? which makes a very compelling case for reincarnation being Biblical.
Here is another compelling story (one among many thousands such stories):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EWwzFwUO...re=related
But, Biblical scripture can be used to prove or disprove reincarnation, since there are so many seemingly contradictory scriptures. So that usually doesn't convince them. But I would never try to convince them. The most we can hope for is to offer a suggestion that these scriptures can be interpreted either way, and a person isn't 'satanic' for believing that there is scriptural support.
Of course, if you don't accept the Bible as the 'word of God' (which I personally don't) then the scriptures aren't relevant in the decision of whether to believe in reincarnation. But I find the Biblical support to be useful when discussing with Christians, because it gives them some viewpoints in alignment with their beliefs.
Here's another excellent book for introducing the topic to Christians in a non-threatening way:
Edgar Cayce and Christian Faith by Lynn Sparrow
Ultimately, I tell them that I cannot accept their version of 'heaven' and 'hell' and the idea that 'God' would sentence MOST of the world's population to eternal torture, just because of their beliefs. I just can't believe in a God like that. Reincarnation is much more merciful and compassionate than sending souls to 'hell.'
The whole idea of "don't believe in reincarnation or you'll open yourself up to demons" is very fear-based.
When I left Christianity, I felt fear and doubts for several years. I kept trying to find books that reconciled my new beliefs with Christianity, such as works by Corrine Helene, Rudolph Steiner, etc. and of course the Edgar Cayce readings. This was part of the process of letting go of the indoctrination, for me. I personally no longer accept the Bible as authoritative at all, though there is some good stuff in the New Testament.
My suggestion is to trust your own process, and give yourself time to find beliefs and viewpoints you are comfortable with, and consider questioning anything that is fear-based.
blessings
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