Robinson,
1. Reincarnation balances out many of the apparent inequalities that we see everyday.
2. It sets a system by which people can experience varied situations and develop. It enables people to grow and learn over several lifetimes.
3. It enables moral issues to be sorted out and provides a framework for Karma to get neutralized.
4. The concept of reincarnation does not create a fundamental distinction of 'good people' and 'bad people'. It thinks of all people as having base animal tendencies of selfishness, competitiveness, insecurities... to begin with. As they grow, they shed these tendencies and acquire divine qualities.
5. It is not a religious concept but a philosophical one (though it forms the basis of Hinduism).
6. Some people like Ian Stevenson have done fairly extensive research on reincarnation and have found some evidence (even in Muslim countries where reincarnation is not a accepted religious concept). It is of course extremely difficult to find conclusive evidence in such matters.
Hi Sriram.
Just a few observations.
Point 1. This is obviously better than the bleak and cruel atheist theory that there is no real justice. However IMO there is the kind of danger of inaction and fatalism in it. Also it is an exercise in moral accountancy which seems to rule out mercy and forgiveness.
Point 2. How many reincarnations are we supposed to have had? You seem to be suggesting a system where the human race should be growing and developing. To me that is an overoptimistic assessment of our predicament.
Point3. Where and how are moral issues being sorted out? An accusation levelled at Christianity is how can its claim that the devil was defeated at the crucifixion be true. But Christians can always turn round and talk about fulfilment at the second coming, personal transformation and the old adage ''Christianity hasn't failed it just hasn't been tried''. Karma though seems like an inexorable fixture and rule of the universe and we would expect to be able to see growth and improvement.
Point4 I do like philosophy and I do see where it is coming from although I cant support it.
Feel free to tear my points down philosophically and thanks for such a succinct and user friendly exposition.
