For thousands of years religions around the world have believed in reincarnation. From the eastern religions of the Hindus and Buddists to the ancient Egyptians to the Druids and Celts to the ancient Greeks and even the native peoples of the Americas. Yet today, this belief has widely been stamped out by Judaism and a recent new comer to the scene, Christianity.
While some sects of early Christians were purported to believe in reincarnation, the idea as well as any thought of "pre-existence to the soul" was labeled as "heresy" at the church's Second Council of Constantinople in 553AD.
Some have said the church explicity did this to maintain it's authority over people. After all, it's alot easier to control people if they believe they only have one shot and if they mess up, they're going to hell. In addition, it's alot easier to get rid of people you don't like through religous persecution if you can call them "heretics".
Personally, I believe it's possible. I don't believe that millions of people can be so wrong.
While some sects of early Christians were purported to believe in reincarnation, the idea as well as any thought of "pre-existence to the soul" was labeled as "heresy" at the church's Second Council of Constantinople in 553AD.
Some have said the church explicity did this to maintain it's authority over people. After all, it's alot easier to control people if they believe they only have one shot and if they mess up, they're going to hell. In addition, it's alot easier to get rid of people you don't like through religous persecution if you can call them "heretics".
Personally, I believe it's possible. I don't believe that millions of people can be so wrong.