The Reincarnation Of Shirley Ma

Media Spotlight
The Reincarnation of Shirley Maclaine by Albert James Dager

Recent surveys indicate that at least one out of two Americans believe that reincarnation–transmigration of the soul–is a distinct possibility. On the other hand, there are surveys which indicate that 70% of Americans claim to be “born again” Christians. This conflict seems to stem from the fact that many who profess Christianity also believe in reincarnation to another earthly life rather than resurrection to immortality.

The theory of reincarnation has gained large support among churchgoers due to the influx of eastern religious philosophy made all the more popular by media stars. One of the more vocal proponents of reincarnation of late is actress and four-time Academy Award nominee Shirley MacLaine. In her latest book, OUT ON A LIMB (New York: Bantam, 1983), MacLaine details her “experiences” with, and strong belief in reincarnation.

Following the book’s release, Miss MacLaine appeared on ABC TV’s “One On One.” During her interview she expressed a bit of confusion, telling host Greg Jackson, “I don’t know what I believe.” She then proclaimed, “I’m convinced that I’ve lived before.” She also expressed her belief in other occultic teachings including reincarnation’s sister doctrine, the “law of karma,” using faulty exegesis to equate karma with the biblical teaching that one reaps what one sows (Gal. 6:7-10).

Using the Bible to draw support for their theories is not uncommon for western reincarnationists. Like so many others – even errant Christians – they pick and choose just the sciptures that make them feel comfortable in their errors, while ignoring the rest – especially those that condemn their beliefs or lifestyles.

In regard to reincarnation the question arises, “How can many professing Christians embrace such an abominable doctrine which challenges the Bible’s clear teaching that man dies only once, and then must face judgment (Heb. 9:27)?” The answer is man’s natural tendency to want to feel comfortable in his sins. They have put their minds in neutral regarding spiritual things, choosing to coast through life without thinking. Many so-called “ministers” – some believing in reincarnation themselves – have encouraged such ignorance by their words and by their actions, spending little, if any, time studying God’s Word honestly.

One Christian minister who has taken the whole counsel of God regarding reincarnation is Dr. Robert A. Morey. In his 60-page booklet, REINCARNATION AND CHRISTIANITY (Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1980), Dr. Morey examines “Four Popular Arguments for Reincarnation,” refuting each one with sound biblical exegesis and just plain, common-sense logic based upon what we know about the world around us, including scientific and historical evidences against the theory. (In our next installment we will examine Dr. Morey’s refutation of these arguments.)

In Chapter One, entitled, “A Brief History of Reincarnation,” Dr. Morey describes and defines the law of karma – “the immutable law that a person pays for evil he does in this life by suffering for it in the next.” He also tells us how reincarnation became “Christianized” by eliminating some of the purist reincarnation concepts that would be unpalatable to the western mentality, such as the possibility of being reincarnated as a bug or an animal. He outlines reincarnation’s growth in popularity in the United States through the influence of Alice Bailey’s Theosophical Society, various Hindu gurus, “the sleeping prophet” Edgar Cayce, and THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER’S false yet popular prophet, Jeane Dixon.

Perhaps someone should give a copy of Dr. Robert A. Morey’s REINCARNATION AND CHRISTIANITY to actress Shirley MacLaine. In her latest book, OUT ON A LIMB, MacLaine details her “experiences” with, and strong belief in reincarnation. She is among the 24% of Americans who definitely believe in reincarnation.

In Chapter 2 of Morey’s book, he effectively refutes “Four Popular Arguments for Reincarnation.” Argument Number One alleges that “Karmic reincarnation is the best explanation for (evil)…and suffering.” Such a claim, Dr. Morey points out, is illogical since reincarnationists believe the soul to be immortal, having supposedly emanated from a so-called perfect and sinless “world soul.” The illogical nature of the argument is obvious since the very first incarnation of a soul would have no karmic debt to pay! After one earthly life, each soul would, by the “law” of reincarnation, return to the “cosmic energy” whence it sprang. Argument Number One also excuses pure reincarnationists from helping to alleviate human suffering. Being involved, they say, hinders each suffering soul’s purification process. Thus, reincarnation, rather than eliminating evil, is a source of evil.

Argument Number Two suggests that reincarnation is supported by numerous cases of recall – through various means – of past lives, as well as the almost universal experience of deja vu. Dr. Morey presents some excellent rebuttals, one being that too many people claim to have been the same historical personage, such as Jesus or Napoleon. Recall, says Morey, can also be the result of influence upon one’s mind by demons who have access to information from throughout history, and can impersonate or “invent” someone from the past.

Argument Number Three insists that reincarnation was the original belief of the Jews, and the early Church. Dr. Morey offers as a rebuttal, Professor J. Hicks’ excellent commentary about the ancients and the Church fathers who are consistently misquoted by the reincarnationists.

Argument Number Four consists of the biblical passages that reincarnationists quote to support their accursed doctrine. Dr. Morey uses proper exegesis, as well as some of the scriptures they have conveniently ignored, to logically answer their claims.

For example, in John 9:2-3, the man was born blind not as punishment for evil committed in a previous life (if so, Jesus would have been cruel to heal him and thus increase his suffering in his next life), but so that God would receive glory.

In Chapter 3, Dr. Morey attempts to discover “The Intellectual Integrity of Reincarnation,” but finds instead its intellectual dishonesty in denying facts while grasping at straws.

He also points out some severe social consequences from the belief in reincarnation. The rich and the poor DESERVE their lot in life, and thus the rich are excused for oppressing the poor, while the poor are prevented from escaping their poverty in a future life. Insects and animals which may be Uncle George or Aunt Martha are allowed to devour food supplies that could feed the starving masses. And, since sin can be paid for in a future life, hedonistic lifestyles are excused.

REINCARNATION AND CHRISTIANITY would make an excellent gift for someone drifting towards or even locked into a belief in reincarnation–someone like Shirley Maclaine.