Reincarnation for Christians: Evidence from Early Christian and Jewish Mystical Traditions - Softcover

Sweeley, John W.

9781577332657: Reincarnation for Christians: Evidence from Early Christian and Jewish Mystical Traditions

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1577332652 ISBN 13: 9781577332657

Publisher: Blue Dolphin Pub, 2013

Why Christians Should Believe in Reincarnation Reincarnation was an accepted belief by the great minds of antiquity. In Greece Plato was influenced by earlier classical Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras (6th cent BCE), while Reincarnation was both believed and taught by Jesus and many Church Fathers through the 8th century, as well as in Hebrew texts and mystical traditions throughout the middle ages. In Reincarnation for Christians, Monsignor Sweeley proves that reincarnation was accepted by Jesus according to Holy Scripture, was accepted and taught by the Church Fathers as a doctrine of the faith, and is believed today by many Christians. Moreover, he makes clear why there is no conflict between the atonement of Jesus and Jesus as the redeemer of humanity, with the necessity of living many lives before we attain salvation. “In this timely book about reincarnation and the Christian tradition, Monsignor Sweeley gives us an eye-opening look into an issue that has been long ignored by mainstream Christian churches.” —Most Rev. Alan R. Kemp, D.Min., CEO, The Ascension Alliance “Msgr. Jack Sweeley has amassed an enormous collection of information about the belief called reincarnation. He includes evidence in support of reincarnation from the Christian Scriptures as well as from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library. He cites and quotes notables from all walks of life and periods of history who have shared a belief in reincarnation.” —Bishop Bernie O. Finch, D.C., EMD, DD “As a believer in reincarnation, I was amazed at the information that literally packs the pages of Monsignor Sweeley’s book. As you will find, reincarnation is not just ‘New Age’ but has been a major belief in one form or another for thousands of years. —Katy O. Ishee, author of Pieces of My Heart and Gemini’s Galaxy “Msg. Sweeley’s brilliantly researched and comprehensive treatment of the Judeo-Christian roots of Reincarnation will change your entire perspective on the subject.” —K. Michael Murphy, M.A., DDS “In these powerfully transformative times, many in the Western world are accepting this doctrine, and others are eager to know more about the Christian church’s position on this subject. —Sri Swami Shankarananda Giri, Divine Life Church, Baltimore, MD

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From the Inside Flap:

"Jack Sweeley has done it again! Reincarnation for Christians is a spellbinding and informative adventure into a subject that has long been extremely sensitive for Christianity. Rational and compelling, the esoteric values expressed here bring the followers of Christ into an arena already populated by millennia of other religious traditions." Rev. Thomas Gallub, Ph.D._________________________ "Monsignor Jack Sweeley's Reincarnation for Christians is a greatly detailed, in-depth look at reincarnation from the centuries Before the Common Era through today."As a believer in reincarnation, I was amazed at the information that literally packs the pages of Monsignor Sweeley's book. As you will find, reincarnation is not just 'New Age' but has been a major belief in one form or another for thousands of years."Msgr. Sweeley's Reincarnation for Christians, and the resources therein, are an invaluable tool for anyone who would like to expand their knowledge of reincarnation and its history." Katy O. Ishee, author of Pieces of My Heart and Gemini's Galaxy _________________________ "In this timely book about reincarnation and the Christian tradition, Monsignor Sweeley gives us an eye-opening look into an issue that has been long ignored by mainstream Christian churches. This thoughtful and well-researched book might well open up a whole new reality to the reader who needs something more than the simplistic explanations previously offered up on the topic of life after life." Most Rev. Alan R. Kemp, D.Min., CEO, The Ascension Alliance _________________________ "A good read – eye opening." Very Reverend Jesse Jose Santiago, North American Old Catholic Church _________________________ "'Reincarnation is not simply a fact, it is a necessity of the Divine Will.' How I enjoy seeing these words printed in scholarly and well-researched texts such as this latest of Msgr. Jack Sweeley. Although scholars may never agree on issues such as Reincarnation, that so many of the world's cultures and peoples from centuries passed have cherished and defended this belief remains a source of hope even for vacillating skeptics such as myself. Anyone who enjoys the hunt into scriptures and histories will find this book exhilarating and a great resource for any library." Rev. Mother Leslie A. Aguillard, RN, M.Div._________________________ "It was a rewarding pleasure to find this quality of research and insight surface in the Judeo-Christian community addressing this complex and necessary subject. When I first began to open up the Christian Mysteries, working in decoding scripture and exploring the 'how' and 'why' of my other lives, I discovered many answers to questions never addressed or improperly answered by the Church. During that time, I would have been pleased to have had the resource Monsignor Sweeley's study provides. Now, it serves to fill in a number of holes in understanding I had not been aware of. 'Well done, Jack!'" Commander William Buehler, USN (Ret), Minister: "Sanctuary of Machenim Groves" (Ascension-Alliance) _________________________ "Having read previous works by Jack, I was expecting both scholarly excellence and insight. Both are in abundance here. Also present is an appeal to the reader's own 'horse sense' because as you read, Jack appeals to your own sensibilities. A wise man once said, 'Once you encounter the truth, you must either accept it or deny it, but you can never go back to previous un-awareness.' In this book, Monsignor Jack Sweeley will take you to the truth." Rebecca Ann Taylor, VCU, Creative Writing and Literature, Music Minister – The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch, (Seminarian – The Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch) _________________________ "Msgr. Jack Sweeley has amassed an enormous collection of information about the belief called reincarnation. He includes evidence in support of reincarnation from the Christian Scriptures as well as from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi Library. He cites and quotes notables from all walks of life and periods of history who have shared a belief in reincarnation. He then addresses the logic and morality of reincarnation to answer long-standing theological questions and disputes. Finally, Msgr. Sweeley shows a genius for correlating many diverse thought systems into agreement with the belief in reincarnation. Few authors share Msgr. Sweeley's ability to find such corollaries and make sense of them in ways that are easy for the average reader to understand." Bishop Bernie O. Finch, D.C., EMD, DD _________________________ "Reincarnation for Christians is written for everyone. Monsignor John Sweeley is a historian, a theologian, and above all, an educator. In this book Sweeley expertly interweaves history, religion, and psychology, explaining each along the way. Because of this, those new to the topic will understand it, and more knowledgeable readers will gain additional insight. Throughout the book, Sweeley explains what has always been, what has been hidden, and what we can bring back into our lives for today ... and for tomorrow." Bishop Linda Rounds-Nichols, MSE, MA, M.Div., D.Div. Ph.D Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch; Dean, Sophia Divinity School _________________________ "Despite a lifetime of private Catholic education, I found myself spiritually bankrupt in midlife. Among many counter-intuitive Catholic dogmas, I could not accept a loving God sending its creations to everlasting hell for making bad life-choices. Instead, divine love would give us another chance, or even many chances, at redemption. Slowly but surely, the idea of Reincarnation made sense to me because it answered so many other spiritual questions as well."Msg. Sweeley's brilliantly researched and comprehensive treatment of the Judeo-Christian roots of Reincarnation will change your entire perspective on the subject. If you only considered Reincarnation casually, or if you are on the fence about Reincarnation, this text will push you over the edge and joyfully expand your spiritual horizons. Most importantly, you will come away a believer, because a loving God gives his prodigal sons and daughters many opportunities to return home!" K. Michael Murphy, M.A., DDS _________________________ "Monsignor Jack Sweeley has written a phenomenally well researched presentation on the subject of reincarnation within the context of Christianity through the centuries in the Western world. He provides ample support of the belief in reincarnation reflected as early as the Church Fathers in Christianity who were free to teach it liberally during the first four centuries."Once again, in these powerfully transformative times, many in the Western world are accepting this doctrine, and others are eager to know more about the Christian church's position on this subject."It is evident that Monsignor Sweeley poured his soul's love, devotion, and energy into bringing forth this important work to offer much food for thought to anyone eager to explore the subject of reincarnation."He deserves to be congratulated on this major contribution, and I heartily endorse his book and pray that it will extend to a large readership." Sri Swami Shankarananda Giri, Divine Life Church, Baltimore, MD

About the Author:

MONSIGNOR JOHN W. SWEELEY, TH.D. is a priest in the Ascension Alliance for Spiritual Renewal raised to the dignity of Monsignor. He is the Pastor of St. James Catholic Community, a theologian, and a member of the faculty of Ascension Theological College and St. Michael’s Divinity School, Australia. In addition to being an academic, a major part of his ministry is writing political, religious, and social justice commentary. Monsignor Sweeley’s credentials include a B.A. in social science from the University of Baltimore, an M.Ed. in counseling from Copping State University, an M.A in psycholinguistics from the Johns Hopkins University, an M.A. in theology from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Pontifical Seminary, an M.Div. in theology from Sophia Divinity School, and a Th.D. in theology from Sophia Divinity School.

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