The Christian Reenactor's Network
The Guidon, March/April 1999

Reprinted by permission from the Civil War News, January/February 1999.

A similar letter was published in The Camp Chase Gazette, April 1999.

Note: Extensive biblical responses, refutations, or comments from the CRNetwork are indicated by numerically referenced numbers and linked at the lower portion of this page. To Return to your starting point, just click the Back button on your browser.

Final Word On Reincarnation, Spiritualism

By Barbara Lane

TO THE EDITOR:

For all you history buffs, correct me if I'm wrong. But didn't some of the early pilgrims come to America to gain religious freedom and get away from religious persecution? "In the name of religion" history is strewn with blood, witch hunts, burnings, torture and politics. "In the name of religion," crusades and murders have been rationalized because those in power condemned others' beliefs that challenged their own. [1]

With our laptops and cellular phones, we think we are a far more sophisticated society than the Romans who crucified Jesus and the people Christians now venerate [2] as saints, or the Catholic Church who branded Martin Luther a heretic. Or Henry VIII who turned a nation of Catholics into heretics because he wanted to divorce his wife. Or the Christian Church [3] which put Galileo on trial because he dared to challenge the prevailing thought. He had the audacity to presume that the earth rotated around the sun.[4]

While attending Catholic school for 16 years, I always wondered why we were the only true religion. [5] I remember giving my lunch money to save the pagan babies. So, I understand where Mike Garbus, who portrays a chaplain, and Stuart Zaharek are coming from - only too well. (See Civil War News) Sept. 1998 and Jan. 1999 letters to the editor. [6]

I was shocked to find, when I began traveling around the world, that these "pagans" didn't appear to have spiritual leprosy - they weren't cannibals running around in loin cloths. In fact, I realized how provincial we Americans are, staunchly certain we have all the answers. [7] Two-thirds of the world believes in some form of reincarnation of rebirth. Are these "heathens" all wrong? [8]

I was even more surprised to find out that the early Christians and Jews had believed in reincarnation. [9] (Like the chaplain reenactor, I had not heard this concept during 16 years of daily religious education). The Kabbala, which is Jewish mysticism, mentions reincarnation in numerous texts. [10] In a 1969 Gallop [sic] poll, 20 percent of Americans believed in reincarnation. [11]

Many more Westerners would believe in the philosophy today if it hadn't been for politics in the early Roman Catholic Church. [12]

Some historians look to the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., as the point at which the Emperor Constantine negotiated the condemnation of the doctrine. [13] By the way, the meeting was not even attended by the Pope of Rome. Others credit the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife with obliterating most of the references to reincarnation from the Bible in the sixth century. [14]

Although Stuart Zaharek carefully read my book Echoes from the Battlefield: First-Person Accounts of Civil War Past Lives (ARE Press), he selectively chose not to acknowledge this information. [15] If, in fact, early Christians and Jews believed in reincarnation,[16] then believers of its tenets could be considered more orthodox than the most fundamental Christians and Jews.

As Stuart should have observed while reading Echoes from the Battlefield, the book was not meant to be written from a religious perspective but rather from the standpoint of a scientific study - given its context - and from the perspective of a clinical hypnotherapist and reporter. [17]

At Stuart's request - a reference to reincarnation that remains in the Bible (Matthew 17:1-13): Jesus replied..."Eli-jah (sic) has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased...Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist." [18] Or Saint Paul (Gal. 6:7): "Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." [19]

The late Cardinal Mercier, Prelate of Belgian Catholics, among others, has believed in reincarnation without being declared heretical. [20] And, for the record, several priests and ministers have participated in my regression workshops. They did not believe, like Chaplain Mike, that this philosophy threatens their belief, and is the work of the devil. Instead, they believe, as do I, that this philosophy complements their religious beliefs. [21]

Most regression therapists and those who have experienced a regression will tell you that the experience brings them closer to God, spirituality and a personal sense of their soul's eternal nature. [22] A session allows an individual to claim responsibility for their actions while seeing God's Plan for them from a larger perspective. [23]

Even an impartial reporter for The Baltimore Sun got the message after observing a group regression session at Gettysburg's 135th anniversary that one of the sessions' goals is healing and one of the major tools is forgiveness (see July 5). [24]

I believe we are all aware of the words in "The Lord's Prayer" but without standing on a pulpit, I assist clients in actually applying "The Lord's Prayer." [25] And that goes for reenactors who may still need to forgive the Rebs or Yanks. If anyone can convince me their God is a God of hate and fear, not love and forgiveness, of exclusion not inclusion, I will RUN, not walk, from your interpretation of your religion. [26]

By the way, Edgar Cayce, the deceased metaphysical seer referred to in Stuart's letter, was an extremely religious man who was very active in a conservative Christian Church. He read the Bible once a year. [27]

Some of the world's greatest thinkers have espoused the philosophy of rebirth: philosophers Plato and Aristotle; statesmen Cicero and Julius Caesar; poets William Butler Yeats and Robert Frost; scientists Ben Franklin and Thomas Edison. General Patton also was a believer in reincarnation. [28]

Another issue that begs a response, is Stuart Zaharek's reference to the source of the regression information coming from demonic entities who are possessing Civil War reenactors. [29] In addition to reincarnation, in one of many scientific theories I proposed to explain the regression information, I did say that some deceased entities may become attached to reenactors. This could happen particularly to reenactors who drink on or around battle sites and open themselves up to deceased Civil War soldiers who are still earthbound, not fully aware of their traumatic deaths. [30]

I did say that none of the reenactors I regressed showed any of the common signs of possession. I also believe most reenactors were fascinated by the Civil War when they were youngsters, long before they ever stepped foot on a battlefield or drank heavily there. That would tend to preclude those cases of possession and point more strongly to reincarnation or genetic memory as possible sources for regression information. [31]

Although Stuart's assumption that these earthbound entities can manifest themselves as ghosts is accurate, [32] they are not demonic as he suggested. These are simply regular soldiers whose deaths were so traumatic that they were trapped in time. [33] Demonic entities are from the demonic realm and are spiritual saboteurs. [34] I am quite aware of them and have assisted several clients (no reenactors) by doing battle with them - for which I have been commended by priests, ministers and psychologists. [35]

In conclusion, no one has to believe in reincarnation to experience a past-life regression. [36] It is an incredibly personal trip back in time [37] - one that's not only farb free, but an experience you will never forget. If students had a regression experience, they'd find history fascinating. It would come alive as never before. Amazing Civil War regressions are recounted in my book Echoes from the Battlefield. [38]

Many reenactors who have read my book or experienced a regression have shared their fresh understanding of their passion, their hobby, their 20th-century lives. My new book 16 Clues to Your Past Lives (Spring 1999-ARE Press) may give reenactors additional new outlooks on their current lives and their connections to the past. [39]

Psychologist Jerry Jampolsky says all our emotions can be distilled in two - love and fear.[40] Let us go about the business of our lives, our relationships, religious and philosophical beliefs, and the reenacting hobby in a spirit of love. And let others continue to have the freedom to cultivate their intellectual and spiritual curiosity as you are free to explore your reenacting hobby without ridicule or censure. This is the philosophical foundation upon which our great nation was built. [41] It has been said, "The greatest commandment is love. Love thy God with your whole mind, heart, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself."[42] Let us show through word and deed,"the better angels of our nature." [43]

Responses from the Christian Reenactor's Network

[1] At Barbara Lane's invitation, we are now providing correct historical and biblical information. In this paragraph, Lane juxtaposes her cause, for illustration purposes, with that of "religion" (realizing it or not) and thereby logically establishes that her ideas go beyond that of science, philosophy, or journalistic inquiry. Additionally, the illustration she begins with infers that the source of the our current debate stems out of religious ignorance, hostility, and/or fanaticism. The tenor of Lane's rebuttal finds its initial basis in an appeal to emotions rather than the establishment of a factual framework. Indeed, such events as cited in this paragraph have been recorded in history. We recognize the tragedy of these events. However, these events have no correlation with the current issue.

Also, there is a significant difference between physical violence in the face of opposing viewpoints-- and honest, intellectual inquiry. We cannot answer for the atrocities of the past done in the name of "religion", but we are responsible for our own attitudes and actions. We know, for example, that currently in Northern Ireland there are Catholics killing Protestants and vice-versa, but I assure you, you won't find Christians who believe the Bible killing other Christians who believe the Bible, regardless of denominational label. There IS a difference between real Christianity and those merely professing a cultural connection to a church, a denominational group, or Christendom in general.

We are challenging these ideas not in the name of "politics" or for establishing a nationalized religious dogma, but rather on the basis of pursuing Truth. This writer was not a witch burner in a "past life". Neither are we seeking political "power" over anyone as some of the so-called "Christian" groups and denominations down through history have done. Jesus Himself very effectively confronted, criticized, and condemned the abusive religious leaders "in power" at that time (cf. Matthew 7:15-23; 23:1-37, et.al). It was the same gentle Savior who beckoned the children to "come unto me" (Matt.9:14) who later angrily deposed the money-changers from the Temple (Matt. 21:12 et.al)! Are we to condemn Jesus for His lack of love, compassion, civility and political correctness? We are not persecuting a belief system, Barbara, but we are challenging its foundation in the light of the Biblical record.

[2] We ARE a more sophisticated society-- technologically-- but we are still held captive by a sinful human nature. (Romans 3:23). Regarding "saints", the concept of venerating "saints" is foreign to the Bible. The Bible denotes all true believers as "saints"(Greek "hagiazoi" = holy, set apart by God), indicating that no special act or decree of a clerical body is necessary for such a proclamation. Furthermore, not all "Christians" are Roman Catholic, and the two are not necessarily synonomous. But most importantly, mere association with an organized religious body does not guarantee an inward spiritual change, be it Roman Catholic, Baptist, or Protestant. A religious or denominational label does not a Christian make.

In any event, we today are not responsible for the political power abuse of large organized religious bodies or of Henry VIII. Remember that the age of history referred to here was one of widespread corruption as Christianity (through several large denominational groups), became the social/political thing to do. Questioning the religious "status quo" is not the issue. The issue is what process does it take-- honest inquiry vs. hostility, violence, and intellectually dishonest opposition. At bottom it's Truth versus error.

As Lane insightfully points out, Martin Luther confronted religious error and hypocrisy boldly. We take the same position in that we are challenging "Echoes From the Battlefield" and its associated philosophies as being opposed to the Word of God, the Bible. Together with Martin Luther we hold to his cry "sola scriptura", the "Scriptures only" as the supreme authority from God. Church history records that when commanded to recant after the Wittenberg incident by the oppressive religious leaders at the Diet of Worms in 1521, Luther boldly stated:

"If the emperor desires a plain answer, I will give it to him. It is impossible for me to recant unless I am proved wrong by the testimony of Scripture. My conscience is bound to the Word of God. It is neither safe nor honest to act against one's conscience. Here I stand. God help me. I cannot do otherwise".

[3] Again, it was not the "Christian" Church which put Galileo on trial, it was specifically the Roman Catholic Church. As far as Galileo being labeled a "heretic", this is a valid point. But how many genuine Bible-believing Christians did the pagan Roman world put on trial and subsequently slaughter? The point here is that opposition to reincarnation is being portrayed as an "ignorance versus science" conflict. We challenge this view as emotional, illogical and entirely indefensible. Galileo was a true scientist and mathematician. Reincarnation and "regression" are not science and cannot be demonstrated to be. They are not empirically systematized, their results in one instance cannot be replicated, they are subjectively, philosophically, and religiously defined, and at best they merely record events of "altered states of consciousness". Not one of the "regressions" in "Echoes" offered accurate and supportable evidence for reincarnation. Their outcomes, in fact, argue against it.

[4] We agree. Galileo was audacious, wasn't he? In like manner, the Christian Reenactor's Network submits that the Bible contradicts every tenet of the reincarnationist position. After all, if the prevailing global view (as Lane argues) is reincarnationist, that makes our view of the Bible the minority view, and therefore is representative of Galileo in this illustration.

[5] We're not quite clear on this statement. Is Lane referring to Roman Catholicism or Christianity in general? If Christianity in general, historically its roots go back to Judaism, and before that, to the worship of Elohim (prior to Judiasm), and prior to that, to the Garden of Eden where God placed Adam and Eve.

Yes, there is exclusivity to God's plan for mankind's redemption. A review of the Old Testament will quickly establish that God has had a "redemptive" plan for mankind since sin began in Eden. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible speaks with exceptional clarity to God's supremity, man's sinfulness, our responsibility to and dependency on God, and the exclusivity of God's plan.

Jesus Himself said:

"Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matt. 7:13-14).

If such redemption was to be universal, there was no need for the Jewish nation, no need for the Ten Comandments, no need for the Jewish prophets, no need for Jesus the Messiah, and no need for a resurrection. But "resurrection" is another issue, isn't it?

[6] It is evident that Lane indeed does not understand the theological positions of either Chaplain Garbus or Stuart Zaharek, for her views have already been demonstrated to be inaccurate. We will establish this fact further.

[7] We completely agree with Lane. Sadly, we Americans do tend to be provincial in our lack of awareness of the "global village". We need, as an American society, to realize that it's a big interconnected world out there!

However, there ARE cannibals running around in loin cloths-- as well as educated professionals who drive expensive cars to the office each day--and are both spiritually destitute according to the Bible. We cannot "see" spiritual leprosy. However, God can and does see it. The fact is that we are ALL born with "spiritual leprosy". It's called "sin"! The concept of "karma", however, denies "sin" as defined by the Bible.

This assertion is an appeal to the emotions rather than to the facts. We don't pretend to have all the answers to life's apparent injustices and pain. However, humankind does have a source for the right spiritual answers, courtesy of God through biblical Christianity. This is the heart of the matter and precisely where the reincarnationist position unravels.

[8] Since when does majority opinion equal Truth? We may apply the same logic to the discovery of electricity, the invention of the automobile, or the development of human flight. The masses scoffed, the critics jeered, the nay-sayers doubted. These inventions and discoveries evidently worked out well and proved that "popular opinion" was off-target.

Therefore, the logical (and biblical) answer is to Lane's quiry is: Yes, the 'heathens' are wrong-- regardless of prevailing popular thought and opinion. This is precisely why Jesus Christ charged his disciples with the responsibility to communicate His redemptive plan to the world (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:7-8, et.al).

No, this doesn't agree with the universalist's view, but it is consistent with the Bible. Two opposite views cannot occupy the same Truth. This is the whole reason that the Bible was given--to proclaim God's message to the "heathen"-- a group to which we ALL belong apart from God's redemptive plan, whether we wear a loin-cloth or a designer business suit (Roman 1:18-23, et.al).

[9] A broadly-sweeping mistatement. Lane provides no facts or references to support this assertion. However, both Judaism and Christianity have had, through the years, their share of "mystics" who sought (and still seek) to undermine and reinterpret the plain text of Scripture.

[10] Indeed, there were (and still are) Kabbalic and Gnostic philosophies in existence. But it is entirely innacurate to generalize "early Christians" as having believed in this. Lane does not provide data sources. Early Christianity, prior to the formation of a sytematized theology and a defined Christology, was busy defending the Bible against mystical, allegorical, and experiential-based theologies. Yes, these mystical views (similar to which Lane subscribes) were determined to be "heresies" and contrary to the whole of Scriptural teaching being out of conformity with the earliest manuscripts.

[11] We refer back to our comment in [8]. Besides, no supportive data source on the George Gallup poll is provided. In any event, polls and public approval ratings have no relationship to Truth. As an example, Moses should have been given a "ticker-tape parade" upon his return from Mt. Sinai with the Ten Commandments (God's Truth)! On the contrary, popular opinion seemed to indicate a preference for the golden calf! (Exodus 32). Were all these people to be judged and condemned by God in spite of their sincerity and religiosity? In fact, they were (Exodus 32:7-35). Sin has judgment consequences, not "bad karma".

[12] An unsupportable misapplication of the facts. The Roman Catholic Church did engage in politics. Many leaders used the "Church" for selfish and political motives. However, the Councils had an overriding concern with Gnostic mysticism (from which the reincarnationist view is derived). Therefore, to equate the rejection of Gnosticism or Eastern philosophy as the result of politics is a distortion of the historic record. Gnosticism developed out of Eastern ideas rooted in Persia, Babylonia, and India. They were also closely related to Greek philosophical thought.

[13] An inaccurate statement. The Council of Nicaea, as previously mentioned, grappled primarily with the issue of Gnosticism and pursued the development of a biblical Christology for the developing Church. Reincarnation was not an issue, the "pre-existence" of the soul was at the core of this Council's objectives. As a result of this council, the Nicene Creed was produced.The doctrine of Gnosticism and its foundations were condemned as inconsistent with the Biblical record. This, in itself, does not demonstrate that the "orthodox" view of Christianity is unfair. A distortion is a distortion, and Gnosticism was proved a distortion of the gospel message when examined in light of the apostolic writings. Pro-Gnostic writings were produced after the time of the apostles, therefore, any writings allegedly "purged" would be understandably rejected due to their non-apostolic and spurious origins.

[14] An erroneous statement. Lane provides no supportive data or references. The fact of church history is, at the time of Justinian (A.D. 527-565), the oldest New Testament manuscript, Sinaiticus, was already over 200 years old (A.D.340). This manuscript contained no writings supportive of "reincarnation". Nothing was "obliterated" from the previously accepted canon of Scripture. We would be interested in knowing what they were, if these passages existed in fact. Justinian was instrumental in fixing the political power of the Roman Catholic Church within the Eastern Roman Empire, merging "church" and "state". Further, there are several other extant New Testament manuscripts which pre-date this council for which the same fact of reincarnation irrelevancy applies.

The Council of Constantinople which Lane is evidently referring to (A.D. 553) dealt with issues of the nature of Christ ("Christology"), not reincarnation. If any texts or writings were rejected at that time, it was because they were written long after the apostolic period and were rejected on those grounds alone, not politics. The use of the word "obliterated" by Lane is reactionary and without historical support or substantiating data.

[15] Stuart Zaharek did not selectively ignore anything in his "Echoes" reaction letter or in the posted web site. Although he did not expand on some items in his letter to the Civil War News or The Camp Chase Gazette (for lack of space), he clearly spoke to the issues in the December issue of The Guidon. In addition, the links provided in this issue thoroughly explore the claims of reincarnation, the A.R.E., Edgar Cayce, and related topics.

[16] An indefensible argument originating from circular reasoning. That "early Christians" believed in reincarnation is an unsupported assertion by Barbara Lane. She offers no evidence or substantiating references. Of course, her understanding of what "Christian" means is also open to question.

[17] This statement in inaccurate at best and at worst, deceptive. Since "regression" is predicated on reincarnation, and reincarnation and "karma" are in fact religious concepts, the book "Echoes" cannot be divorced from its religious underpinnings as related to Hinduism, Shamanism, Theosophy, and Spiritism.

With regards to "science", true science develops a hypothesis, then tests the hypothesis under controlled parameters. It then repeats the experiment or analysis in similar, controlled fashion to determine consistency of outcome. The results are then interpreted in view of the hypothesis, whether supportive or antithetical. This is called "inductive reasoning".

"Pseudo-science", however, assumes a framework build upon assumptions or presuppositions. It then pursues the collection of data and proceeds to interpret, and possibly "shape" that data in light of the previous assumptions. It is based on deductive or "circular" reasoning. This is the essence of "Echoes".

"Echoes", therefore, is certainly NOT an inductive scientific study by any stretch of the definition. It is no more than the recording of subjective human experience within the contex of altered states of consciousness. "Science" can deal with physiological and chemical imbalances of the brain, but it can say nothing about the mind, since it is non-physical.

We do, however, totally agree with the last word in the Lane's sentence, the writer being a "reporter", a single source of subjectively interpreted data.

[18] Both of the cited references were anticipated by Stuart Zaharek and were addressed and explained in the ten "Battalion" links in the December, 1998 issue of The Guidon. In sum, Barbara Lane's interpretation are abberations of the Biblical text and contexts. In Matthew 17:1-13, John the Baptist is described by Jesus as being Elijah (in reference to the Malachi 4:5-6 passage). A few key points of clarification:

1) John the Baptist could not have literally been the reincarnation of Elijah because Elijah himself appeared at the transfiguration in this passage (verse 3). If reincarnation was in view, John the Baptist himself would have appeared since he would have been the most recent incarnation of Elijah.

2) Elijah could not have been reincarnated because...he never died! (II Kings 2:11-12) He was taken directly into heaven!

3) The Greek wording of Matthew 17:11 "Elijah truly shall come first and restore all things" (erchetai = will be coming; apokatastesai = will be restoring) points to a yet future fulfillment of the true Elijah's coming.

4) Luke 1:16-17 records the angelic revelation to John the Baptist's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. "...he (John) will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah". This clearly explains the import of the words of Jesus.

5) John the Baptist himself denies that he is Elijah (John 1:19-21).

[19] Lane presents a completely spurious and indefensible application of the text in Galatians 6:7 while neglecting to include verse 8:

1) The context is of this passage is obviously "mocking God" (verse 7). This in itself is contradictory to the foundations of monism and karma. One cannot "mock" an impersonal "Universal Force"!

2) The "sowing and reaping" are clearly defined in the passage as our human concession to the sinful nature. If we sow "sin", God says that we will reap "destruction". If we sow that which pleases the "Spirit" (God), we will reap "eternal life". Not reincarnation. Not karma. The Bible text is clear, we will reap either eternal life with God, or destruction. It's ours to choose.

[20] Even if documented by Lane (which it isn't) the fact that any religious leader, whether Roman Catholic, Protestant or other, who are offered as positional support for reincarnation, proves nothing.

[21] As with [20] above, the involvement of "priests and ministers" in regression activities does not prove "Truth". We again point to the Pharisees of Jesus' time, many of who were sincere in their religious views, but dead wrong and condemned by Christ's words (Luke 11:39-52, et.al) during his approximate three-year long earthly ministry.

[22] A regression may, in fact, be a "spiritual" experience and may bring a person into a fuller understanding of the "eternal nature of the soul". The question is, does the "experience" result in a fuller understanding of the True God of the Bible? Does it show us our sinful nature as Jesus and the whole of Scripture points out, or does it reinforce confidence in our innate "goodness" and "oneness" with the Universe? Does it enhance our appreciation for the grace of God in view of our rebellious hearts, or does it encourage us to secure eternal bliss by our own human efforts? Or does it merely allow us find consolation in the idea that our phobias and individual personality constructs (and therefore our behaviors) may be blamed on our "past life"?

[23] We agree that any counseling with enhances our ability to see our reponsibilities for ourselves and our actions is beneficial and thereby therapeutic. However, how can a regression "session" which denies the authority and content of God's Word help anyone to see "God's plan" in any way? God's plan is already clearly explained to us in the Bible. Any other "plan" which contradicts this indeed has a suspicious source.

[24] The opinions of a reporter from the Baltimore Sun, or any other source, (including this writer) are immaterial and irrelevent. It is God's Word, the Bible, which is the ultimate source of God's plan and His Truth. Lane cites "forgiveness" and "healing" as elements of her professional pursuits and goals of "regression" hypnotherapy. These are highly commendable goals and we applaud the need for these. The problem here is that she does not explain "forgiveness" beyond the bounds of this life, nor "healing" beyond the bounds of our temporal, human relational experience. The reincarnationist view does not support our need for God's forgiveness or our need for spiritual healing and restoration of the broken relationship we have with our Creator because of sin (Ephesians 2:1-10, et.al). Incidently, if we desire healing and forgiveness to be experienced personally, we read:

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53: 3-6)

[25] Lane cites the "Lord's Prayer" yet fails to recognize that it's content opposes the very philosophical and presuppositional constructs upon which she bases her beliefs. The respectful beginning of this prayer, "Our Father" (Matthew 6:9; et.al) by itself is a fatal arrow in the heart of reincarnationism and karma. An impersonal force cannot be a "Father" or possess the attributes which this prayer presents God as having.

[26] This is a evidently an emotional reaction based on Lane's misunderstanding of the Bible's explicit presentation of the attributes of God. Biblical Christianity grows out of a relationship based on the love of God in view of His love for us as clearly depicted in the Bible. Hate and fear are, in fact, two of God's many attributes. Should God be feared? Yes. Why? Because He is holy and sin cannot exist in His presence. For example, God did not provide Moses with the "Ten Suggestions" but the "Ten Commandments" (Ex. 20:1-17).

Since Eastern religions which include reincarnation deny "sin" as a valid concept, by default they must react with opposition to the Bible's presentation of God's holiness, as well as the need for a divinely-designed "redemptive" plan.

The following verses are not "interpretations". These are direct Bible quotations:

Hate:

Love righteous, and hate wickedness (Ps 45:7)

I hate and abhor falsehood (Ps. 119:163)

To fear the Lord is to hate evil (Pr 8:13)

The righteous hate what is false (Pr. 13:5)

Hate evil, love good (Amos 5:15)

There are six things that the Lord hates.... (Pr. 6:16)

Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not give a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, say the LORD. (Zech. 8:17)

You shall not set up a sacred pillar, which the LORD your God hates.
(Deut. 16:22)

All their wickedness is in Gilgal, for there I hated them. Because of their evil deeds I will drive them from My house. I will love them no more. Their princes are rebellious. (Hos. 9:15)

The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
(Ps. 5:5)

Fear:

Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only (Deut 6:13)

Now fear the Lord and serve Him (Josh 4:24)

Let all the earth fear the Lord (Ps. 33:8)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of widom (Ps. 111:10)

Blessed are all who fear the Lord (Ps 128:1)

Delight in the fear of the Lord (Isa 11:3)

You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before You when You are angry?
(Ps. 76:7)

The nations shall see and be counfounded...They shall be afraid of the LORD our God and shall fear because of Thee. (Micah 7:16-17)

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the LORD, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I also hope it is plain to your conscience.
(II Cor. 5:11)

Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the people of the world revere Him.
(Ps. 33:8)

In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; He is more awesome than all who surround Him. (Ps 89:7)

He will be a sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to His treasure. (Isa. 33:6)

Show proper respect to everyone; fear God, honor the king. (I Pet 2:17)

Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name? For You alone are Holy. All nations will come before and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:4)

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. (Prov. 16:6)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. (Prov. 9:10)

The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. (Prov. 10:27)

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
(Prov. 14:27)

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor, and life. (Prov. 22:4)

Better is little with fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble.
(Prov. 15:16)

But as me me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy: and in Thy fear will I worship toward Your holy temple. (Ps. 5:7)

O fear the LORD, you His saints: for there is no want to those who fear Him. (Ps. 34:9)

Surely His salvation is nigh those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. (Ps. 85:9)

O how great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear you; which You have wrought for those who trust in You before the sons of men.
(Ps. 31:19)

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and He
delivers them. (Ps. 34:7)

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. (Ps. 103:13)

The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. (Ps. 147:11)

As it is written: There is none righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.
(Rom. 3:10-18)

It is important to note that Lane fails to recognize that these attributes are derived from God's nature which includes holiness and perfection. These ideas are not our "interpretation" of the Bible. They are plainly self explanatory. The Bible presents God's "moral attributes" as including righteousness, justice, goodness, love, benevolence, mercy, grace, and truth. We mortals cannot pick and choose which of these we will accept for they are inextricably linked together within His character.

It is the prayer of the CRNetwork that those who do not understand the God of the Bible indeed RUN... but that they run toward the God whose hatred for unrighteousness is matched, indeed overwhelmed, by the magnitude of His forgiveness and love. These are demonstrated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They should also RUN to the one true God in fear (reverence and awe) because His holiness and righteousness should instill in our hearts the desire to ascribe to Him the Majesty He alone deserves. Christianity is not a "religion". It is a daily, vital relationship with Jesus Christ.

[27] A logically indefensible statement. The assertion that Edgar Cayce read his Bible and attended "a conservative Christian Church" offers no substantiation for the Biblical veracity of the experiences he recorded. In fact, his experiences and views directly contradict the teachings of the Bible as reviewed in the December, 1999 issue of The Guidon. His teachings, and those of the A.R.E. are discussed in detail also through that issue's ten "Battalion" web links.

In all likelihood, those who see appeal in Lane's views are unaware that Edgar Cayce, the founder of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, taught that Jesus was incarnated in a previous existence as the biblical Adam around 12,000 B.C., and it was at that time when Adam fell through sin that he realized he was to be incarnated as Jesus, the Savior of the world (refer to The Guidon, "What 'Echoes' Doesn't Tell You" December, 1998). Cayce's views are foreign to the plain text of Scripture.

[28] A nonsequitur of illogic. Popular opinion and the support of the "greatest thinkers" cannot be offered as evidence for the credibility of reincarnation any more than Gallup polls. The issue is "who or what is the ultimate authority of Truth"? Indeed, the historic persons cited were great thinkers. Thomas Paine and Aldous Huxley were also"great thinkers", albeit philosophical atheists. The intellectual capability of any individual is immaterial to the determination of Truth or the authority of the Bible. We may similarly may submit names of great Christian leaders in the Civil War, politics, science, et.al who subscribed to the historic Christian view we maintain. However, this is a weak rationale and unable to prove anything.

[29] Stuart Zaharek did not say that Barbara Lane's subjects were necessarily possessed, nor that all "regression" subjects are. He does, however, maintain that the Bible describes that demonic entities exist.  It is these that may be involved with some "altered states of consciousess" experiences.

[30] An acknowlegment by Barbara Lane that she maintains not only a reincarnationaist construct, but also Spiritist viewpoint ("deceased entities" could indicate disembodied spirits or "ghosts" as well as demons-in-disguise).

[31] We appreciate Lane's concession to the existence of "possession" by demonic entities as an occasional possibility. However, her statement that the absence of the signs of posession (what are these "signs"?) "point more strongly to reincarnation" is quite a stretch of logic. She does not offer any other valid theories of altered states experience, and she knows that there are a number of them!

[32] We are appreciative of Lane's concession to our accuracy here.

[33] Being "trapped in time" is offered as an explanation without substantiation, scientific support, or coroborative data. It presupposes the existence of reincarnation while, in point of fact, every "regression" recorded in "Echoes" leaves unanswered the question "Why did no experience exactly coincide with actual historical and recorded events?" Lane cannot have it both ways--this cannot be a "scientifically" objective "clinical study" to explore altered states phenomena AND assume the existence of reincarnation (a religious view) simultaneously.

[34] An amazing concession by Lane and a facinating philosophical contradiction by her. Lane offers no explanation as to the origin of the "demonic realm" and implies that demons are "intelligent" beings (cf. "saboteurs"). Now, if monism (all-is-oneness) is unarguably the essence of reincarnation, if God is an impersonal force, if we are all subject to the law of Karma, where did these "demons" come from? We challenge Barbara Lane to carefully consider the implications of the existence of demons. Were they evolved? Created? What "force" opposes them? Can they be defeated? Are they eternal? What are they trying to "sabotage" and why? We agree with Lane that they are indeed spiritual saboteurs. However, the Bible is clear regarding their origin, incideous objectives, the nature of our dealings with them, and their ultimate fate. Jesus said:

"Then shall He say unto them on His left hand "Depart from me, accursed ones, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" Matt. 24:41

[35] An interesting statement Lane offers regarding "doing battle" with demons. While no details are provided, we would ask her if the "battles" were resolved through the application of Biblical principles. Did the subjects involved subsequently recognize their spiritual helplessness and acknowledge their sinful nature, their need for a Savior, and the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ? On the basis of Lane's answers thus far, it is doubtful that she is quite "aware" of the origin, power, and deceptive nature of demons. If she is aware, she has elected to reject the Bible's view.

[36] A true statement, however, this statement also allows for "regression" being no more than active imagination during an altered states of consciousness experience.

[37] A circular statement predicated on reincarnationist assumptions alone.

[38] True, the "Echoes" regression stories are fascinating. However, "amazing" is not entirely accurate in view of the questionable origin of the experiences.

[39] We are delighted that reenactors have had their passion for the hobby invigorated. However, this statement provides no basis for authenticating reincarnation claims.

[40] We agree with Lane that "love" and "fear" are pivitol human emotions. However, rather than appealing to psychologists, we are wise to review a few verses about what God says about these in the Bible, I John 4:15-21:

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love which God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

The above verse, in context, clearly explains that:

1) It is belief in Jesus Christ which establishes our relationship to God.

2) If we have this relationship with God, we experience and reflect God's love.

3) If we experience and reflect God's love, we need not fear His judgment.

4) As we grow in God's love, fear is driven out. The entire book of I John is an argument against early Gnosticism, arguing against a dualism which maintained that spirit is good and matter is evil. It clearly describes that the source of love is NOT from human nature, but from God Himself. This is in direct contradiction to the premise of "Echoes" and reincarnationism. Love is not the ultimate goal in God's plan, Truth is. Love flows out of Truth when understood and applied biblically!

[41] "Ridicule" and irresponsible "censure" are not in view as we address these important issues. We are challenging a philosophical and religious view which is completely opposed to biblical Truth and therefore of spiritual danger to mankind, and reenactors in particular.

Ridicule is always an unacceptable behavior borne out of ignorance, scorn, mocking, and derision. Censure is an attempt to prohibit ideas, or the issuance of a reprimand through visible disapproval or condemnation. However, "censure" may be quite an appropriate response if that behavior or idea which is being censured is perceived as harmful. (Notice I said harmful--not politically power-threatening). As a parent, I routinely "censure" some television and other media materials which may be deleterious to my family's well-being. God Himself "censures" innumerable behaviors and ideas throughout the Bible. There are 613 Laws in the Old Testament which effectively "censure" human behavior, thought, and establish the appropriate manner of worship. In the New Testament, we are see that we are also individually responsible to "censure" certain behaviors and thought patterns out of our lives (Colossians 3, et. al).

As with Martin Luther, if we are true believing Christians, we may have already experienced personally both ridicule and censure because of our biblical beliefs. Our public schools, universities, and the media are examples of the ridicule and censure that the biblical world views elicits.

In any event, we are not proposing "censorship". We are standing for the Truth of the Bible and we are demonstrating the contradiction of the regression/reincarnation religious paradigm. The choice to accept either "religious" view is up to the individual.

[42] The verse cited by Lane found in both Deut. 6:5 and Matthew 22:37 is misquoted, is out of context, and is in fact entirely inconsistent with the reincarnationist construct:

1) Beginning with Deut. 6:4, the citation reads: "Hear O Israel, the LORD your God is one LORD: and you will love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Please note that this verse is directed ONLY to those who worship YHWH (LORD) or Jehovah. Secondly, it says that the LORD is a single diety, not a pantheistic force or polytheistic entourage of beings. Thirdly, it does not say that the "greatest commandment is love." It says you will "...love the LORD your God...." The point is that these verses are directed to the True God, Jehovah or YHWH, not toward an abstract human emotion called "love". Is "love" important? Absolutely! Is it the focus of this verse. No, God is.

2) The Matthew passage likewise establishes the "greatest commandment" as being "Love the Lord your God...." not an abstract "love" in general.

3) These verses present God as possessing personality. With reincarnation/monism, deity is an impersonal life force.

4) These verses indicate that we ourselves have responsibility to direct our energies toward God. With reincarnation/monism we direct our energies on a purely human plan with hopes of improving our "karma".

5) Matthew 22:39 commands us to demonstrate genuineness in love also toward "our neighbor". No reincarnation, no ghosts, no karma, no self-salvation in is view.

If Lane is somehow referring to I Corinthians 13:13 "...the greatest of these is love.", the complete verse reads:

But now abide faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these
is love" (I Cor. 13:13)

This verse clearly says that faith (Greek: "pistis"), hope (Greek: "helpis") and love (Greek: "agape") abide together, i.e., they are "dwelling-mates". Love is not "commanded" but rather defined as a facet of the three characteristics which typify the true believer in Christ. In other words "agape" (self-sacrificing love) is the trait which corroborates and validates the genuiness of believing faith and hope. True "love", once again, does not exist in a vacuum aside from faith and hope in Christ, nor is it an abstract concept. Incidently, the word "agape" does not merely refer to "brotherly love" which Lane apparently has in view. If it were, the apostle Paul would have used "phileo" (brotherly love) as in "Philadelphia".

If Lane has John 13:34 in mind " A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another..." again one must read the entire verse and understand it within the context (Jesus is speaking to His disciples prior to His crucifixion):

When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 13:31-14:7)

[43] This quote, apparently from President Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, prosaically reminds us of the importance of human relationships with regards to the preservation of the Union and our patriots' great cost in securing the nation's independence. It was crafted by Mr. Lincoln to be conciliatory in view of the impending national crisis. We recognize that this quote is being intended by Barbara Lane to communicate the same idea of concilation in view of disagreement. We concur that human relationships are to be greatly valued and we reciprocate this gesture. However, in the ongoing controversy regarding reincarnation, we are not opposing a person, we are pursuing Truth. For example, we may disagree regarding the law of gravity and respect each other's views, but when we come to the edge of the precipice, look down, and take that next, single step--one of us will be proven wrong. But in the final parting there will still be mutual respect.

Mr. Lincoln was partial to using poetic and prosaic language. In this speech he said:

"...The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield, and every patriot grave, to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched as surely they will be, again by the better angels of our nature."

This quote is quite obviously not intended to be theological. If taken literally and not poetically, it contradicts the Word of God. Our natures do not possess "angels". The Bible tells us that angels are beings who were created by God as His special servants.

"The LORD has prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, that do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word. Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you ministers of His, that do His pleasure." (Ps. 104: 19-21)

We conclude this response section by affirming Barbara Lane's call to strive for the demonstration of love and mutual respect in view of our differences regarding religion and philosophy of life and death. Our position regarding the Bible, however, compels us to state clearly the irreconcilability of the two views at hand. As such, the final determination and decision to subscribe to--or reject--these views is a matter for the individual to decide. The concept of "regression" as presented by Barbara Lane is clearly a religious paradigm (reincarnation) being portrayed as a scientifically-based method of historic research.

As the Bible says (the Apostle Paul writing to young pastor Timothy regarding the leading of his local church in Ephesus):

"All Scripture is God-breathed ("directly inspired by God") and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."    2 Timothy 3:16 - 4:8

Amen. See you on the "battlefield".

Stuart Zaharek
for The Christian Reenactor's Network