Reincarnation – A Christian Perspective

Friedrich Rittelmeyer (1872-1938) was a Lutheran pastor until he founded the Christian Community, based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, in 1922. This book was first published in English in 1933 and is a good philosophical introduction to the topic, and particularly to Steiner's understanding. The three main chapters cover reincarnation in the light of thought, religion and ethics, elucidating the logic of the concept. The author notes the German lineage with Lessing, Goethe and Herder before coming to Steiner and his own research in the topic where he argues that reincarnation is the most satisfying solution to his quest. He is very clear that reincarnation is not a Christian concept as such, but he feels that it is now necessary to incorporate it. It explains the context of life due to more than chance and gives us a more direct investment in the future in terms of a common destiny. Perhaps most importantly, Steiner's understanding is one of evolutionary ascent rather than eternal return, which makes it more congenial to the Western mind.