Reincarnation: Valid Viewpoint or Faux Pas?

I've recently been thinking a lot about the idea of reincarnation.

Now, depending on your religious viewpoints, some will consider what I'm about to write as blasphemous and others may consider it an obvious part of spiritual life.

What is the definition of reincarnation anyway? Wikipedia describes it in the following way: "Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant."

Personally, I don't believe the animal or plant part of the definition, but the idea of us returning to learn more holds some merit. After all, this viewpoint has been around thousands of years.

First, I guess I should probably explain that I do not limit "god" in his/her abilities or thoughts as some structured religions may be doing. Not that there is anything wrong with structured religions and their viewpoints. I'm actually a member of a structured religion. I may not believe exactly as I have been told to believe, but I do find comfort in many of the traditions it holds.

I am also firmly against forcing or "guilting" people into someone else's individual viewpoint regarding what they believe concerning religion or spirituality.

However, since this is my blog, I'm at least going to chat about my view regarding this part of spirituality. Actually, I should say, my ever-changing view of spirituality.

First off, I'm sure you may have noticed I put the word "god" in quotes. I did that because around the world, "god" is called many things. Some may not believe in "god", but still believe in a higher self that encompasses "god". Either way, I don't want to limit or alienate anyone.

Back to the idea of reincarnation. What if they are right about reincarnation? I mean, can you just for one second think about the possibilities that opens up? To be able to live lives where we learn more and more about our souls and feel emotions at every level in different bodies? There's a lot of other topics that touch reincarnation.

Currently, I'm researching the idea of "pre-birth planning". However, that's another topic for another time.

For some, even entertaining the idea of reincarnation is blasphemous. When I was a child, someone once told me that by opening your mind to other religions and beliefs (other than their own), this would allow the "devil" to mislead you away from the path of the righteous. This was a very traumatic thing that was said to me and one I will never forget. Even now, entertaining varied thoughts, let alone writing, about this subject makes me want to revert back into my old belief systems which were created out of fear. I can just hear people saying that I'm going to hell or that I am a heathen. That's fine. I can handle the negativity. I just refuse to be bullied (how I see it) into a certain belief. This is why I also refuse to believe that "god" is a angry "god" who is out to punish us.

I believe "god" is compassionate, loving and understanding. That maybe our earthly experience isn't all about suffering and paying dues, it's about learning to care for all people with all different views and beliefs—even ones that go against what we believe and to not condemn what is different from our beliefs.

Recently, I was in a book discussion with the Wentzville Holistic Adventurers Group and this topic came up, and one person said (in reference to spiritual/religious beliefs) that "we are all right".

Such a simple, yet powerful statement. We are all right. Personally, what a freeing idea. We are all right.