Library of Christ Mind Teachings
ACIM Original Edition
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In the ultimate sense, reincarnation is impossible. There is no past nor
future, and the idea of birth into a body has no meaning either once or
many times. Reincarnation cannot, then, be true in any real sense. Our
only question should be, “Is the concept helpful?” And that depends of
course on what it is used for. If it is used to strengthen the
recognition of the eternal nature of life, it is helpful indeed. Is any
other question about it really useful in lighting up the way? Like many
other beliefs, it can be bitterly misused. At least, such misuse offers
preoccupation and perhaps pride in the past. At worst, it induces
inertia in the present. In between many kinds of folly are possible.
2 Reincarnation would not, under any circumstances, be the
problem to be dealt with now. If it were responsible for some of the
difficulties the individual faces now, his task would still be only to
escape from them now. If he is laying the groundwork for a future life,
he can still work out his salvation only now. To some there may be
comfort in the concept, and if it heartens them, its value is
self-evident. It is certain, however, that the way to salvation can be
found by those who believe in reincarnation and by those who do not. The
idea cannot, therefore, be regarded as essential to the curriculum.
There is always some risk in seeing the present in terms of the past.
There is always some good in any thought which strengthens the idea that
life and the body are not the same.
3 For our purposes, it would not be helpful to take any
definite stand on reincarnation. A teacher of God should be as helpful
to those who believe in it as to those who do not. If a definite stand
on it were required of him, it would merely limit his usefulness as well
as his own decision-making. Our course is not concerned with any concept
that is not acceptable to anyone, regardless of his formal beliefs. His
ego will be enough for him to cope with, and it is not part of wisdom to
add sectarian controversies to his burdens. Nor would there be an
advantage in his premature acceptance of the course merely because it
advocates a long-held belief of his own.
4 It cannot be too strongly emphasized that this course aims
at a complete reversal of thought. When this is finally accomplished,
issues such as the validity of reincarnation become meaningless. Until
then they are likely to be merely controversial. The teacher of God is
therefore wise to step away from all such questions, for he has much to
teach and learn apart from them. He should both learn and teach that
theoretical issues but waste time, draining it away from its appointed
purpose. If there are aspects to any concept or belief that will be
helpful, he will be told about it. He will also be told how to use it.
What more need he know?
5 Does this mean that the teacher of God should not believe
in reincarnation himself or discuss it with others who do? The answer is
certainly not! If he does believe in reincarnation, it would be a
mistake for him to renounce the belief unless his Internal Teacher so
advised. And this is most unlikely. He might be advised that he is
misusing the belief in some way which is detrimental to his pupil’s
advance or his own. Reinterpretation would then be recommended because
it would be necessary. All that must be recognized, however, is that
birth was not the beginning and death is not the end. Yet even this much
is not required of the beginner. He need merely accept the idea that
what he knows is not necessarily all there is to learn. His journey has
begun.
6 The emphasis of this course always remains the same—it is
at this moment that complete salvation is offered you, and it is at this
moment that you can accept it. This is still your one responsibility.
Atonement might be equated with total escape from the past and total
lack of interest in the future. Heaven is here. There is nowhere else.
Heaven is now. There is no other time. No teaching that does not lead to
this is of concern to God’s teachers. All beliefs will point to this if
properly interpreted. In this sense it can be said that their truth lies
in their usefulness. All beliefs that lead to progress should be
honored. This is the sole criterion this course requires. No more than
this is necessary.