Reincarnation: The Cycle of Necessity

By Manly P. Hall

Book Overview

Among the subjects discussed are reincarnation in Oriental, Greek, and American Indian systems of thought; the theory as set forth in the Old and New Testaments and interpreted by early Christian Fathers; the rebirth of animals, plants, and minerals; the idea of soul-mates; the memory of past lives; and the fate of the suicide.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089314519X
• ISBN13: 9780893145194
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Philosophical Research Society
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

A Comprehensive Approach

There is, perhaps, no authority on the subject of reincarnation with the exception of certain sacred texts, however, Manly Hall comes very close as that scholarly voice. "Reincarnation: The Cycle of Necessity" was written in 1980 and the information is still completely relevant. What Hall continually impresses upon the readers mind is that the belief in reincarnation is the only reasonable solution towards a better life and world. The book goes through most of the major beliefs of reincarnation throughout the worlds religions as well as cultures. Hall does some keen investigation to support that most of the religions do subscribe to reincarnation. In the case of Judaism and Christianity, he does dig a little deeper to give credence that they do support Christianity, however, this is from a theological perspective and not a doctrinal one. Hall does note that, although the general public of the Western mind does not adhere to the belief, there are no laws from the church stating it is a pagan belief either. Once this matter is put aside, Hall ventures into various topics pertaining to reincarnation from suicide, karma, free will, animal, plant and mineral spirits, to the unfolding of the human life in perfection towards the spiritual goal of nirvana. Hall writes with utmost conidence and almost cocksureness of what he says to be actual fact. There are some testimonies in the book to help you conlude that reincarnation exists, a certain amount of restraint may be called upon the reader. Nonetheless, Hall is convincing, especially after he has explained the reasoning behind reincarnation and its purpose and the attitude of the individual. Manly Hall's book on reincarnation is certainly a unique book and valid amongst the pantheon of books out there on the subject. Hall does his best not to have a particular point of view, however, for those that are familiar with him will know he was honored the highest degree in Freemasonry and that his specialty is in occultism.