ABSTRACT
Reincarnation, or the belief that the human soul or consciousness continues to be reborn through a series of lifetimes, is one of the most widespread religious beliefs. It seems certain that the ancient Egyptian followers of Amen-Ra, who also believed in reincarnation, derived their belief from observing nature. Reincarnation continues to be a popular idea, and many people feel instinctively drawn to it as a more realistic after-death belief than the Last Judgement. Reincarnation is after all, a rather appealing belief. In 1956, in both Britain and the United States, popular interest in reincarnation gained special impetus from the publication of The Search for Bridey Murphy. Stevenson began his researches as a sceptic, and was keen to test a number of hypotheses of explanation rather than assume reincarnation. Noted medical authority Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has also stated that she regards reincarnation as a ‘fact’.
