The Truth About Human Afterlife: Reincarnation, Angels, and Dust
Introduction to Human Afterlife
Questions about the human afterlife are as old as humanity itself, and the answers to these questions can vary widely depending on cultural, religious, and personal beliefs. In this article, we'll explore common misconceptions and truths about human afterlife, focusing on reincarnation, angels, and the concept of becoming dust upon death. We will also address the false teachings that persist in various belief systems.
Reincarnation: More Than Just a Myth
While many religions and belief systems support the concept of reincarnation, the idea is often misunderstood or misrepresented. The belief in reincarnation is the idea that souls can return to Earth in a new physical body after the death of their previous one. In this context, some may wonder if they can become angels, which is a misrepresented concept in many religious and spiritual circles. Let's address these misconceptions:
No, humans do not become angels. According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, there is only one Archangel, Michael, and on Earth, he is known as Jesus. Jehovah has all the angels he needs, and it's impossible for a human who has died to transform into an angel. This concept is often confused with the idea of humans becoming angelic beings in their afterlife, which is a false teaching.
The Afterlife Beyond Heaven and Hell
After a person dies, the soul rests in the "sheol," a place of peace and rest, not heaven or hell. This place is a state of non-suffering where the soul awaits the day of resurrection. The concept of sheol is described in various religious texts, such as the Bible, and it represents a state of existence beyond physical life, without pain, worry, or work. In sheol, individuals experience a state of rest and peace, waiting for the resurrection.
The Concept of Turning Into Dust
Upon death, human bodies decompose, and the material elements return to the earth. The idea that humans "turn into dust" is scientifically accurate. When a body dies, it decomposes, and the physical matter is reduced to dust and bones. This process is well-documented in the field of archaeology, which studies human and animal remains from the past. The soul, on the other hand, is not made of physical matter and therefore does not "turn into dust."
Soul Realization and Freedom
While the body decomposes, the soul continues its journey. The soul's ultimate goal is self-realization and later, God-realization. These states of realization are described as a state of freedom where the soul is free to choose its path and actions aligned with divine will. As a part of God, the soul's actions serve to further the divine plan and can manifest in various forms and planes of existence. For instance, souls can incarnate on different physical and non-physical planes to serve various purposes, from healing to guiding others.
Different souls have different life missions. Take, for example, Prajapati, a master who chooses to work in a field that serves animals, Kata Daki, whose project is to help people get back on their feet during hardships, or Ori Diogo, who heals long-term illness on the Asteal Plane. Each soul, with God's knowledge, has the power to choose its path and contribute to the divine plan.
Human Incarnation and Collective Growth
Humans are not just physical entities; they are also spiritual beings on a journey of learning and growth. When souls incarnate (reincarnate) in human form, they are part of a collective journey of the human race. This collective journey involves learning and growing together, exploring various physical universes and experiencing different life conditions to gain knowledge and wisdom. While archangels may not require reincarnation for their growth, they play a significant role in the growth of the human family and the divine plan.
It's important to note that humans do not reincarnate into angels or become ghosts. Ghosts are often seen as demons in disguise, not real souls. There is no place called purgatory or an in-between place for souls to go after death. After death, souls either go to heaven, hell, or sheol, not to multiple locations or states of being.
Conclusion
Understanding the afterlife and the journey of the soul beyond physical existence is a complex and multifaceted topic. While misconceptions and false teachings abound, it's essential to explore the true nature of human afterlife and the potential paths that souls can take. Whether through reincarnation, divine service, or peace in sheol, the journey is one of continuous growth, learning, and serving the divine plan. Understanding these concepts can provide clarity, comfort, and a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of life and beyond.