Reincarnation vs. Resurrection — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
Reincarnation involves the soul's rebirth into a new body after gone, often implying a cycle, while resurrection refers to the gone being raised back to life, typically in the same body, and is a one-time event.
Difference Between Reincarnation and Resurrection
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Key Differences
The process and purpose of reincarnation and resurrection differ significantly. Reincarnation is seen as a continuous cycle of birth, gone, and rebirth, which is influenced by the individual's actions, and serves as a mechanism for spiritual evolution or karma resolution. Resurrection, however, is envisioned as a divine intervention where the deceased are restored to life, marking a definitive end to life and the beginning of a new, eternal life, especially in the context of Christian eschatology.
In reincarnation, the identity of the soul is continuous across different lives, but the physical form and circumstances of each life can vary greatly. The soul's journey is ongoing until it achieves liberation or enlightenment, depending on the belief system. Resurrection, conversely, maintains both the continuity of the soul and the physical body, albeit in a glorified state, signifying not a cycle, but a transition to an everlasting life beyond.
Culturally and theologically, reincarnation and resurrection offer different perspectives on morality, justice, and the afterlife. Reincarnation provides an explanation for the inequalities of life, attributing them to the deeds of past lives and offering a path toward improvement through successive lives. Resurrection, particularly within Christianity, emphasizes the final judgment and the resurrection of the body as a promise of God's justice and mercy, where eternal life is granted not based on one's own merit but through faith and divine grace.
The belief in reincarnation versus resurrection also influences ethical and moral attitudes towards life and gone. Followers of religions that teach reincarnation might focus on actions and intentions in this life as they impact future rebirths, fostering a moral and ethical framework aimed at achieving liberation from the cycle of rebirth. In contrast, the belief in resurrection emphasizes living in accordance with divine will and the anticipation of a future resurrection, where moral and ethical choices are guided by the promise of eternal life or damnation after judgment.
Comparison Chart
Concept
Soul's rebirth into a new body
Body being raised back to life in the same body
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Purpose
Spiritual evolution or karma resolution
Divine intervention for eternal life
Belief Systems
Various religions and philosophies
Primarily in Christianity, also in other religions
Physical Form
Changes with each rebirth
Remains the same but transformed and glorified
Compare with Definitions
Reincarnation
Determined by karma or actions in past lives.
His acts of kindness in a previous life led to a fortunate rebirth, according to the belief in reincarnation.
Resurrection
A one-time event, often associated with the end times.
The resurrection of the body is envisioned as occurring at the end of the world.
Reincarnation
Liberation or enlightenment from the cycle of rebirth.
The ultimate goal of reincarnation is to achieve a state of enlightenment, breaking the cycle of rebirth.
Resurrection
The same physical body, but glorified.
The doctrine of resurrection teaches that our bodies will be transformed and glorified.
Reincarnation
The belief that the soul, after gone, is reborn in a new body.
She believes in reincarnation, seeing each life as a step towards spiritual enlightenment.
Resurrection
Divine will and intervention.
The resurrection is seen as a divine act of God, granting eternal life to the faithful.
Reincarnation
Can be reborn as human or non-human.
In some beliefs, reincarnation includes the possibility of being reborn as an animal.
Resurrection
The condition of having been restored to life.
Reincarnation
A new, considerably improved, version.
Resurrection
The return of Jesus to life on the third day after the Crucifixion.
Reincarnation
Rebirth of the soul in another human or nonhuman body.
Resurrection
The act of bringing back to practice, notice, use, or vibrancy; revival
The resurrection of an old custom.
The resurrection of a decrepit neighborhood.
Reincarnation
A reappearance or revitalization in another form; a new embodiment
"The brownstone had already endured one reincarnation.
Resurrection
(archaic) bodysnatching
Reincarnation
A rebirth of a soul, in a physical life form, such as a body.
Resurrection
A rising again; the resumption of vigor.
Reincarnation
The philosophy of such a rebirth, a specific belief or doctrine on how such a rebirth occurs.
Resurrection
(New Testament) the rising of Christ on the third day after the Crucifixion
Reincarnation
A fresh embodiment.
Resurrection
Revival from inactivity and disuse;
It produced a resurrection of hope
Reincarnation
Embodiment in a new form (especially the reappearance or a person in another form);
His reincarnation as a lion
Reincarnation
A second or new birth
Reincarnation
The Hindu or Buddhist doctrine that person may be reborn successively into one of five classes of living beings (god or human or animal or hungry ghost or denizen of hell) depending on the person's own actions
Common Curiosities
Do all religions believe in reincarnation?
Not all; reincarnation is primarily associated with Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, among others.
Can reincarnation lead to different species?
Yes, in many belief systems, reincarnation can involve being reborn as different species, based on one's karma.
What distinguishes reincarnation from resurrection?
Reincarnation involves the soul's rebirth into new bodies over multiple lives, whereas resurrection is the raising of the afterlife in their original, transformed bodies for eternal life.
How does karma relate to reincarnation?
Karma, or the sum of a person's actions, is believed to influence future rebirths in the cycle of reincarnation.
Can one remember past lives in reincarnation?
Some belief systems and practices suggest it's possible to remember past lives, though not commonly.
Is resurrection a universal concept?
Resurrection is most prominently a Christian concept but is also found in other religious beliefs with variations.
Is there judgment in reincarnation?
Judgment in reincarnation is not like in resurrection beliefs; it's more about the natural consequences of one's actions affecting future lives.
What is the purpose of reincarnation?
The purpose is often seen as spiritual growth or progression through learning from life experiences.
What signifies the end of the cycle of reincarnation?
Liberation or enlightenment, achieving a state beyond the cycle of birth and gone, signifies the end.
Who experiences resurrection?
In Christian belief, all the bodies will experience resurrection, but the nature of the eternal life to follow differs between the righteous and the wicked.
How is resurrection viewed in Christianity?
It's a core belief, signifying victory over afterlife and the promise of eternal life with God.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
