Expert: Edward Bode - 9/27/2007

Question
Is it possible that purgatory and reincarnation are one in the same? I do believe that the human race would have been doomed without Christ's death and resurrection, but that like all parents, God wants us to learn. Rather than having our souls in purgatory, sort of in a holding pattern while people pray for us to exit, it makes more sense to me that we would come back to learn our lessons. It may take more than one life time for some. What are your thoughts on this?

Answer
Reincarnation contradicts the basic Christian belief that this one life that we experience is the one and only time that we have to gain salvation.  Purgatory is for those who die in God's grace but need purification from minor faults.
For further thoughts, you might check The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1013 [reincarnation], and 1030-32 [purgatory].  The catechism is available online at:
usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
If you would like further comments from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Fairy.