Souls – Return to Incarnation Part 5
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains in this lecture the falsehood of the idea of “the soul’s journey after death” as found in some ancient sermons (miamirs), especially those describing events on the third and fortieth days. He stresses that these ideas have no basis in Scripture or the Church Fathers, and that no doctrine should ever be built upon such writings.
1. Miamirs Are Not Doctrinal Sources
The Pope clarifies that not all miamirs are authentic, as some contain myths and theological errors, such as saying that liturgies are celebrated in heaven. He warns that these texts were never scientifically verified and cannot serve as sources of dogma.
2. Rejection of the “Wandering Soul” Theory
He rejects the claim that the soul wanders the earth for three days before ascending, calling it illogical and untheological. Once separated from the body, the soul is in God’s hands immediately and cannot roam freely or visit earthly places.
3. The Meaning of the Third and Fortieth-Day Prayers
The third-day prayer commemorates Christ’s resurrection, and the fortieth-day prayer commemorates His ascension. Their purpose is to offer comfort and hope, not to “send away spirits” or practice mystical rites.
4. Refuting “Holy Water Sprinkling”
He mocks the belief that souls cling to clothes or furniture, calling it an ancient Egyptian superstition. The soul is not material, and no priest can issue a “departure permit.” Souls belong entirely to God.
5. Souls Have No Will After Death
The soul cannot “want” or “refuse” anything—it is subject to God’s authority alone. It cannot choose to stay near its body or revisit its home.
6. Rejection of Reincarnation
The Pope refutes the idea that child prodigies possess the souls of past geniuses, affirming that every talent is a gift from God, as seen with Jeremiah and John the Baptist, not a result of reincarnated spirits.
7. Denial of Human Souls in Animals
He rejects the claim that human souls can enter animals, since human and animal natures differ completely. A rational soul cannot inhabit an irrational being.
8. On Gender Confusion
Cases of “masculinization” or “feminization” are biological or hormonal disorders, not evidence of a soul from a past life. These are medical issues, not spiritual ones.
9. False Link Between Love and Past Lives
Sudden love or hate between people does not indicate reincarnation but rather psychological and social harmony or incompatibility.
Conclusion
Pope Shenouda concludes that all such beliefs — the journey of the soul, reincarnation, spirit conjuring, and folk rituals — are myths contrary to Christian faith. The soul’s destiny rests solely in God’s hands. The Church believes in resurrection and judgment, not return or reincarnation. Christians must hold fast to biblical truth and reject superstition.
