His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the verses in Matthew 12 and Luke 11 that speak of an “unclean spirit leaving a man,” clarifying that some misinterpret them as proof of reincarnation or returning embodiment, while in fact, these passages refer to evil spirits (demons) being cast out of humans, not human souls leaving and returning.

Refutation of reincarnation

He affirms that the human soul cannot leave the body and return, nor enter another body, because man dies once and then faces judgment. The “unclean spirit” mentioned in Scripture refers to a demonic spirit, not a human one. Souls do not have freedom to move as they wish; their destiny is determined by God alone.

Difference between human and demonic spirits

The Pope explains that the devil’s spirit was originally that of an angel who fell, and still retains angelic power and spiritual mobility. By contrast, the human soul is limited and cannot possess or move beings. Even Satan acts only with divine permission, as shown in the stories of Job and St. Paul.

All spirits subject to God’s authority

Even demons cannot enter the herd of pigs without God’s permission (Luke 8:31–32). God governs all spiritual realms; no soul or spirit acts independently of His will.

The fate of souls after death

The righteous soul goes to Paradise, and the sinful soul to Hades or Hell. These souls cannot be summoned or contacted, as there is “a great chasm” fixed between them and the living, according to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Spirit summoning and deception of demons

What is called “spirit summoning” is in fact deception by evil spirits (demons) pretending to be human souls, revealing secrets or facts to mislead people. No human can bring a soul out of Paradise or Hell—this is against God’s authority and justice.

Warning against confusion between holiness and magic

He warns not to confuse the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to saints with demonic powers used in sorcery or occult practices. Saints’ spirits cannot be summoned; only God may send them for a divine purpose.

Spiritual conclusion

Pope Shenouda concludes that Orthodox faith completely rejects reincarnation and spirit summoning, for the soul returns to God who gave it, and He alone holds its destiny. He urges believers to stay firm in faith and reject superstitions, since even a small deviation from the truth can corrupt the entire soul.

For better translation support, please contact the center.