1. Reincarnation and Rebirth
To explore the difference between rebirth and reincarnation.
To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these theories.
Do Now:
How would you define reincarnation?
How might this be different to rebirth?

2. In your own words explain what these two are and what is the difference between them…
Rebirth is mostly connected with the principles of Buddhism based on the doctrine of redirection. Buddhism opposes the notion of existence of eternal soul. According to Buddhism, a person is made of mind (nama) and matter (rupa). Rupa or matter is the manifestation of four forces namely – earth, water, fire and air. It considers mind to be the most important ingredient of a being. When a person dies and reborn again, then it is neither absolutely the same nor entirely another. It is defined as a continuity of a particle life flux only. It reflects just a causal connection between the previous life and next life. Reincarnation is a belief that the soul of a person survives even after the death. Thus, soul takes a new body in next birth. It is just the migration of soul from one body to another. The concept has been defined in detail in Hinduism, where a person is considered to be composed of two principles – one is the atma or soul which is eternal, and second is body, which is materialistic and of temporal nature. After death, body perishes but soul exists and just gets transferred to another body.

3. Strengths of reincarnation/rebirth.
Watch the start of this video clip. How does this relate to the argument for reincarnation.
What might be some further strengths for this approach to the afterlife?
Is Karma natural law?
Does it solve the problem of evil?
What about feelings of déjà vu?

4. Think Pair Share: What are some potential weaknesses of this?
Holy Books?
Attention seeking (Freud)?
Identity issues?
Transferred memories?
Meaningful?

5. Read the two sheets.

6. Demonstration: Pick 2/5 questions to answer. One 8 mark and one 12 Mark.
Explore key concepts relating to Rebirth. (8 Marks).
Explore key concepts relating to Reincarnation (8 Marks).
Assess the strengths of belief in reincarnation. (12 Marks).
Asses belief in Rebirth (12 Marks).
Assess the weaknesses of belief in Reincarnation and Rebirth (12 Marks).

7. Consolidation – ‘There is no proof for life after death’.
Three reasons why this is true.
Three reasons why this is false.