As for reincarnation, there's no reason you or anyone else should accept that belief (or any other, really). I just happen to find deep meaning in the idea that I have had other bodies in the past, and will have other bodies in the future. That this body — as ill-fitting as it is for me both in physical appearance and in physical ability — isn't the only body I will ever have. But it's much more than that. In fact, that “logic” wasn't what finally got me to actually believe in reincarnation. Basically, as I experienced it, the Universe (or G-d) had to hit me over the head *many* times with “evidence”, before I finally broke down and accepted reincarnation as a “reality” (or central truth) of my life.
Absent being raised in a culture that believes in reincarnation or absent such an experience as mine, I don't see why anyone would necessarily believe in reincarnation. Just as with other spiritual beliefs, there isn't any scientific proof of it. And it's not falsifiable by testing. So it would seem to be exclusively in the realm of faith.
If you find yourself believing anything at all, chances are it has something to do with the combination of your brain's wiring and your life experiences. And contrary to what certain modern Atheists say, it's not bad for your brain to have faith, since faith is something that many humans are wired to experience as a natural part of life (just like some humans are wired to like certain things and dislike other things (e.g.: music styles, food, etc.)). And for those people who have no faith, that's pretty normal, too. My sister is an Atheist and her moral compass is pretty strong.
And many religions have that thing about constantly improving oneself in the “spiritual or psychological growth” sense (not in the “accumulation of wealth” sense). So if you ever do find yourself wanting to take up another faith, you wouldn't have to give up that belief.
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As for reincarnation, there's no reason you or anyone else should accept that belief (or any other, really). I just happen to find deep meaning in the idea that I have had other bodies in the past, and will have other bodies in the future. That this body — as ill-fitting as it is for me both in physical appearance and in physical ability — isn't the only body I will ever have. But it's much more than that. In fact, that “logic” wasn't what finally got me to actually believe in reincarnation. Basically, as I experienced it, the Universe (or G-d) had to hit me over the head *many* times with “evidence”, before I finally broke down and accepted reincarnation as a “reality” (or central truth) of my life.
Absent being raised in a culture that believes in reincarnation or absent such an experience as mine, I don't see why anyone would necessarily believe in reincarnation. Just as with other spiritual beliefs, there isn't any scientific proof of it. And it's not falsifiable by testing. So it would seem to be exclusively in the realm of faith.
If you find yourself believing anything at all, chances are it has something to do with the combination of your brain's wiring and your life experiences. And contrary to what certain modern Atheists say, it's not bad for your brain to have faith, since faith is something that many humans are wired to experience as a natural part of life (just like some humans are wired to like certain things and dislike other things (e.g.: music styles, food, etc.)). And for those people who have no faith, that's pretty normal, too. My sister is an Atheist and her moral compass is pretty strong.
And many religions have that thing about constantly improving oneself in the “spiritual or psychological growth” sense (not in the “accumulation of wealth” sense). So if you ever do find yourself wanting to take up another faith, you wouldn't have to give up that belief.