gene douglas wrote:
>
> Magdalen, it is so strange that the Christian denominations
> reject the idea of reincarnation when this teaching was a
> major part of Christ's teachings. According to the Bible,
> Christ said, "Except a man be born again, he shall never see
> the kingdom of heaven." Yet, I have listened to people insist
> that Christ did not really mean this when he said it.

I also believe Christ taught reincarnation to his initiates, although not to the public. But I do not agree that the "born again" teaching refers to reincarnation. Rather it refers to initiation, as do these statements:

John 3:5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Matthew 3:11 (John the Baptist speaking)
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

The "water" referred to is not earthly water, but the "Living Water" referred to in:
John 4:10
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.