Do we choose our lives before birth?

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The Christian faith rejects the doctrine of reincarnation. Does it accept the doctrine of pre-existence or “Life before Life”? What would be the purpose of choosing to be poor, or a murder victim, abused child, slave, or a myriad number of roles that cause physical or spiritual suffering? I would think that the soul would want a life of wealth and privilege, while still serving God. What does Christianity teach about this concept? What is its origin?
 
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No. Souls are created at the moment of conception. No one chooses what life they are born into. This is baseless and nonsensical.
 
I don’t want to falsely accuse, but I could swear that a priest years ago alluded to the fact that I “chose” my parents, i.e., my dysfunctional family in confession and this was for a reason of "spiritual "growth. I’ve heard this belief expressed for years. What is its origin? Where does it come from originally? It sounds Eastern to me?
 
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I’m not sure where it comes from. I’ve heard it in popular media, as well as some Protestant sermons. The priest was in error. Souls are immortal, but they were not there from the beginning.
 
glencor63 said:
The Christian faith rejects the doctrine of reincarnation. Does it accept the doctrine of pre-existence or “Life before Life”?
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Correct, there’s NO Reincarnation. Furthermore, there’s no Preexistence of the Soul.

However God does know us:

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Finally, I’ll end with an anecdote:
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I who chose you Sacred Scripture
My parents had four children including myself but were open for as many as God would allow. My Mom and Dad discussed various names for a fifth child but it was nothing serious. My Dad said one night he had a dream where he was surrounded by mist and from it came a cute seven year old girl. She asked,”Do you know who I am?” My Dad instantly knew and replied, “Yes, you’re Amanda”. She continued, “There are two places for me”. My Dad saw a scene where a happy little African girl was drawing in the …
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The child that might have been was already alive, pre-existing in heaven. Amazing! If that’s true, WHY would someone choose to be Mengele, a slave trader, pornographer, or any number of roles and people that make it difficult or impossible to truly love God or your neighbor? You would be choosing a path of damnation. Also, it begs the question of pre-destination.
 
Yes, if pre-existence is true, then God basically forces sentient beings into living lives they never wanted.
 
“Yes, if pre-existence is true, then God basically forces sentient beings into living lives they never wanted”.

It also affirms the doctrine of reincarnation because in theory the soul needs to learn a lesson. That means he/she lived previously.
 
glencor63 said:
The Christian faith rejects the doctrine of reincarnation. Does it accept the doctrine of pre-existence or “Life before Life”? What would be the purpose of choosing to be poor, or a murder victim, abused child, slave, or a myriad number of roles that cause physical or spiritual suffering? I would think that the soul would want a life of wealth and privilege, while still serving God. What does Christianity teach about this concept? What is its origin?
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As far as I would go, would be that you made some kind of agreement with God to do your best and suffer adversity for sake of Heaven. Maybe you could choose a terrible life with the idea of getting more Glory in Heaven?
 
The Church rejects the notion of pre-existence of the soul. It’s considered a heresy.
 
@Wesrock,

Do you know where the doctrine of pre-existence originates? Is it Hindu, Buddhist, etc.?
 
glencor63 said:
@Wesrock,

Do you know where the doctrine of pre-existence originates? Is it Hindu, Buddhist, etc.?
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I don’t know where it originates. Actually, a Christian theologian named Origen believed it and wrote about in the the third century based on him being influenfed by Plato’s philosophy, but that position was condemned.
 
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@Wesrock,

Tell me more about Origen and this view of pre-existence. Was it condemned at a council?
 
glencor63 said:
@Wesrock,

Tell me more about Origen and this view of pre-existence. Was it condemned at a council?
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My knowledge is pretty vague on it, but I do know it was formally condemned at Constantinople II, as being inconsistent with Christian teachings. And it’s been condemned more generally elsewhere, too.
 
Nope. Soul is created for each new person.

The “pre existing souls” is a Mormon thing (aside from Eastern religions)
 
glencor63 said:
The Christian faith rejects the doctrine of reincarnation. Does it accept the doctrine of pre-existence or “Life before Life”? What would be the purpose of choosing to be poor, or a murder victim, abused child, slave, or a myriad number of roles that cause physical or spiritual suffering? I would think that the soul would want a life of wealth and privilege, while still serving God. What does Christianity teach about this concept? What is its origin?
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No, this isn’t in Tradition or anywhere in private revelation.

People are born into whatever circumstances they were born into. From the perspective of eternity, being born wealthy and healthy or sick and in poverty is less significant than an atom. But, from our earthly perspective it means a huge deal. It takes trust in God to live your life based on whatever you have, and the devil will use the unjust conditions of the world as a weapon to destroy a person’s faith.
 
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CapitalistCatholic said:
Yes, if pre-existence is true, then God basically forces sentient beings into living lives they never wanted.
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On the contrary, you need to read about Victim Souls. Many people choose misery and suffering because of their love for God and for souls.
 
You are Catholic, right? That’s not Church teaching. Souls are created at moment of conception.
 
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