The intersection of faith, history, and the metaphysical concept of reincarnation has long been a contentious yet fascinating area of inquiry within Christian communities. In the Netherlands, this complex dialogue was brought to the forefront through the KRO-NCRV television program "Jacobine op Zondag" (Jacobine on Sunday). Hosted by theologian and presenter Jacobine Geel, the program specifically addressed the provocative question: "Can you (as a Christian) believe in reincarnation?" This inquiry was not merely theoretical but deeply personal, anchored in the life story of writer Bas Steman and the professional insights of reincarnation therapist Hetty Kruijmer. The broadcast, aired in January 2019, served as a significant moment of cultural and theological reflection, challenging conventional denominational boundaries while exploring the nature of the soul, the afterlife, and the healing power of acknowledging past lives.
At the heart of this specific episode was the autobiographical novel written by Bas Steman. Steman, a writer, found himself compelled to write about a soldier named Morgan, a figure who perished during the Battle of Arnhem in World War II. Steman described possessing an overwhelming, almost physical conviction that he himself was Morgan in a previous existence. This was not a casual interest but a profound, personal journey that led him to investigate the historical and spiritual connections between his current life and the tragic death of this soldier. The narrative of Steman's book serves as a case study for the broader discussion: how does one reconcile a modern Christian identity with the belief that the soul has lived before?
The program brought together three distinct perspectives: the personal experience of the writer, the clinical and therapeutic approach of the reincarnation therapist, and the theological framing provided by the host. Jacobine Geel, known for her work in bridging esoteric topics with mainstream religious discourse, facilitated a conversation that sought to move beyond simple belief or disbelief. The discussion highlighted that for many, the concept of reincarnation is not about proving a doctrine but about healing unresolved trauma. Steman's journey through the Battle of Arnhem is a prime example of how a specific historical event can resonate across time, suggesting that the soul carries memories and emotional imprints that can influence the present personality and behavior.
The Steman-Morgan Connection: Autobiography as Spiritual Inquiry
Bas Steman's novel is described in the source material as "fascinating" and "autobiographical," though the term "autobiographical" here carries a dual meaning. It is a story about a soldier, Morgan, but it is also a story about Steman himself, or rather, the version of himself that Steman feels existed prior to his current birth. The core of Steman's experience lies in the Battle of Arnhem, a pivotal and brutal engagement during World War II. Steman felt a visceral connection to Morgan, a soldier who died in that battle. This connection was not intellectual but emotional and somatic; he felt the presence of the soldier's experiences as his own.
The narrative of the book is driven by the theme of love that transcends death. Steman's protagonist, a skeptical man, is drawn into a world of spiritual inquiry by a woman who is deeply engaged with these concepts. This dynamic mirrors the real-life dynamic between Steman and the broader community of people interested in reincarnation. The story is not just about the past but about the "mystery that we cannot fathom." Steman emphasizes that this mystery can "create a lot of chaos" in one's life if one is not open to it, yet it also holds the potential for profound healing. The book serves as a testament to the idea that the soul's journey is continuous, and that historical tragedies like the Battle of Arnhem are not isolated events but part of a larger, ongoing spiritual narrative.
Steman's personal anecdotes further illustrate the tangible effects of this belief system. He recounts childhood memories where the presence of a tank on a dijk (dike) triggered a specific, inexplicable fear. While other children played on top of the tank, Steman would cry. He also describes a moment during a commemoration where he saw veterans arrive and felt his legs turn to jelly, forcing him to step back and let his cameraman take the shots. These reactions, initially confusing, are later understood through the lens of reincarnation as echoes of past traumatic events. The "aha" moment comes when these disjointed emotional reactions are connected to a specific historical context, such as the war.
The therapeutic value of this realization is emphasized. Steman describes a profound sense of peace and healing after confronting these past-life memories. He states that by doing what he felt he had to do for "Glennis and her family" (presumably characters or real people connected to the past life narrative), he achieved a state of rest. He felt he could return to being "just Bas." This suggests that the process of exploring past lives is not about becoming a different person, but about resolving internal conflicts that have persisted across lifetimes. The healing is described as a restoration of the self, allowing the individual to move forward without the burden of unresolved past trauma.
Therapeutic Perspectives: Healing Over Proof
Hetty Kruijmer-Cazemier, identified as a reincarnation therapist, joined the discussion to provide a clinical and therapeutic framework for these experiences. Her role was to explain the mechanisms of how past lives might influence the present and how therapy can facilitate healing. The conversation with Kruijmer highlighted a crucial distinction: the discussion was not primarily about providing empirical "proof" of reincarnation. Instead, the focus was on "healing" (helen). This shift in focus is vital for the acceptance of the concept within a religious or skeptical context.
Kruijmer noted that there is significant resistance to the word "reincarnation." Many people, particularly within conservative Christian circles, may reject the term outright. However, she argued that one should not dismiss the concept without understanding what it entails. She described it as a "beautiful way of working" that takes into account the spirit and the soul. The therapeutic approach does not demand that the patient accept the metaphysical reality of reincarnation as a dogmatic truth, but rather uses the narrative of past lives as a tool for psychological and spiritual resolution.
The dialogue revealed that for many participants in such sessions, the connection to the Second World War is a recurring theme. Steman mentioned that during his lectures, he often encounters people who feel a deep, unexplained connection to that era. The therapist's role is to guide these individuals through the emotional turbulence of these memories, helping them to integrate these experiences into their current identity. This integration is described as a process of "healing" rather than "proving." The goal is to resolve the emotional blockages that prevent the soul from moving forward.
The conversation also touched upon the broader context of the program. Jacobine Geel noted that the topic of reincarnation often meets resistance, particularly among those who feel their faith is challenged. However, the program aimed to make this "burdened subject" discussable within conventional churches. The presence of a theologian and a therapist suggests a bridge between the spiritual and the psychological, offering a space where faith and esoteric concepts can coexist without immediate conflict. The discussion emphasized that the value of reincarnation lies in its capacity to explain unexplainable emotions and to offer a path to inner peace.
Theological Tensions and Ecclesiastical Responses
The broadcast took place within the context of the Dutch Christian landscape, specifically involving the Protestant Church (PKN) and the Reformed Church (Reformatorisch Dagblad). Jacobine Geel, a theologian herself, is described as being well-versed in esoteric topics and contributing to the "consciousness raising" within these circles. The program was seen as a counterweight to the "rusting" of clergymen and office-holders in "outdated concepts." The discussion highlighted a tension between traditional dogma and the evolving spiritual needs of the congregation.
The source material points to a specific dynamic within the Evangelical Broadcasting Corporation (Evangelische Omroep). It is noted that there is "much more censorship" in this sphere. The rationale provided is that confronting the "self-assured rear guard" with what they label as "deviations" or "erroneous teachings" can lead to a loss of members. Consequently, several interview recordings by Marleen Stelling, a younger colleague, were not broadcast. This highlights the political and institutional friction that exists when topics like reincarnation are introduced into conservative religious environments. The fear is that challenging established beliefs might undermine the institutional stability of the church.
However, the reaction to the "Jacobine op Zondag" episode was largely positive. Comments on the Facebook page @ncrvjacobine were described as "loving." Many viewers expressed relief that such an important and "burdened" topic was finally being made discussable, even within conventional churches. This suggests a growing desire within the religious community to explore these questions openly. The program served as a catalyst for dialogue, allowing people to question the fate of the soul after death without immediately triggering a defensive reaction from the hierarchy.
The theological question posed—"Can you (as a Christian) believe in reincarnation?"—is central to the episode. The discussion did not provide a definitive "yes" or "no" but rather explored the compatibility of the belief with Christian identity. The narrative suggests that for many, the answer lies in the personal experience of healing and the continuity of the soul, rather than in doctrinal adherence. The program acted as a safe space for this exploration, bridging the gap between the esoteric and the orthodox.
The Mechanics of Memory and Emotional Resonance
One of the most compelling aspects of the discussion was the detailed account of how past-life memories manifest in the present. Steman's personal anecdotes provide a vivid illustration of this phenomenon. He described a specific childhood memory involving a tank on a dike. While other children played on the tank, Steman felt an overwhelming fear, causing him to cry. This reaction was inexplicable at the time but later made sense through the lens of reincarnation.
Another example provided was his experience at a war commemoration. Upon seeing veterans arrive, Steman felt his legs turn to jelly, a somatic reaction that forced him to step back and hand over his camera. This physical response to a visual trigger is a classic sign of "past life regression" in therapeutic settings. The "aha" moment occurs when the individual connects this reaction to a specific historical event, such as the Battle of Arnhem.
The discussion emphasized that these memories are not always clear, coherent narratives but often fragmented emotional imprints. The therapeutic process involves piecing these fragments together to form a coherent story. Steman's book is described as a "reflection" of this search. The story of the skeptical man and the woman who draws him into the spiritual world serves as a metaphor for the journey of the soul. The "drive" behind the story is the love that transcends death, suggesting that the soul's journey is motivated by a deep, enduring affection that persists across lifetimes.
The concept of "healing" is central to this process. Steman described a profound sense of peace after addressing the issues related to "Glennis and her family." This suggests that the resolution of past-life trauma allows the individual to return to their "normal" state, free from the weight of unresolved history. The therapeutic value lies in the ability to make sense of unexplained emotions and behaviors, providing a framework for understanding the self.
Cultural Impact and the Future of Spiritual Discourse
The "Jacobine op Zondag" episode marked a significant moment in the cultural discourse on reincarnation in the Netherlands. By featuring a writer and a therapist alongside a theologian, the program created a multidimensional dialogue that resonated with a broad audience. The positive reception on social media indicates a hunger for open discussions about the soul, the afterlife, and the nature of existence.
The program also highlighted the role of media in facilitating these conversations. By airing the discussion on KRO-NCRV, the topic was brought into the mainstream, challenging the status quo of religious institutions. The tension between censorship and the desire for truth was evident, particularly in the context of the Evangelical Broadcasting Corporation. However, the overall tone of the episode was one of exploration and healing rather than dogmatic confrontation.
The legacy of this discussion lies in its ability to make the "burdened" subject of reincarnation discussable within the church and society. It provided a platform for individuals like Bas Steman to share their personal journeys, validating the experiences of others who feel similar unexplained emotions. The program served as a bridge between the esoteric and the orthodox, suggesting that the question of the soul's journey is not just a matter of belief but of personal healing and understanding.
The discussion also touched upon the broader trend of increasing nuance in religious thought. Just as the program explored reincarnation, other episodes of "Jacobine op Zondag" have addressed topics like euthanasie and loneliness, indicating a broader shift towards more inclusive and nuanced theological perspectives. The willingness to discuss reincarnation within a Christian context reflects a growing openness to spiritual diversity within the faith community.
Conclusion
The "Jacobine op Zondag" episode on reincarnation stands as a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the soul, the afterlife, and the nature of human existence. Through the personal story of Bas Steman and the therapeutic insights of Hetty Kruijmer, the program illuminated the potential for healing and self-understanding that can arise from exploring past lives. The discussion challenged traditional boundaries, offering a space where faith and esoteric concepts could coexist.
The core message of the episode was not about proving the existence of reincarnation but about the healing power of acknowledging the soul's journey. Steman's experience with the Battle of Arnhem and the emotional resonance of past trauma provided a tangible example of how these concepts can manifest in daily life. The program's success in making this "burdened" topic discussable within the church and society highlights a growing desire for spiritual exploration and understanding.
The dialogue underscored that the question of the soul's fate after death is not merely a theological debate but a deeply personal journey. By focusing on healing and the continuity of love across lifetimes, the program offered a new perspective on the nature of the soul. The positive reception of the episode suggests that there is a significant audience ready to engage with these complex and profound questions.