Returning resurrection

Returning resurrection is a way that departed souls can continue to achieve spiritual growth by cooperating with descendants (or others) still living on the earth. In contrast to the Hindu doctrine of reincarnation, the Unificationist concept of returning resurrection maintains that a dead person does not get to live again, and is not assigned another body. Rather, a person in the spirit world may contact a person of similar disposition or circumstances and inspire them to do a good deed.

This doctrine is seen by the Unification Church as having a scriptural basis. Hebrews 11:40 says, "God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." The church teaches that Elijah had a returning resurrection with John the Baptist, who "came in the spirit and power of Elijah". (Luke 1:17)