Reincarnation as defined by the processual soul theory has considerable explanatory power, potentially clarifying a variety of matters, including otherwise inexplicable post-traumatic symptoms and gender dysphoria (Stevenson, 1977c, 2000a) and the etiology of many unusual birthmarks and birth defects (Stevenson, 1993, 1997a, 1997b). Reincarnation also brings new perspectives to issues of personality formation and memory. In the social sphere, it could help to explain the persistence of cultural traits in a given population or region over time. Among peoples like the Druze who have long
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