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Preexistentism is a religious doctrine asserting that the soul's existence predates its physical body. This concept is explored in various religious and philosophical traditions, often intertwined with beliefs about the soul's nature and origin.12

In some Christian theology, particularly influenced by Greek philosophy, the idea of preexistence is applied to Jesus, suggesting he existed with God before his earthly manifestation. This contrasts with other traditions, like Islam, which believe the soul comes into existence with the body.32

Beliefs about the soul's preexistence are also linked to concepts like reincarnation, where an individual's essence is reborn into successive existences. However, preexistentism specifically focuses on the soul's origin before its current physical form.412

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