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The aim of this article is to show what the standpoint of Christianity in first centuries was among pagan conviction and teaching about reincarnation and metempsychosis. The author of this dissertation analyses Tertullian’s treatise On the Soul in context of Plato’ Dialogues. The first part of article puts in order meaning of terms: life after the death, immortality, resurrection, metempsychosis, metensomatosis, palingenesis, reincarnation, pre-existence of the soul. In the second part are discussed most important aspects of Plato’ view on the soul. Then are presented arguments (15) which Tertullian used to criticize Plato’ teaching about ideas and theory of anamnesis and to overthrow theory of reincarnation and metempsychosis. The conclusion takes recollection of standpoint and documents of the Church with reference to discussed matters.

This dissertation takes analyses of Tertullian's treatise On the Soul in aspects of beginning human life and abortion in context of ancient Greek philosopher’s opinions. The article shows arguments which Tertullian used to prove that embryo have a soul so is alive and human life begins in moment of conception so man is not only body and is not only soul but is substantial union of flesh and corporal soul. The article also presents pronounces about conception of soul from psychical semen (Tertullian as tarducianist) and about abortion which Tertullian calls crime but permits as necessary in case when bad laying child could become killer of own mother during birth.