There is considerable debate surrounding this week's gospel text - the rich man and Lazarus. Scholars point out this story's similarity to other Egyptian and Jewish stories. A well-known Egyptian "version" is that of Si-Osiris, the son of Setme Chamois. A young boy, who also happens to be a very wise, reincarnated soul, proves to his father that a shocking reversal of fortunes may await him in the afterlife. Having the distinct advantage of supernatural powers, Si-Osiris is able to take his father on a "tour" of the afterlife, where they witness those who had been rich but wicked, in this life, enduring tortures and agony. Likewise, the miserable, but good, poor of this world are viewed being pampered and blessed in the hereafter.

Several Jewish folk tales also tell similar stories in whic…