I have this impression that identity in the afterlife can only be understood metaphorically. One though many. I am myself yet the whole or part of the whole at the same time. Like how the gulf of Mexico is unique yet is part of and comingles with the Atlantic. Or even more precisely said, when a person dies they are like a cup of water that is dumped in the ocean. The water stays separate yet comingles. This is only an analogy and is imperfect yet can only be understood analogously and metaphorically.

To take the analogy to reincarnation. When we die we are like a cup of water that’s dumped into the ocean. When reincarnation occurs, it’s like scooping a cup of water and placing it in a body. It’s sort of an individual yet group thing.

the bible does have a verse that says we live once and then the judgment. Assuming this verse is from God, perhaps each individual only lives once and future lives are more of a collective experience.

This is just some ideas I have after having read about the spiritual aspect of the afterlife. Does anyone else particularly nders themselves think this might be a good way of describing it or is this just some silly musings on my part?