Truth Unites
Did Early Israelites Believe in the Afterlife?
Aug 5, 2024
In this discussion, theologian Gavin Ortlund, president of a theological organization, dives deep into ancient Israelite beliefs about the afterlife. He challenges the notion that these beliefs only emerged post-Babylonian exile. Ortlund explores Sheol's role and contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. He also highlights biblical figures who hint at earlier afterlife concepts, ultimately fostering a hopeful perspective on existence beyond death, connecting Israelite views to early Christian beliefs.
15:05
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast argues that early Israelite beliefs about the afterlife evolved significantly, influenced by Zoroastrian ideas during the Babylonian exile.
- References to Sheol in earlier texts suggest a nuanced understanding of afterlife fate, especially for the righteous and unrighteous.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Afterlife Beliefs
The podcast discusses the common belief that earlier portions of the Old Testament, particularly the Torah, do not reference an afterlife. A Jewish scholar points out that the Torah conveys a notion of non-existence after death, suggesting that before the Babylonian exile, the concept of an afterlife was either absent or very rudimentary. The discussion emphasizes that Zoroastrian influences during the Babylonian exile significantly shaped later beliefs regarding resurrection and moral recompense for the righteous and the unrighteous. Therefore, the marked evolution of eschatological views in Israelite history is seen as moving from a lack of afterlife belief to a more defined understanding found in later texts like Daniel and Isaiah.
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