Description
Book Synopsis: A New York Times bestselling scholar’s illuminating exploration of the earliest Christian narrated journeys to heaven and hell “[An] illuminating deep dive . . . An edifying origin story for contemporary Christian conceptions of the afterlife.”—Publishers Weekly
From classics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid to fifth-century Christian apocrypha, narratives that described guided tours of the afterlife played a major role in shaping ancient notions of morality and ethics. In this new account, acclaimed author Bart Ehrman contextualizes early Christian narratives of heaven and hell within the broader intellectual and cultural worlds from which they emerged. He examines how fundamental social experiences of the early Christian communities molded the conceptions of the afterlife that eventuated into the accepted doctrines of heaven, hell, and purgatory.
Drawing on Greek and Roman epic poetry, early Jewish writings such as the Book of Watchers, and apocryphal Christian stories including the Acts of Thomas, the Gospel of Nicodemus, and the Apocalypse of Peter, Ehrman demonstrates that ancient tours of the afterlife promoted reflection on matters of ethics, faith, ambition, and life’s meaning, the fruit of which has been codified into Christian belief today.
Details
Discover the captivating world of early Christian narratives with "Journeys to Heaven and Hell: Tours of the Afterlife in the Early Christian Tradition." This New York Times bestselling book takes you on an illuminating deep dive into the origins of contemporary Christian conceptions of the afterlife. From the ancient epics like the Odyssey to fifth-century Christian apocrypha, narratives describing guided tours of the afterlife have shaped moral and ethical beliefs for centuries.
Author Bart Ehrman contextualizes these narratives, shedding light on how they emerged from the intellectual and cultural worlds of their time. By exploring the social experiences of early Christian communities, Ehrman reveals how the conceptions of heaven, hell, and purgatory were molded. Greek and Roman epic poetry, early Jewish writings, and apocryphal Christian stories serve as the inspiration for these compelling tales.
Prepare to be captivated by the rich tapestry of stories that promote deep reflection on ethics, faith, ambition, and the meaning of life. These ancient tours of the afterlife have left a lasting impact, with their core principles codified into modern Christian belief systems. Unlock the secrets of our past to gain a deeper understanding of our present.
Take an exhilarating journey through the early Christian tradition by grabbing your copy of "Journeys to Heaven and Hell" today. Immerse yourself in the intellectual exploration of morality and the afterlife that continues to shape our beliefs. Don't miss out on this enlightening read that provides an edifying origin story for contemporary Christian conceptions of the afterlife.
Get your copy now and embark on a thought-provoking adventure into the realms of heaven and hell.
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