Description
Book Synopsis: A New York Times bestselling historian of early Christianity takes on two of the most gripping questions of human existence: where did the ideas of heaven and hell come from, and why do they endure?What happens when we die? A recent Pew Research poll showed that 72% of Americans believe in a literal heaven, 58% in a literal hell. Most people who hold these beliefs are Christian and assume they are the age-old teachings of the Bible. But eternal rewards and punishments are found nowhere in the Old Testament and are not what Jesus or his disciples taught. So where did the ideas come from? In clear and compelling terms, Bart Ehrman recounts the long history of the afterlife, ranging from The Epic of Gilgamesh up to the writings of Augustine, focusing especially on the teachings of Jesus and his early followers. He discusses ancient guided tours of heaven and hell, in which a living person observes the sublime blessings of heaven for those who are saved and the horrifying torments of hell for the damned. Some of these accounts take the form of near-death experiences, the oldest on record, with intriguing similarities to those reported today. One of Ehrman’s startling conclusions is that there never was a single Greek, Jewish, or Christian understanding of the afterlife, but numerous competing views. Moreover, these views did not come from nowhere; they were intimately connected with the social, cultural, and historical worlds out of which they emerged. Only later, in the early Christian centuries, did they develop into the notions of eternal bliss or damnation widely accepted today. As a historian, Ehrman obviously cannot provide a definitive answer to the question of what happens after death. In Heaven and Hell, he does the next best thing: by helping us reflect on where our ideas of the afterlife come from, he assures us that even if there may be something to hope for when we die, there is certainly nothing to fear.
Details
Discover the fascinating history of the afterlife with "Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife." This New York Times bestselling book by a renowned historian of early Christianity delves into the origins of the concepts of heaven and hell, as well as their enduring presence in today's society. With a compelling narrative, Bart Ehrman explores the origins of these ideas, debunking common misconceptions and shedding light on their diverse interpretations throughout history.
Are you curious about what happens when we die? Join the 72% of Americans who believe in a literal heaven and the 58% who believe in a literal hell, according to a recent Pew Research poll. While many assume these beliefs are rooted in biblical teachings, Ehrman challenges this notion by revealing that eternal rewards and punishments are absent from the Old Testament and were not part of Jesus's teachings. Instead, he traces the evolution of the afterlife from ancient texts like The Epic of Gilgamesh to the writings of influential figures such as Augustine.
Throughout the book, Ehrman uncovers ancient accounts of guided tours of heaven and hell, where living individuals witnessed both the blissful rewards of the saved and the terrifying torments of the damned. These accounts, some of which resemble modern-day near-death experiences, offer intriguing insights into our timeless fascination with the afterlife. Ehrman's research also highlights the plurality of beliefs regarding the afterlife, dispelling the notion of a singular understanding among the Greeks, Jews, and early Christians.
As a historian, Ehrman acknowledges that he cannot definitively answer the question of what happens after death. However, in "Heaven and Hell," he guides readers in reflecting on the origins of their own beliefs, providing reassurance that there is nothing to fear. By understanding the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which these ideas emerged, we can navigate our own understanding of the afterlife with a sense of curiosity and hope.
Expand your knowledge and explore the rich tapestry of beliefs surrounding the afterlife. Order your copy of "Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife" today and embark on a thought-provoking journey through the ages. Click here to get your copy now!
Discover More Best Sellers in History
Shop History
Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible
$15.09
History - Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible
$4.46
History - NKJV, Value Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version
The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God
$22.00
History - The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God
Person of Interest Investigator's Guide: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible
$11.99
History - Person of Interest Investigator's Guide: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible
The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors
$15.49
History - The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors
$9.99
History - Doce mujeres extraordinarias: Cómo Dios formó a las mujeres de la Biblia y lo qué Él quiere hacer con usted (Spanish Edition)
