Shades of Sheol: Death and Afterlife in the Old Testament
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.51 (694 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0830826874 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 288 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2016-08-17 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
"This is a competent, comprehensive and accessible study, which makes a valuable contribution to an important topic." (Richard Harvey, Tutor in Old Testament and Hebrew, All Nations Christian College)"Fresh data and new interpretations ensure that death and the afterlife remain a lively center of debate within Old Testament study. Philip Johnston has analyzed the arguments in masterly fashion, and his study will be a must-read for anyone interested in knowing what the biblical writers actually say on the subject." (Robert Gordon, Regius Professor of Hebrew, Cambridge University)
He examines Israelite views on death and afterlife as reflected in the Hebrew Bible and in material remains, and sets them in their cultural, literary and theological contexts. Johnston argues in detail that the Israelites were not as preoccupied with the underworld or the dead as some scholars have recently alleged. This important study sheds fresh light on Israelite beliefs in an area central to the later development of the Christian faith.. Instead, their faith that Yahweh was the God of the living, and that Sheol was cut off from him, led eventually to the hope of a positive afterlife. Where and what was it?The inhabitants of Sheol are sometimes called "shades." What does this indicate?Many ancient peoples venerated their ancestors. How did the Israelites respond to it?The dead apparently went to Sheol. "For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise?" (Psalm 6:5) Death is a profound and complex subject. Johnston explores these and other issues. Did Israelites do this?Did anyone hope for a positive afterlife? If so, in what form?What about resurrection? How and when did this belief emerge? Philip S
Well done study on the ancient Hebrew view of the afterlife Johnson has done an excellent job of reviewing the Old Testament view on death and the afterlife. I have often been puzzled at what seem to be contradictions in the scripture's view of Sheol, and this works seems to prove that my bewilderment was quite appropriate. It seems that the author's conclusion is that writers of the Old Testament weren't all that concerned with death and the afterlife, focusing on their relationship with Yahweh in the current life. It seems that much of . "an encyclopedia of information and discerning interpretation" according to David A. Baer. The author organises this encyclopaedic study under four parts: Death, the Underworld, the Dead, and the Afterlife. An introductory apology for the study confronts the reader with a paradox: death and the underworld are fascinating topics for Judaism, Christianity, and modern scholarship, yet 'Israel's religious writers were not particularly concerned with the underworld or with the dead. The related to Yahweh in this life, and were relatively uninterested in the life hereafter.'. "Great Book" according to A Customer. This book is an excelent book. Johnson explores almost everything the Old Testament says about death and Sheol. He even brings points that go against the common thought of the day which cause one to think. I recomend this book to anyone wanting to more about death in the Old Testament. It is a great resource for papers too.
Philip S. He has published studies of Israelite afterlife beliefs, and has an interest in Israel past and present--along with a commitment to reconciliation. Johnston is director of studies in theology and religious studies and senior tutor at Hughes Hall, Cambridge. His other books include Les Psaumes, Interpreting the Psalms (coeditor with David Firth), Sh