Heaven and Hell
A History of the Afterlife
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oneworld Publications
Published:7th Oct '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This insightful exploration uncovers the origins and evolution of the concepts of heaven and hell, revealing their profound impact on human thought.
In Heaven and Hell, bestselling historian Bart Ehrman explores the origins of two of humanity's most enduring concepts: heaven and hell. He delves into a time when these ideas were virtually nonexistent, revealing that the Old Testament makes no mention of them. Furthermore, Jesus himself did not subscribe to the belief that souls were destined for either realm. This absence of thought on the afterlife raises important questions about how these concepts emerged and why they have persisted through the ages.
Ehrman meticulously examines the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shaped the beliefs of the Greeks, Jews, and early Christians. He traces the evolution of these ideas, highlighting how they were influenced by the struggle to make sense of life's injustices. By analyzing competing views, the author sheds light on how the ideas of heaven and hell became integral to religious thought and how they continue to resonate in contemporary society.
Ultimately, Heaven and Hell provides a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of the afterlife. Through a blend of history and theology, Ehrman invites us to reflect on the implications of these beliefs and their enduring impact on human existence. This book serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in the intersections of faith, culture, and history.
‘[Ehrman’s] is a vast learning worn wonderfully lightly and he is an engaging but expert guide around how religious ideas were formed and shaped our world.’
* The Times *‘This elegant history explores the evolution of the concept of the afterlife in Western thought... Well-trod subjects are presented with engaging clarity, and more contentious theories are laid out carefully.’
* The New Yorker *‘Many redoubtable volumes have been written about all this, but Ehrman, who already has more than two-dozen books on early Christianity under his belt, merrily blows the dust off the subject.’
* The Economist *‘As lucid, learned and fascinating as ever, Ehrman has written a brilliant book on a profoundly important topic. Wonderful.’
-- Catherine Nixey, author of The Darkening Age‘An impressively readable, clear and wide-ranging study.’
-- Spectator‘Ehrman, as always, writes in a very accessible way, and gives the reader plenty to think about.’
* Irish Independent *‘A number of religions and philosophies give detailed accounts of post-mortem existence; in this learned and highly readable book, Bart Ehrman offers a tour of the whole field… There are many nuances possible here; Ehrman presents them all with great clarity and massive scholarship.'
* TLS *‘The reader is struck by his nimbleness in drawing the thread of this rich-layered narrative, sprinkling larger thematic arcs with anecdotes that honor the non-lineal and multivalent nature of eschatological thought.’
* Boston Globe *‘Do after-life threats and promises distract from this-world problems and hopes? Could heaven and hell be options in the present here-and-now rather than locations in the future then-and-here? Read this book and think.’
-- John Dominic Crossan, author of Resurrecting Easter‘There’s no one I’d rather read on what Christians believe, and why they believe it, than Bart Ehrman. This is a wise and fascinating book.’
-- Tom Bissell, author of Apostle‘Ehrman’s eloquent understanding of how death is viewed through many spiritual traditions is scintillating, fresh, and will appeal to scholars and lay readers alike.’ * Publisher’s Weekly (starred review) *
‘Honest discussion about this is long overdue… [‘Heaven and Hell’] is a wide-ranging book.'
-- Methodist RecoISBN: 9780861541201
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
352 pages