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Single Idea 7354

[from 'The History of the Jews' by Paul Johnson, in 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 2. Immortality / a. Immortality ]

Full Idea

Belief in resurrection and the afterlife was the main distinguishing mark of Pharisaism, and thus fundamental of rabbinic Judaism.

Gist of Idea

The main doctrine of the Pharisees was belief in resurrection and the afterlife

Source

Paul Johnson (The History of the Jews [1987], Pt II)

Book Reference

Johnson,Paul: 'A History of the Jews' [Phoenix 1993], p.161


A Reaction

Belief in an afterlife seems to go back to the Egyptians, but this development in Judaism was obviously very influential, even among early Christians, who initially seem to have only believed in resurrection of the body.