Back when the concept of an afterlife became a thing, we buried the dead with possessions and even food for their use after death (archeology thanks you). But not everyone got such lavish treatment, only the higher levels of society. The Egyptians are the best example of this, building monuments for their pharaohs.

But what about the regular people? When did they get an afterlife?

Christianity and the Judaic Second Temple period introduced a detailed theology on the afterlife, giving us judgement. Now regular people could get into heaven.

The Greeks and Romans did have concepts of Hades and Elysium, call it the Classical Afterlife. We are interested in the Modern versions.

The Problem With An Afterlife

Believing in an afterlife, especially an eternal one, undermines the importance of one's life on earth. It allows apathy and even fosters hostility towards others (not of the same faith). It can make environmental concerns seem insignificant – there's no climate change in heaven.

The concept of an afterlife is destructive to our physical systems. It makes apathy and ignorance perfectly reasonable courses of action.

References Related to Judaic and Christian Afterlife Theology Development

• Wright, N.T. (2003). The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
  • This book offers an in-depth look at beliefs about the afterlife in early Christianity and the Second Temple Judaism period, highlighting how resurrection and judgment became central theological themes.
• Himmelfarb, M. (1993). Ascent to Heaven in Jewish and Christian Apocalypses. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • This work discusses how apocalyptic literature from the Second Temple period influenced Christian beliefs on judgment and the afterlife, detailing the ascent to heaven and the criteria for entry.
• Collins, J.J. (1998). Apocalypticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls. New York: Routledge.
  • This book explores how the Qumran community, during the Second Temple period, held views about the afterlife and judgment, influencing later Christian thought.
• Segal, A.F. (2004). Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion. New York: Doubleday.
  • This comprehensive history traces afterlife beliefs from early Judaism to Christianity, emphasizing the transformation of concepts like heaven and judgment.
• Bockmuehl, M. (1997). The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Jewish Origins of Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
  • This text links the Second Temple Jewish beliefs and their transformation into early Christian eschatology, especially regarding judgment and the accessibility of heaven.