The Divine Verdict, : A Study of the Divine Judgement in the Ancient Religions.

• Superior document: Studies in the history of religions ; Volume 52
• Author: John Gwyn Griffiths
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden, , Boston: : Brill, , 1991.
• Year of Publication: 1991
• Language: English
• Series: Numen Book Series 52.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (xviii, 410 pages).

The theme of divine judgement has often been treated, but usually with a concentration on one it its two main aspects: either that which is seen in the present life and in history or that which is believed to occur only after death. This new study seeks to combine the two aspects. It also tries to cover the whole spectrum of the ancient religions. Special attention is given to Israel, Greece, and Egypt. Israel's neighbours are also considered, and there are discussions of Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. In several areas, notably in Egypt and Israel, it is shown that punishment in this life is sometimes presented as a fate that man brings upon himself rather than as one imposed by God, though always against a moral background derived from religion. The origins of judgement after death in the Judaeo-Christian tradition are examined in some detail and elements are traced to Egyptian, Zoroastrian, and Judaic sources.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Israel and Some of Her Neighbours / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- The Greek Concept of a Moral Law with Divine Sanction / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Roman Applications / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Aspects of Christian Doctrine / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Some Indian Doctrines / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Confucianism, Mohism, and Taoism / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Egypt: Pharaoh and People / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Egypt: Pharaoh and People / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Egypt and Judaeo-Christian Thought / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- From Egypt to Greece via Crete / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Posthumous Judgement in Israel / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Divine Judgement in the Mystery Religions / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Epilogue / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Sectional and Select / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Index of Subjects and Sources / J. Gwyn Griffiths -- Index of Biblical and Related References / J. Gwyn Griffiths.