A Discourse Analysis of the Jewish Concept of the Resurrection

Abstract

Owing to the fact, the doctrine of Eschatology had been an unavoidable theological subject in major world religions. The concept of Resurrection is the integral element of the doctrine of Eschatology, which was not only absent in the Holy Torah but also remained vague even in latter Jewish Literature. Aim of this paper was to find out how the concept of resurrection was interpreted throughout Jewish literature. It was investigated through discourse analysis that how the concept of resurrection was developed with the passage of time from main stream Judaism to the Sadducees, Reform and other Jewish sects. The findings of discourse analysis revealed that Medieval Judaism thought it in terms of Reincarnation and Transmigration of Soul while rejected by Reform Judaism in nineteenth century. Furthermore, not only this but even those Jews who believed in Resurrection they interpreted it in various senses; either to be corporeal, spiritual, individual or collective in the terms of restoration of Israel.