Death and Afterlife: A Theological Introduction

by Terence Nichols

Publisher:

Brazos

, 2010

Overview

What happens to us when we die? Nothingness? Judgment? Heaven? Hell? Many people today fear dying and are uncertain about life after death because of challenges from the sciences, philosophy, and even theology. In this engaging and clearly written book, theologian Terence Nichols addresses contemporary and perennial human questions about death and what lies beyond, making a Christian case for an afterlife with God.

Nichols first examines views of death and the afterlife in Scripture and the Christian tradition. He takes up scientific and philosophical challenges to the afterlife and considers what we can learn about it from near death experiences. Nichols then argues that the soul can survive death and that bodily resurrection is possible, explores how Christians can be worthy of salvation, and reflects on heaven, purgatory, and hell. He discusses death as a preparation for afterlife, providing readers with a theological guidebook for dying well. This book will benefit professors and students in theology, eschatology, practical theology, and pastoral care courses as well as pastors and priests.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Draws on multiple academic disciplines to discuss the nature of death
• Provides thorough analysis of how death is understood in the Christian tradition
• Presents a theological and biblical framework for understanding death

Contents

• Underworld, Soul, and Resurrection in Ancient Judaism
• Death and the Afterlife in the New Testament
• Death and the Afterlife in the Christian Tradition
• Scientific Challenge to Afterlife
• Near Death Experiences
• On the Soul
• Resurrection
• Justification and Judgment
• Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell
• Dying Well

Top Highlights

“The book presents three main themes. First, I will argue that while scientific and philosophical challenges force us to rethink our conceptions of the soul, resurrection, and heaven and hell, we can still make a credible case for life after death with God, for a soul that survives bodily death, for bodily resurrection, and for heaven and hell.” (Page 13)

“Three things made Diane’s death joyful: she was confident about an afterlife with God, she was prepared emotionally and spiritually for death, and she died close to her loved ones and to God in an atmosphere of prayer.” (Page 10)

“Hebrew thought, however, conceived of afterlife primarily, but not exclusively, in terms of a reanimated and resurrected body living with others in a world of justice and peace that was governed by YHWH.” (Pages 23–24)

“Instead, they worried about their state after death, their ultimate salvation: would they make it into heaven or would they fall into hell?” (Page 11)

“A consequence of the uncertainty about afterlife is that people don’t think about death and therefore don’t prepare for it.” (Page 11)

Praise for the Print Edition

In a world where even some Christians are embarrassed by talk of life after death, Nichols makes a compelling case that the afterlife is integral to understanding how life really is. This book provides the enormously valuable service of digesting a wide variety of scholarship—from theology to neuroscience--and presenting all sides fairly and accurately.

—William T. Cavanaugh, professor of theology, University of St. Thomas

Nichols is to be commended for this outstanding introductory text on death, the afterlife, and resurrection. It will be invaluable in university classrooms.

—William C. Mattison III, professor, The Catholic University of America

As Terry Nichols recognizes in the opening pages of Death and Afterlife, and occasionally throughout, modern theologians tend to avoid the topics in this book. Nichols, however, takes them on with courage and clarity.

—Gerald W. Schlabach, associate professor of theology, University of St. Thomas

Product Details

• Title: Death and Afterlife: A Theological Introduction
• Author: Terence Nichols
• Publisher: Brazos
• Print Publication Date: 2010
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Death › Religious aspects--Christianity; Future life › Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781441226471, 9781587431838, 1441226478, 1587431831
• Resource ID: LLS:DEATHAFTERLIFE
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:34:47Z

About Terence Nichols

Terence Nichols (1941-2014) received his PhD from Marquette University and served as professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas for more than twenty-five years. He also founded and codirected the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas. His books include That All May Be One: Hierarchy and Participation in the Church and The Sacred Cosmos: Christian Faith and the Challenge of Naturalism.