Death, Resurrection, and the Afterlife in Judaism and Christianity

Aug. 15 2022

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the theological premise of Christian doctrine, and has been since the religion’s inception. But the idea of the dead returning to life was also a key idea in the Judaism of the Second Temple era out of which Christianity sprung. For instance: the second blessing of the shmoneh esrey, rabbinic Judaism’s most important prayer, praises God “Who brings the dead to life.” Jon D. Levenson and Kevin Madigan discuss how these ideas were understood by the Jews of the 1st century CE and how they relate to notions of death, the soul, eschatology, and the sanctity of the Temple. In doing so, they touch on the biblical understanding of death, the differences between Judaism and Christianity, the origins of Christian theological anti-Semitism, and much else. (Moderated by Cliff Sekowe. Video, 56 minutes.)

Read more at Pholoso Ministries

More about: Afterlife, Christianity, Hebrew Bible, Jewish-Christian relations, Resurrection

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait