There was classically a
debate between the Sadducee sect and the Pharisees regarding the existence of
Heaven and Hell, and the fate of the body or soul after death. Apparently (according to Josephus and the
Talmud) the Sadducees said that this is our one chance in this world, beyond
which we simply disappear.
Indeed, I have argued that
the Torah does not speak of a Hell, in the sense of the Judeo-Christian concept
http://tanakhemet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/torah-no-reincarnation-no-hell.html
.
However, there is some
support for the idea of an eternal damnation.
The very last line of Isaiah, Ch. 66 refers to some sort of eternal
flame:
24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the
carcasses of the men that have rebelled against Me; for their worm shall not
die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto
all flesh.
This is an interesting point
and should be viewed by both sides of the debate. This is not a place outside
of this world, but inside. In other words, it is referring to Sheol, which is
the underworld, where worms and fires abound.
That is where the rotting carcasses of the rebels will remain, according
to Isaiah. On the other hand, there is also the possibility of a resurrection
of the dead, for the righteous. This
will be the topic of further discussion…
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