Resurrection of the dead

Resurrection of the dead, or resurrection from the dead (Koine: ἀναστάσεως τῶν νεκρῶν,trans: anastaseos ton nekron; literally: "a standing up again of the dead"; is a term frequently used in the New Testament to describe an event by which a person, or people are resurrected (brought back to life). In the New Testament, the three common usages for this term pertain to (1) the Christ, rising from the dead; (2) the rising from the dead of all men, at the end of this present age and (3) the resurrection of certain ones in history, who were restored to life. Predominantly in Christian eschatology, the term is used to support the belief that the dead will be brought back to life in connection with end times. Various other forms of this concept can also be found in other eschatologies, namely: Islamic, Jewish and Zoroastrian eschatology.

History

Induction of paganism

Early church fathers defended the resurrection of the dead against the pagan belief that the immortal soul went to the underworld immediately after death. Currently, however, it is a popular Christian belief that the souls of the righteous do go straight to Heaven.