Meaning of resurrection (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Resurrection:

The word resurrection comes from the Latin resurrectio, which means to rise again, rise again or rise once more. This word designates the action and effect of resurrecting, of returning to life defeating death.

Belief in the resurrection is linked to the ancient interpretation of solar behavior, which is born and dies every day, only to be reborn the next day.

the resurrection is a recurring figure in ancient literature. It is attributed to a mystery of the gods, only achievable by them. Knowledge of the power to resurrect is prohibited to human beings. This idea is common to different systems of thought and faith.

The resurrection in Hellenic culture

In Greek mythology the resurrection is present through the account of Asclepius or Escupalio (Roman name). Asclepius had learned to master the art of healing the sick to the point of raising the dead. Zeus, worried about the alteration of the order of things and fearful that he would share his knowledge with humans, struck him with lightning.

Traces of the belief in the resurrection are also found in the "mysteries of Eleusis", a city in Ancient Greece.

The resurrection in Persian culture

Zoroastrianism or Mazdeism, a monotheistic religion born in Persia (Iran) contains elements of the belief in the resurrection, from where they would have apparently reached Jewish thought, as well as the idea of ​​a messiah, the final judgment, paradise and hell.

The resurrection in Jewish culture

In the case of the Jews, the resurrection was not a widespread belief of all believers, but of some groups. It is linked to the yearning for restoration of Israel and was preached by the party of the Pharisees, faced by their tradition with the high priests or Sadducees.

For the Pharisees, after the end of time the Jewish people would see the glory of God manifest through the restoration of Israel on earth, and would allow the deceased to rise to enjoy this event for a certain time.

In this sense, the Pharisees would have, to a certain extent, a common element on which to discuss with Jesus. On the other hand, the Sadducees or high priests not only did not believe in the resurrection, but they also did not believe in eternal life, which is why it was so important for them to enjoy the blessing of God in life.

The resurrection of Jesus

Those who represent the most widespread faith in the belief of the resurrection today are the Christians. For believers, Jesus would have been resurrected three days after being crucified and buried. This would be the unequivocal sign of the divinity of Jesus. From the faith in his resurrection follows the movement of the apostles and the spread of Christianity throughout the world.

See also:

• Resurrection of Jesus, Reincarnation