Vicente Dobroruka explores Iranian influence on Second Temple Judaism, providing a new explanation of Persian culture and history in the context of biblical accounts by focusing on the spread of Zoroastrian ideas in the period c.300 BCE-200 CE. Dobroruka begins his investigation with an overview of the problems posed by a dualistic worldview-he examines the Indo-European origins of Zarathushtra and his ideas, explores the long-term implications for the notion of free-will, and clarifies the lightness/darkness paradigm that originated in Persia. Following this, Dobroruka discusses a variety of concepts that illustrate this influence, such as the role of matter and the material world, aspects of dualism and the cosmic struggle, the perspectives on the rewards for the just and the opposing punishments for the wicked, the idea of an 'Anointed One', shamanistic visionary experience, the resurrection, and the concepts of Sheol and Paradise.

This volume examines the theme of possible Persian influences on Second Temple Judaism.

About the Author
Vicente Dobroruka is Professor in the Department of Ancient History at the University of Brasilia, Brazil.

Reviews
[A]n important contribution to a neglected area in HB scholarship... This book can be recommended to anyone interested in the relationship between Zoroastrianism and Judaism. * The Society for Old Testament Study Book List *



Book Information
ISBN 9780567705297
Author Professor Vicente Dobroruka
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC