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Journal of the American Academy of Religion 2001 69(1):65-102; doi:10.1093/jaarel/69.1.65
© 2001 by American Academy of Religion
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ARTICLES

Resurrection of the Dead as Symbol amd Strategy

Claudia Setzer

Claudia Setzer is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Manhattan College Riverdale, NY 10471–4098

Jewish groups in the ancient world were divided, in part, on the basis of whether or not they preached resurrection of the dead. Three sets of sources distinguish the Pharisees by this belief. The rabbis, in liturgy, mishnah, and other early sources, declare those who reject resurrection as outside their communities

This article examines other ideas embedded in the belief in resurrection of the dead. What was at stake in accepting or rejecting it? Using principles developed by sociologists Anthony Cohen and Ann Swidler, it argues that resurrection of the dead functions as a symbol that condenses a worldview, draws boundaries, and constructs community. It is part of a strategy of self-definition, self-legitimation, and low-level protest that allows communities to retain ideas of God's power and justice and Israel's election while reconciling them with the reality of Roman domination


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