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The ancient Egyptian doctrine of the immortality of the soul

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About This Book

The author examines the Egyptian doctrine of the soul's immortality as a coherent popular system centered on Osiris, tracing its expressions in funerary texts, mummification practices, amulets, and temple inscriptions. He explains how multiple soul-concepts (Ka, Sahu, etc.) and mythic motifs like death and resurrection were interwoven with solar symbolism and seasonal cycles, producing accessible beliefs that coexisted with older polytheistic forms. The work surveys textual and material evidence, the conservative layering of religious ideas over time, and the transmission of Osirian motifs into Greco-Roman and early Christian religious thought, arguing that the doctrine offered consolation and influenced broader religious developments.

About the Author

Wiedemann, Alfred portrait

Alfred Wiedemann

Alfred Wiedemann was a notable scholar in the field of Egyptology, recognized for his contributions to the understanding of ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. His work, "The Ancient Egyptian Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul," explores the complex ideas surrounding the afterlife and the soul in ancient Egyptian culture. Wiedemann's research sheds light on the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Egyptian civilization, providing valuable insights into their worldview. His scholarship remains significant for those interested in the intersections of religion, philosophy, and history in ancient societies.

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