BonnieDundee

It was Saint Augustine who popularised and systemised the idea. Before him and even before Jesus himself some believed in it but it was far from the most popular belief, even among the Orthodox(ie conventional.) xtians.

Its popularity must be said to have something to do with its usefulness to the authorities.

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How to Overthrow the System: brew your own beer; kick in your TV; build your own cabin and p*ss off front porch whenever you bloody well feel like it.
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Leopold Kohr.

John in Scotland

And your source for this?

Must?

BonnieDundee

Reading over the years. I don't have any quick weblinks. There are a few decent sources however.

Early Christian History / The Theology of Hell

This seems to be recounting the rise in belief in hell and so does not dwell long on other beliefs which were probably at least prevelant early on such as reincarnation.

__________________
"It is poor civic hygiene to install technologies that could someday facilitate a police state."
-Bruce Schneier

How to Overthrow the System: brew your own beer; kick in your TV; build your own cabin and p*ss off front porch whenever you bloody well feel like it.
Edward Abbey

Leopold Kohr.

John in Scotland

Thanks for the link.

I note that on the homepage of the site, it says "Please do not complain that this Web site does not give a “balanced” view of early Christianity’s history. It’s not my intention to do any such thing."

At least he/she/they are honest about it.

Not that he/she/they are prepared to tell us who they are, which would have been helpful.

TannyD

I am not a Christian or a Muslim....

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XbOw...eature=related

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