This project is part of the author's ongoing research into the origins and reasons for the acceptance of hell as a Christian doctrine. Michael Leno concludes that hell is one of the worst ideas ever invented. But he finds the progression of thought on the subject helpful in understanding the historical, political, and religious contexts connected with the ancient literature. This study documents the trajectory of Jewish thought beginning in the third century BCE, in order to reveal evidence of cause; reasons why people would eventually believe in an eternal hell. During this part of the...