Mortalism

Mortalism is a theological belief that the soul is mortal and ceases to exist at death, rather than surviving in an immortal state. This contrasts with the more common doctrine of the immortal soul, which posits that the soul continues to exist after the body has died, often in an afterlife.

Proponents of mortalism, sometimes referred to as conditional immortalists or annihilationists, believe that life is a gift from God and that existence after death is contingent on divine favor. They often interpret biblical passages to suggest that death is a complete cessation of consciousness and that resurrection, if it occurs, is a reanimation of a previously deceased individual. This view is distinct from the belief in an immaterial soul that can separate from the body.

Historically, mortalist views have been held by various individuals and groups, often outside the mainstream of established Christianity. Some early church figures and later reformers expressed ideas that could be interpreted as mortalist. The belief has faced opposition from mainstream theological traditions, which generally uphold the doctrine of the immortal soul. Debates surrounding mortalism often revolve around interpretations of scripture, the nature of consciousness, and the concept of eternal punishment. The ultimate fate of the wicked is a particular point of contention, with mortalists typically believing in annihilation rather than eternal torment.