As a Torah literalist, do you also accept the rest of the Tanakh? Namely the prophets (Jeremiah, Isaiah, etc.) and the other writings (Song of Solomon etc.)?
Interesting religious position of yours - it is more in line with the Sadducee view of the 2nd temple period.
But then, like in the case of the Sadducees, there are question - the Torah doesn’t describe the afterlife much (or at all I think) - so that’s elaborated in the writings and prophets and of course in the Talmud. How do you reconcile these? Do you believe in the afterlife or more like the Sadducee point of view?
I’m also not so studied and have not thought through all the possible positions and contradictions and reconciliation of all other historical writings. I’m a commoner.
But I’m a late in life cultural warrior.
I quite agree the Torah is not focused on an afterlife. To well understand the Jewish view, I get near universal acknowledgement and approval among Jews when I make the summation: “Life! It’s the thing!” Everyone lights up and agrees. You can feel it viscerally in Tel Aviv. Rockets may be inbound, and you’re smiling in the radical reality of living history now with your brethren.
In my religious study class, someone asked about the difference between Pharisees and Sadducees.
The instructor said the Pharisees believed in the afterlife and the other guys didn’t.
That’s why they were sad, you see. 😉