Hell's Destruction: An Exploration of Christ's Descent to the Dead

by Catherine Ella Laufer

Overview

The credal affirmation, 'he descended to the dead', has attracted a plethora of views over the centuries and many Christians today struggle to explain the meaning of these words. This book explores various interpretations of the doctrine of Christ's descent to the dead, both within particular historical contexts and within contemporary theology. Laufer argues that the descensus clause, Christ's descent, is integral to Christian faith, specifically to the doctrine of the incarnation. If we are to affirm that, in Christ, God became truly human then that affirmation must include his sharing in the state of being dead that is the ultimate consequence of being human. Laufer concludes that, since the Son has experienced genuine human death and the separation from God which is the essence of hell, there is no longer any human condition from which God is absent, either in this life or in eternity. Christ's descent means that he is truly 'hell's destruction'. Drawing on a treasure trove of writings from the western theological tradition, including Luther, Calvin, Maurice, Balthasar, Moltmann and others, and attending to historical, theological, exegetical, philosophical and pastoral issues, this book explores an often-ignored doctrine which lies at the core of Christian life, death and faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317122647
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/22/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	242
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Catherine Laufer is an Anglican priest and an adjunct lecturer in theology at Charles Sturt University, Australia, teaching at St Francis College in Brisbane. Prior to her ordination in 2000, Cathy worked as a psychologist and lectured in psychology at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne. She is vicar of Holy Spirit Anglican Church, in Coolum Beach, Queensland.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Chapter 1 Reflections of the Early Church; Chapter 2 The Credal Clause; Chapter 3 The Medieval Period; Chapter 4 The Descensus Clause in Reformation Debates; Chapter 5 The Injustice of Hell; Chapter 6 The State of Eternity; Chapter 7 Theodicy, Trinity and the Descent; Chapter 8 Hell’s Destruction; Chapter 9 Incarnate Unto Death; Chapter 10 Easter Tuesday;

Editorial Reviews

'In this wide-ranging, carefully argued and perceptive book, Dr Laufer has filled an important gap in Christian theology by showing that the sidelined question of Jesus’ descent to the dead has an intellectual depth and pastoral richness which leaves us the poorer for our ignorance.' Focus 'Catherine Ella Laufer's Hell's Destruction surveys the various "interpretations of the doctrine of Christ's descent to the dead from the early Church to the present". She aims to locate the "doctrine's place within Christology, both within particular historical contexts and with contemporary theology". She hits the mark on both counts.' Worship ’I commend Laufer for renewing the question of Christ’s descent into hell within contemporary theological dialogue. She makes a convincing case that it is an important issue, deserving greater attention. She has thoughtfully initiated many contemporary conversations related to the descensus clause while showing that more work needs to be done.’ PNEUMA

From the Publisher