Christ the Medicine of Life: The Syriac Fathers on the Lord's Descent into Hell (original) (raw)
McCarron-Descent to Hell Early Syriac Liturgical Tradition
The Appropriation of the Theme of Christ’s Descent to Hell in the Early Syriac Liturgical Tradition, 2000
Jesus Christ’s descent to the realm of the dead, called Sheol in Syriac, is a central motif of the Syriac-speaking churches to describe the paschal event. This dissertation investigates the motif in the early Syriac literary and liturgical traditions and analyzes its appropriation by the liturgy of the East Syrian Church as set out in the contemporary printed editions of its Missal and Breviary. Because of the Syriac tradition’s preference for symbol, metaphor, and poetry as vehicles to articulate and contemplate the Christian faith, this dissertation employs a hermeneutical approach that accounts for the interplay of literary and liturgical genres, attends to the multilayered sedimentations of language, and addresses the dynamic assimilation, transposition, distortion, and refiguration of the theme. Chapter two sets out the language and imagery of Sheol in the Syriac Bible (Peshita), identifying the cumulative impact of the biblical imagery that the Syriac writers took up in a privileged way. Chapter three presents and evaluates the literary history of the descent motif, discerns the meanings that emerge in particular historical, cultural, and theological contexts, and identifies the compositional strategies that influenced the motif's development, in particular reinscription, amplification, and embedding. Chapter four demonstrates how the liturgical tradition extends and advances interpretative horizon of the Syriac literary tradition. The analysis focuses on the East Syrian tradition’s liturgies for Pasch, Epiphany (Denha), baptism, and eucharist in their ritual contexts. These texts refigure the descent myth and its symbols to mediate the meaning of Christ’s redemptive work for the community of faith. The final chapter reflects theoretically on the interweaving of discourses in East Syrian liturgy. The intention is to delineate the ‘appropriation’ o f the descent motif by the East Syrian liturgy, explicate how the motif generates theological meaning through the genres of liturgy, and elucidate how the motif in the Syriac liturgical tradition contributes to the wider theological tradition in terms of eschatology, pneumatology, and soteriology. The doxological character of liturgical language demands that when it appropriates an image, motif, or metaphor, it reconstitutes and reorients it. In these liturgical texts, the tradition’s language is broken and refigured to emphasize the assembly’s participation in the new life that comes from Christ’s Pasch.
Louvain Studies, 2013
This article is a systematic theological discussion and evaluation of the contemporary use of Christ’s descent into Hades in relation to the salvation of adherents of other religions. It does this by linking this article of the Apostles’ Creed to its historical roots and evolution of the idea in the history of church and theology. We start with a discussion of the origin of the conviction that Christ descended into Hades and what its major interpretations were. Next, we give both a historical sketch of the relation between Christ’s descent and the salvation of non-Christians and an evaluation of a contemporary proposal that Christ’s descent plays a role in the salvation of adherents of other religions. Finally, we evaluate this locus theologicus in the light of the conviction that salvation is mediated socio-historically, and we close with an alternative proposal about the intermediate state.
Works reviewed: Demetrios Bathrellos, “Love, Purification, and Forgiveness versus Justice, Punishment, and Satisfaction: The Debates on Purgatory and the Forgiveness of Sins at the Council of Ferrara-Florence,” Journal of Theological Studies, NS 65, 1 (2014), 78-121; Vasileios Marinis, Death and the Afterlife in Byzantium: The Fate of the Soul in Theology, Liturgy and Art (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017), 214 p.; Shawn McAvoy, Demonic Trials and Whispers: An Inquiry into the Origins of Logismoi and the Telōnia (Dewdney, BC: Synaxis Press, 2013), 198 p.; St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, The Departure of the Soul according to the Teaching of the Orthodox Church: A Patristic Anthology (Florence, AZ: St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, 2017), 1,111 p.; Denis F. Sullivan, Alice-Mary Talbot, and Stamatina McGrath, eds., The Life of St. Basil the Younger: Critical Edition and Annotated Translation of the Moscow Version (Washington, DC: Dumbarton Oaks, 2014), 842 p.
The Apostles’ Creed is the most commonly confessed creed in both Protestant and Catholic settings today. The Creed is held to be a summary “in which the chief points of our faith are aptly noted in the fewest possible words.” It is thus very interesting to see that the early church inserted a phrase about an event not subject to eye-witness––descendit ad inferos (“he descended into hell” in the English version)––over which many Christians have puzzle if not actually doubt, interrupting the continuity of celebrated eye-witnessed, historical events: the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. But an even bigger scandal lies in the fact that there has hardly been a consensus concerning just this phrase. It is not part of the aim of this essay to expound scriptural support for the phrase , nor a semantic analysis of what inferos means , nor the original intention behind the insert. But this essay aims to explore the theological significance of such a phrase in the Creed, and thereby show that, contrary to some who think there is nothing to lose in deleting this phrase , so much is actually at stake in this one phrase of the creed.
Logos, 2005
Українське резюме на ст. 148) In the spirit of Unitatis Redintegratio, the author suggests that the differences in Eastern and Western concepts of what happens after death need to be more fully explored, but that such exploration already reveals three points of commonality: an intermediate state between death and resurrection, the need for many to experience purification or ongoing growth during this period, and the belief that prayers and liturgical celebrations can somehow aid these souls. In addition to the similarities there are also of course areas of difference in the method of purification, the degree of attention given to the final judgment and to the resurrection of the body, and the willingness to acknowledge the reality of death. After reviewing the Latin tradition's emphasis on "purgatory" and the Orthodox theologumena about "toll-houses" and "soul slumber," the author concludes that in a death-denying culture such as ours today, both theologies offer much that is worthwhile to the Churches to ponder and offer to their faithful for consideration and consolation.
Afterlives of the Afterlife: The Development of Hell in its Jewish and Christian Contexts
2013
The singular construct of afterlife within the Hebrew Bible is Sheol, a desolate place where, to the lament of many, the souls of both the righteous and the wicked reside. Yet there are striking developments within the periods of Second Temple Judaism, the New Testament and the post-apostolic Christian era. Within Second Temple Judaism, Sheol is transformed into a place of differentiation: the souls of the righteous depart to a place of blessing, the wicked to a place of torment. For the New Testament writers, this concept remains, but the soul is now conjoined to the physical body, and in the later post-apostolic period there is accentuated terror for the wicked in vivid descriptions of the eternal ires of hell. The modern understanding of a tortuous afterlife is drawn from the imagery of the church fathers, which was further accentuated within mediaeval Christendom. Yet the polemical and apologetic context of this development needs to be recognized. Within Judaism, changes were ma...
London : Wm. Isbister Limited 56 Ludgate Hill, 1884
Spirits in Prison ( a rare unkown work to most Believers to serious researchers) and a (aged like fine wine ) writing of old (1884)is a deep theological exploration of eschatology—what happens after death. Through his scholarly lens, Plumptre reexamines key Christian doctrines, such as the fate of souls, the concept of purgatory, and the possibility of redemption after death. Rather than rigidly adhering to traditional interpretations, he challenges readers to consider more compassionate perspectives, including the fate of non-Christians and those who may have never heard the Gospel. Plumptre dives into controversial subjects like Christ’s descent into Hell, the nature of the "spirits in prison" referenced in 1 Peter 3:19, and the nuances of the afterlife found in both the Old and New Testaments. He engages with various theological perspectives, including Protestant and Roman Catholic views on salvation, hell, and eternal damnation, offering fresh interpretations of these themes. What sets this book apart is Plumptre’s ability to synthesize historical traditions, scriptural foundations, and contemporary theological thought from his era, engaging readers with complex discussions on topics like conditional immortality and the "wider hope" for salvation. His treatment of prayers for the dead and the Athanasian Creed’s "damnatory clauses" provides a critical and thoughtful analysis of long-held beliefs. This book is an invitation to reflect deeply on the mercy of God, the role of divine justice, and the eternal fate of souls, making it a work of enduring theological significance. - CONTENTS - • The Old Testament in its Bearings on the Life After Death • The Teaching of the New Testament as to the Life After Death • The Descent into Hell • I. Historical Tradition • II. The Scriptural Foundation • The Eschatology of the Early Church • The Modern Anathemas of Romanists and Protestants • The Salvation of the Heathen • The History of the Wider Hope in English Theology • Modern German Thought in its Relation to Eschatology • Prayers for the Dead • The Doctrine of Purgatory • Conditional Immortality • The Teaching of Bishop Butler as to the Life After Death • Correspondence with a Roman Catholic Priest • The Word "Eternal" • The Damnatory Clauses of the Athanasian Creed • The Activities of the Intermediate State TAGS : Spirits in prison, life after death, eschatology, Christian theology, divine justice, purgatory, Christ’s descent into hell, salvation of souls, prayers for the dead, spiritual redemption, eternal damnation, biblical interpretation, conditional immortality, the wider hope, intermediate state, theological debates, Roman Catholic views, Protestant eschatology, eternal life, judgment after death, the fate of the heathen, Old Testament on death, New Testament teachings, spiritual resurrection, damnatory clauses, the Athanasian Creed, historical eschatology, German theological thought, modern theology, universal salvation, Christ's preaching to spirits, redemptive suffering, purgatorial doctrine, divine mercy, moral theology, eternal punishment, spiritual imprisonment, scriptural foundations, redemption in the afterlife, unbaptized souls, mercy of God, Christ's descent, the harrowing of Hell, posthumous salvation, redemption of the damned, hope for the lost, the fate of sinners, compassionate theology, purgatory in Christian doctrine, prayers after death, resurrection theology, spiritual judgment, final judgment, universal reconciliation, God’s justice and mercy, hope for non-Christians, divine forgiveness, hellfire, spiritual purification, last rites, theological inquiry, the soul’s journey, eternal rest, resurrection of the dead, intermediate eschatology, soul’s immortality, theological explorations, salvation for all, eternal torment, ecclesiastical dogma, divine pardon, ancient theological views, contemporary theological thought, post-death existence, the great judgment, mercy in the afterlife, wider Christian hope, mercy beyond the grave, judgment day theology, spiritual awakening, the afterlife debate, mercy versus justice, salvation after the grave, spiritual endurance, second chances after death, heavenly hope, traditional eschatology, divine reconciliation, the lost and found, light beyond death, the pit of Sheol, theology of resurrection, eternity’s gates, spiritual transition, posthumous faith, early Christian views, salvation history, death and rebirth, afterlife interpretations, spiritual cleansing, repentance beyond the grave, forgiving the damned, Old Testament resurrection views, New Testament eschatology, universalist thought, the doctrine of posthumous repentance, reimagining Hell, spiritual ransoming, the victory over death, crossing spiritual realms, divine reckoning, Christ’s triumph over the dead, cosmic reconciliation, second death, spiritual justice, liberation of souls, mercy for the condemned, final awakening, spiritual prison release, ultimate redemption, the fires of purification, second judgment, scriptural interpretations of Hell, resurrection hope, spiritual rescue, forgotten souls, God's eternal plan, hidden mysteries of afterlife, transcendence of death, liminal state, exoneration of souls, eschatological hope, divine wrath or mercy, keys to death, Christ’s keys of death, spiritual renewal, Christian eschatological views, beyond the grave, ancient purgatorial beliefs, redemption's reach, bound souls, trapped spirits, freeing the lost, the world of shadows, theology of despair, freedom in Christ, spiritual exodus, bound and unbound, ancient views of Hell, spiritual imprisonment doctrine, Christ's triumphant descent, lost souls' redemption, reawakening after death, the realm of the forgotten, ultimate liberation, redemption after darkness, imprisoned spirits in theology, gates of eternity, celestial judgment, divine salvation plan, spiritual realms of Hell, harrowing depths, voices from the dead, final divine mercy, eschatological mystery, life beyond judgment, the long night of souls, ancient burial rites, the release from damnation, absolution beyond life, second chance theology, posthumous redemption, salvation's final act, the prison of despair, Christ’s final victory, souls unbound, Christ in the underworld, spiritual pilgrimage after death, the way out of Hell, God’s hidden plan, beyond earthly life, spiritual trials in death, judgment of the righteous and wicked, the soul’s ascension, eternity’s mysteries, the long road to heaven, spiritual despair and redemption, pathways to the afterlife, Christian thoughts on the imprisoned dead, the harrowing of Sheol, divine healing for souls, the afterlife’s mysteries, release from spiritual bondage, theological inquiry into Hell, gates of heaven and hell, mysterious salvation, Christian mysteries of death, the release of the damned, triumphant grace, the liberation of spirits, spiritual regeneration, Christian eschatology reimagined, the salvation of the heathen, the ultimate second chance, the spiritual crossing, the justice of mercy, the great pardon, the divine mystery of salvation, timeless spiritual journey, life eternal reconsidered, spiritual victory after death, merciful redemption after life, exploring posthumous salvation, ultimate divine mercy, and hope for all souls.
Christian Heaven and Hell: Real or Imagined?
Heaven and hell are not, and have never been static concepts. Just like the doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of Christ were not revealed in their final form, but developed over hundreds of years in response to theological challenges, the concepts of heaven and hell have changed over the centuries and have differed between various Christian traditions in order that they adapt to particular social, historical and spiritual circumstances. An illustration of this can be seen in the Catholic concept of purgatory, where the dead are purified of their sins before entering heaven. This concept can be seen as a development within Catholicism which did not make the transition to Protestantism where it was rejected as unnecessary for the salvation of souls. Frithjof Schuon observes that in eschatological logic, “the Catholic dogma of purgatory results from the idea of justification through works whereas the Protestant denial of purgatory results from the idea of justification through faith.” From this point of view, heaven and hell are ends whereas the means vary according to theological emphasis. The use of the term purgatory and the concept which it represents, far from being found within the New Testament, did not come into use until much later than the concept of hell, and as Keck points out, these words – heaven and hell - do not simply appear but are part of “larger complexes of ideas that have important histories.” This essay will explore some of those histories and developments.
Material Culture Review Revue De La Culture Materielle, 1986
Cet article trace le tableau des différents rituels religieux destinés à révéler le royaume de Dieu aux adeptes des communautés chrétiennes orientales. L'auteur s'intéresse particulièrement au rapport étroit qui existe entre les rituels entourant la mort, l'inhumation, le culte des morts, et le cycle de fêtes de la semaine sainte et de la pascha (Pâques) qui commémorent la mort du Christ. D'après l'auteur, la semaine sainte et la pascha constituent un modèle mythique qui structure et traduit le sens de la mort pour les fidèles, pour ceux qui portent le deuil et pour la collectivité. Le caractère mythico-poétique des deux cycles rituels (semaine sainte et pascha ainsi que les rites observés par les fidèles) fait appel à la parole, à l'objet et au geste sacrés pour identifier l'adepte au Christ cosmique. C 'est ainsi que l'expérience de la mort échappe au chaos et que le fidèle est initié à un cosmos chargé d'une signification sacrée. This paper maps the rituals through ivhich devotees in Eastern Christian communities are initiated into the Kingdom of God. Its primary focus is the intimate relationship between the rituals surrounding dying, death, burial, and the memory of the dead, with the festive cycle of Holy Week and pascha (Easter), in which Christ's dying and death are contemplated. The paper argues that the mythic pattern of Holy Week and pascha structures and informs the meaning of dying and death for the devotees, the mourners, and the community. The mythopoetic character of both ritual cycles (Holy Week and pascha. and, the rites for the devotee) uses sacred word, object, and gesture to identify the devotee with the cosmic Christ. In this manner, the experience of death is wrested from chaos, and the devotee is initiated into a cosmos laden with sacred meaning. Now is life's artful triumph of vanities destroyed. For the spirit hath vanished from its tabernacle; its clay groweth black. The vessel is shattered, voiceless, bereft of feeling, motionless, dead: Committing which unto the grave, let us beseech the lord that he will give him (her) eternal rest. (Order for the Burial of the Dead, p. 389)' O God of spirits, and of all flesh, who hast trampled down Death, and overthrown the Devil, and given life unto thy world: Do thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of thy departed servant, N., in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away.