Thoughts on “Jesus Descending into Hell”

Thoughts on “Jesus Descending into Hell”

An interesting perspective from a friend and Rev. Roger Wolsey

A friend of mine Dr Peter Lewis recently sent me an intriguing article by Rev. Roger Wolsey exploring why some versions of the Apostles’ Creed say that Jesus “descended into hell.”

Wolsey explains that the original Greek (katelthonta eis ta katôtata) and Latin (ad inferos) translations actually mean “descended to those below,” referring to the righteous souls waiting in the Old Testament — not a fiery underworld. He also notes that Jesus never used the word “hell,” and that our modern English concept is shaped by later cultural ideas.

From a progressive perspective, Wolsey suggests that this line can be understood as Christ meeting us in the “hellish” realities of life — trauma, suffering, oppression — emphasizing that Jesus is truly with us always (Matthew 28:20).

From an Anglican viewpoint, this interpretation resonates with the emphasis on God’s presence and pastoral care. At the same time, traditionalists may stress that the historic language of “descended into hell” preserves the theological point that Christ fully experienced death and triumphed over sin and death — an important element of orthodox faith.

Both perspectives offer rich insights: one emphasizes relational and pastoral significance, the other doctrinal fidelity.

Personally, I find the balance fascinating — a reminder that creeds can invite reflection, not just recitation.

Read the full article here: Progressing Spirit

About Rev. Roger Wolsey

Rev. Roger Wolsey is a United Methodist pastor who resides in Grand Junction, CO. He is the author of “Kissing Fish: Christianity for people who don’t like Christianity.” He blogs for Patheos as The Holy Kiss and serves on the Board of Directors of ProgressiveChristianity.Org.

Roger served as the Director of the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at the University of Colorado in Boulder for 14 years and has been pastor of churches in Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado. He currently serves as pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato, Minnesota. His newest book is “Discovering Fire: Spiritual Practices that Transform Lives.”

Learn more: rogerwolsey.com

Image Source: Michelangelo, Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel, altar wall, fresco, 1534–41 (Vatican City, Rome). Photo by Michelangelo, Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel