The redemption of an arch-heretic: Elisha ben Abuya and the flames of gehenna

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    Abstract

    Christ's descensus ad inferos and the Rabbinic story of the arch heretic Elisha show some remarkable parallels: the temporary abode of the deceased in the netherworld, God’s compassion which reaches to the deepest depths, the power of repentance which reaches beyond the grave; the importance of solidarity which transcends the boundaries between life and death. Although the Rabbinic story is told as a personal story only while the descensus ad inferos refers to Christ and his salvific work, both stories reveal the condition humaine, by inviting people to have profound compassion with all of humanity, with the dead and the living, a compassion which may even contribute to salvation.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Apostles’ Creed
    Subtitle of host publication‘He Descended Into Hell’
    EditorsArchibald Van Wieringen, Marcel Sarot
    PublisherBrill publishers
    ISBN (Print)9789004366626
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

    Publication series

    NameStudies in Theology and Religion
    Volume24

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