In the article of the creed “the descent into hell”, one must distinguish between the mode of expression and the statement intended. The expression makes use of terms borrowed from: accounts of descents to the underworld in various ancient religions. But the statement intended is a genuinely Christian one.

1. Descent into hell as assertion of death. “The descent into hell” (Apostles’ Creed, D 6) or “the descent into the underworld” (Fourth Lateran Council, D 429; Second Council of Lyons, D 462) means first of all that Jesus trul…