This is a fascinating book that argues, following his death on the cross, Christ’s human soul descended to the place of the dead (hell) where he completed his triumph over Satan. The book scratches an itch I’ve had for as far back as I can remember but never took the time to investigate properly.

Renihan argues his view from Scripture, from ancient non-Scriptural texts, and from historical theology. He shows how and why the Reformation largely misunderstood the early Church on this point and quotes from both those in the Reformation who took the view promoted here and those who disagreed.

My only complaints are in the first portion of the book, Renihan references an apocryphal book in a way that can be read as if he is treating it as Scripture; it is fairly clear that this is not the intent, but I would have preferred to see it set off a bit better. The second part of the book can be difficult, especially if, as I did, you fail to realize that not all the writings being quoted are arguing in favor of Christ’s descent. I had to back up and check what the stated purpose of the second section was.

Overall, I would highly recommend reading this book, if only the first section, so that you can seriously ponder the question – Did Christ descend to hell as the Church has confessed for millennia?