The Ancient Witnesses

272 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“After death,” said Joseph, “the soul waits to be reunited with the body, because judgment is judgment upon the whole man—body and soul.” “Please make your concluding statements,” Mentor interrupted. “In his teaching,” concluded Tertullian, “our Lord described Hades as a prison and taught that one would not get out until he has paid the last penny—meaning the smallest offense we have committed against God. 17 In Hades, therefore, the soul endures discipline for its purification, while the resurrection works recompense in the body. This is my view.” “Maybe there is a Hades waiting for us,” concluded Joseph, “but I thank God for grace and salvation through Christ!” We cheered for Joseph, who thanked Tertullian and Mentor for allowing him to participate. “I never dreamed of facing such an awesome opponent as Tertullian!” he said. “You did well,” said Father Greg. “Is Hades just another word for Hell?” I asked Father Greg. “Not exactly,” he explained. “In Jesus’ day, Hades was seen as the place where those who die await final judgment.” “But that’s not Scriptural, is it?” asked Joseph. “If you’ve heard of Sheol in the Old Testament,” said Father Greg, “that’s basically the same concept.” “The doctrine of purgatory is based on Sheol ?” I asked.

17 See Matthew 5:25-26.