Michael Young

The Life and Thought of Irenaeus of Lyon (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Irenaeus of Lyon, one of the most significant figures in the development of early Christian thought, emerged as a theological leader at a crucial juncture in the history of Christianity. Living between the late 2nd century and early 3rd century, Irenaeus bridged the apostolic age and the growing theological and ecclesiastical infrastructure that would shape Christianity for centuries. His life and writings provided a theological foundation that helped to define Christian orthodoxy in the face of competing heresies. Born in Smyrna, now part of modern-day Turkey, Irenaeus was likely born around 130-140 AD, though the exact year remains uncertain. He is believed to have been a disciple of Polycarp, who himself had been a direct student of the Apostle John, connecting Irenaeus to the very heart of early Christianity. This apostolic chain of transmission of teachings played a critical role in his theological perspective, as Irenaeus considered the preservation of apostolic tradition as central to maintaining orthodoxy.

By the time Irenaeus became a bishop in the mid-2nd century, Christianity had already spread across the Roman Empire, and the Church was facing significant theological challenges. The most notable of these challenges came from the heretical teachings that sought to distort Christian doctrine. Gnosticism, with its complex and varied beliefs, posed one of the most prominent threats to Christian unity. Gnostics held that salvation was a secret knowledge (gnosis) accessible only to a select few, and they reinterpreted Scripture in light of their esoteric traditions. The Gnostic worldview fundamentally contradicted the Church's teachings on creation, the nature of humanity, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Gnostics also introduced a dualistic vision of the cosmos, which divided the material world, viewed as evil, from the spiritual realm, which was considered pure and good. This view was in direct opposition to the Christian understanding of creation, which proclaimed that God created the world and declared it "good" (Genesis 1:31). Irenaeus recognized the danger these teachings posed and took up the task of refuting them.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Historia Magna
• Erscheinungstermin: 18. Februar 2025
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9798230537083
• Artikelnr.: 73407892