PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE WILL BE TAUGHT VIA ZOOM AND IS REMOTE LIVE.
In this reading course we explore the theology of Irenaeus of Lyons, reflecting on Demonstration of Apostolic Preaching and selections of Against Heresies. Students will grow in their confidence and competence to engage, on their own, both his works and those of other 2nd and 3rd century authors of Early Christianity. We will consider his context to better understand his text, so we will explore his polemic as a pastoral response to the persecutions of the 2nd century, but also note his exegetical tendencies as someone raised and catechized in Asia Minor under a Johannine tradition. We will also highlight his theological distinctives. Irenaeus is one of the the earliest Christian theologians that provides clear affirmations regarding the Rule of Faith, the four canonical Gospels, the united work of Father, Son, and Spirit, and salvation as ascent, distinctives that continue to impact Biblical and theological studies today.