gnosticism and st irenaeus

Saint irenaeus

Quoted from 21 of the 27 testament books, reference scripture over 1000 times in his writing against here says

heresy emerges

People trying to explain teachings, but getting it wrong. They incorporated pagan ideas to explain Christian teachings, this created a confused account of the gospel. Not based on the teachings of Christ. Some saw the fault others refused to accept the correction.

Heresy

Denial or doubt of some truth of the Catholic faith

Rise of GNOSTICISM

Gnostics Believe they have a secret wisdom of the universe.

Gnosticism

Salvation may be achieved through knowledge

Gnostic beliefs

The created world is corrupt matter equals corrupt spirit equals good. Body is bad. Soul is good diagnostics desire to free the soul from the body to return to God.

Gnostics question the incarnation

Believe Jesus would have never taken a human body if he was God. Human nature equals evil, so Jesus could not have a human body. Full denial of Jesus, human nature. Jesus was an aberration only appeared to die on the cross rose on Easter, inspire the apostles

Gnosticism is exclusive

Secret gnosis believed only they had this wisdom. They believe that Christ message was reserved for an exclusive group. Catholicism is open to all not a few.

Saint irenaeus of Lyons

Disciple of Saint Polycarp, father of the church Bishop of lion skull modern day, France

Saint Iraneaus focus

Power and responsibility of the Episcopacy bishops. Sacred scripture and tradition equals first to acknowledge the for technical gospel’s, Matt, Mark, Luke, and John as essential.

Saint irenaeusopponent of Gnosticism

Wrote many works against gnostics, one of the greatest apologists in the church history

Apologist

Someone who explains and defend the faith against Those who attack it

Saint Irenaeus major work

adversus haereses, outlined arguments against Gnosticism and other heresies