Irenaeus on the Christian Faith: A Condensation of Against Heresies
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Irenaeus of Lyons was one of the greatest theologians of the early post-apostolic church. Against Heresies offers a compelling presentation of the Christian faith. Yet, few have read this magnum opus since the first two of its five books focus on exposing and answering Gnostic heresies, and the only complete English version is difficult to read.
James Payton has eliminated both these obstacles by condensing Against Heresies. Most of the interaction with the Gnostics has been removed, allowing Irenaeus’ rich presentation of the Christian faith to shine through. In addition, the English prose has been refurbished to make it accessible. Readers now have access to Irenaeus’ rich presentation that is saturated in a thorough knowledge of Scripture and rooted in the apostolic tradition of the early church.
For more works by Irenaeus, check out the Life and Works of St. Irenaeus of Lyons (5 vols.).
Key Features
- Condenses Irenaeus’ Against Heresies
- Provides early Church material for students and laymen
- Showcases Irenaeus’ rich presentation of the Christian faith
Contents
- Exposing Heresy: The Views of the Gnostics
- Exposing Heresy: Disunity among the Gnostics
- The Christian Faith, as Drawn from the Apostles’ Teachings
- The Christian Faith, as Drawn from the Words Spoken by Christ
- The Christian Faith, as Drawn from Further Teaching of Christ and the Apostles
Top Highlights
“Rather, he was seeking to defend what he firmly believed to be the divinely revealed and ecclesiastically passed on understanding of the Christian faith, as received from the apostles, against what he considered to be an especially insidious threat to that faith.” (Page 9)
“Irenaeus repeatedly and insistently urged an ‘apostolic succession’ of faithful communication of the tradition by the Church’s leaders.” (Page 14)
“Consequently, there are as many schemes of redemption among these heretics as there are teachers among them” (Page 35)
“Word of God by whom all things were made, who is our Lord Jesus Christ” (Page 62)
“more than 250 pages of dense, double-columned print” (Page ix)
Praise for the Print Edition
James Payton begins his book with a cymbal clash: ‘Irenaeus was the greatest theologian to arise in the Church since the times of the Apostles.’ He is absolutely right. In recent decades he has been caricatured, by some, in the cause of rehabilitating the Gnostics, but his status as a Christian theologian is monumental and his insight is mystically profound. He remains one of the greatest Fathers of the Church catholic; and it is wonderful to see this artistic and skillful abridgment of his signature work made widely available for a new era.
—John A. McGuckin, professor, Columbia University
In the course of the past several decades, Dr. Payton has emphasized the huge importance of St. Irenaeus of Lyons for the history of theology. For years Payton has studied the most important of Irenaeus’ books, Against Heresies, helping to shape an understanding of the ancient theologian as a contemporary. . . . Irenaeus is portrayed as an author who can be recommended to students and laymen, as well as a broad academic audience. Payton’s work on the exploration of patristic theology cannot be overrated and represents a great contribution to the academic theological community.
—Boris Gunjevic, adjunct professor, Theological Faculty of Matthias Flacius Illyricus, Zagreb, Croatia
About James R. Payton Jr.
James R. Payton Jr. is a professor of history at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. He is the author of Light from the Christian East: An Introduction to the Orthodox Tradition and Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting Some Misunderstandings.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
1 rating
David Anfinrud
12/18/2022
We have to understand the Heresies of the Past to understand and see Heresies/False Teachings in todays Society. Attacks on the Bible. One aspect is the dating of writing of the books. What did Irenaeus consider Sacred Scripture. Run a Concordance on the book and see all the different books of the Bible were used in his writings. Both Old and New Testament. Irenaeus is Important because he was a Disciple of a Disciple of the Apostle John. That is very important to think about and keep in Mind. He was not separated like we are from the actual Apostles teachings by the Apostles themselves. And this book brings out the good points on the Defense of Christianity against Gnostic Teachers. Who would claim to ignore all the writings but their own. Only their secret knowledge is true knowledge. A real good sign showing Gnostics were false Teachers. Corrupting the weak minded to follow them. Instead of Following God and His Teachings he has given us in the Bible.
