Supplementary Lesson 2: Key Patristic Theologians

Attempt: 3

Irenaeus (c. 130-200 A.D.)

Irenaeus is considered the first great systematic theologian. He was the bishop of the church in Lyon (in modern day France). He wrote Against Heresies, defending the Christian faith against false teachings such as Gnosticism (which held that the material world was evil, and therefore Jesus could not be God in human flesh). He also taught that the Old Testament was part of the history of redemption and that it was fulfilled in Christ.

QUESTION:

What heresy did Irenaeus especially combat?