HTH-350: Presentation Exploring the Life and Theology of Irenaeus

This presentation focuses on the life, theology, and impact of Irenaeus, a significant figure in early Christianity. It covers his birth, death, and the confusion surrounding his dates, highlighting his devotion to Christianity and his authorship of 'Adversus Haereses.' The presentation delves into his introduction to Gnosticism, his conflicts with Gnostic ideologies, and his role as a peacemaker among churches. It examines his theological contributions, including his views on the Trinity, his defense of orthodox Christian values, and his rejection of Gnostic doctrines. Furthermore, the presentation explores his importance for future theological development, emphasizing Christ as the key to prophecy, the differences between spirituality and religiousness, and Gnosticism as a threat to Christianity. It also discusses the applicability and impact of his teachings on ministry, including demonstrative leadership, the relationship between theology and ministry, and the influence of Gnosticism on human minds.

THEOLOGY AND
RELIGIOUS STUDIES

 Birth and death
 Confusion in dates of birth and death
 A devoted Christian
 Author of ‘Adversus Haereses’
LIFE OF IRANAEUS

 Introduction to Gnosticism
 Conflict between Iranaeus and Gnosticism
 Mention of Polycarp
 Iranaeus as peacemaker among churches
LIFE OF IRANAEUS_contd.

 Expansion of Churches
 Conflicts regarding celebration of Easter
 Churches belonged to Asia Minor
LIFE OF IRANAEUS_contd

 Iranaeus as the Bishop of Lyon
 God as sepate from world
 Explanation of Thrinitarian theology
 Relationship between Father, Son and Spirit
THEOLOGY

 Definition of Holy Trinity
 All three figures of Trinity sharing equal divinity
 Defending orthodox values of church and Christianity
THEOLOGY_contd.

 Stalwart of Christian theology
 Rejection of doctrines of Valentinus
 Gnostic ideologies completely rejected
THEOLOGY_contd.

 Christ as clue to prophecy
 Differences between spirituality and religiousness
 Gnosticism as enemy of Christianity
IMPORTANCE FOR FUTURE
THEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

 Gnostic theology as pseudo-mystical knowledge
 Relationship between Bishops and Apostles
 Gnosticism as Dualism
IMPORTANCE FOR FUTURE
THEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT_contd.

 Demonstrative leadership of Christ
 Theology as mother of ministry
 Message of Jesus Christ to disciples
APPLICABILITY AND IMPACT IN
MINISTRY

 Impact of Gnosticism on human minds
 Presbyterianism of Iranaeus
 Interaction with many other heresies as Bishop of Lyon
APPLICABILITY AND IMPACT IN
MINISTRY_contd.

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REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY