Stephen Presley on Irenaeus of Lyons

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Presley to discuss his book Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact. Who was Irenaeus (c. AD130-200), and why does he matter? From a deep engagement with the Bible, to a key figure in the development in both Biblical Theology and Apologetics – Irenaeus combines both the desire for rigorous analysis and pastoral care. What was his apologetic method, and how did he view the relationship between faith and reason, Scripture and philosophy? What was the “rule of faith”, and did he subordinate Scripture to tradition? Who was the God Irenaeus worshipped, and is it valid to call him “Trinitarian”? Dr. Presley takes us through some highlights from the gnostics – and how their errors are relevant to issues faced by Christians today, and how Irenaeus can aid us in understanding how to approach both the gnosticism being identified, and how the essentials of the Christian faith contrast and respond to him. How do Christians, on one hand, balance the unity and diversity of Christianity – and yet know where the line is between Christianity and what can fairly be deemed non-christian? Listen in as Dr. Presley takes us through this, as well as some basics of his anthropology, Christology and addresses the claims the Irenaeus believed men can become gods.

Book: Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact

Other books by Dr. Presley:

Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World Like the Early Church

Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church

Irenaues: Against Heresies, The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Other resources:

LDS Gospel Topics Essay: “Becoming Like God”

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

“Irenaeus and Redemptive History” by James Dennison

Early Christian Doctrines by J.N.D. Kelly

Veritas by Ariel Sabar

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico (and here)

Scourby: The Gospel of John