Irenaeus’s Against Heresies Book 1

This episode contains the first of a voluminous work by the next author in the series, Irenaeus. He was a disciple of Polycarp, placing him two generations from the apostles. He lived between A.D. 120 and A.D 202. Irenaeus wrote as a bishop in Lyons, France, and found himself part of a global church embroiled in heresy and schism. Because of this he devoted much of his life to understanding and refuting the heretics of his day. This has been preserved in a five volume series, titled “Against Heresies.”

In this first volume Irenaeus primarily records the heretics’ beliefs. They are at times outlandish and fanciful, sounding more like poorly written science fiction than serious religious doctrine. Their proponents employed numerology, symmetry, and conjecture to great extent in developing teachings. As a result, much of the work contains language and words that are unfamiliar and only have meaning within these odd belief structures, leading to a very strange listening experience. 

Despite this, underlying the rather obtuse doctrines are common sinful tendencies. Many of the heretics twisted scripture to support their position, pulling quotes out of context or redefining terms to suit their own needs. They found ways to contort the gospel and the words of Jesus to support sexual immorality and other licentious behaviors. And they invented grand meta narratives that placed Christ and the father as subordinate to other, greater, beings.

There are still today many who employ these tactics, co-opting the Bible and the name of Jesus for personal gain or to excuse evil behavior. It is somewhat comforting to know that throughout the ages the church has contended with wolves seeking to destroy the elect and has persevered. This work thus remains a good reminder to be on our guard against those who misuse the power and name of God.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.