Christian Tradition, Study Guide

Irenaeus and Orthodoxy


Important names and terms

Irenaeus (know who he is, where he is from on a map)
Heresy
Orthodoxy
Proto-orthodoxy
Heresiology
Doctrine of recapitulation
Apostolic succession

 

Background

NOTE: Valentinus is a Gnostic teacher; Ptolemy is in the Valentinian group of Gnostics.

As you’re reading, pay attention to:

  • the one church (chapter 10)
  • Faith and knowledge
  • Apostolic succession (book 3, chapter 3)
  • Simon Magus, heresiarch (chapter 23)
  • Irenaeus on the Gnostics (esp ch 8, ch 13)

Questions:
Does Ireneaus’ description of Gnostics (including Valentinus and his group) sound at all like actual Gnostics?

 

 

 

 

 

Find some examples of heretics in Ireneaus’s texts.  What makes them “heretics”? 

 

 

 

 

 

What does Irenaeus think makes himself “orthodox”?  How does he define TRUE Christianity?