St Irenaeus – The Summing Up of All Things in Christ

St Irenaeus of Lyons (c.135 – 200 AD) was one of the earliest theologians of the Early Church, and for him (as with all of them) theology was no academic, dry, abstract “angels on the head of a pin” enterprise.  Instead this is a matter of the reality of salvation, and especially with its being rooted in the genuine, physicality of the Incarnation.

Writing at a moment in time only a few generations removed from the apostles, and as someone who had himself sat at the feet of the revered (and martyred) St Polycarp, who had been taught by St John, when Irenaeus writes about the real content of the “apostolic” faith, it’s worth paying attention.

The aim of this Study Day is to do precisely that – to examine some of the key themes and topics that Irenaeus sets out in the processes of combating (what he portrays as recently-invented) non-mainstream versions of the faith – “heresies”. For Irenaeus, these are not simply equal, optional, alternatives to the Catholic (“universal”) faith as handed down by the apostles themselves, but are fatally flawed in one or more ways.

Whilst some of the specific beliefs of the “gnostics” against whom he wrote will seem bizarre, others might actually seem very familiar and contemporary.  There are therefore many stunning insights in his detailed portrayal and rebuttal of the views of his opponents, as set out over 5 volumes of his magisterial text “Against Heresies”, which have a lasting appeal.

This course will provide an overview of Irenaeus’ life and work. In particular we’ll take the time to focus on some of the themes that were important to him:

• What is Tradition and why it’s important
• The nature and scope of knowledge
• What it means to be human
• Why God became man
• The summing up of all things in Christ – “Recapitulation”

This Study Day is one in a series focussing on a number of important figures from the Early Church, spanning the late-second to mid-fifth centuries.  Each set will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.

Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest).  If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!

Location
This Study Day is being held in the Church of St Mary Magdelene, Oxford.

Do I need to book?
Yes please, it helps to know who we’re expecting!

Cost
This day is being offered on a “Pay-what-you-Want” (or what you can afford) basis.  Feel free to choose the most suitable option when booking.