Saint Irenaeus (AD 130–202) had quite a pedigree. He was a student of Polycarp (AD 69–155) who in turn was a disciple of the Apostle John, disciple of Jesus the Christ. He was close to the source!

Irenaeus is well known for battling gnosticism, particularly the Valentinian variety. While there are many versions of gnostic thought, they all swirl around this central dogma,

the belief that the lower, material sphere, the ‘flesh’, the world of the ‘psychic’, was contemptible, something to be vanquished, while the higher, spiritual world was all that was excellent, the only thing worth cultivating. (1)

This view clashes strongly with the biblical view that God created the world and called it very good. Furthermore, God acts from within the world through his Son and over against the world through his Spirit. Irenaeus referred to the Son and Spirit as the Father’s two hands.

This volume contains excerpts from Irenaeus’ work, Against the Heresies, introduced and curated by Hans Urs von Balthasar. The introduction alone makes this book worth reading. Von Balthasar writes theology with the cadence of a poet.

Against the Heresies is considered a classic for a reason. Just listen to Irenaeus’ words:

Creation shows its Creator, and what is made suggests its Maker. (33)

Light never forces itself on anyone, nor does God use compulsion on anyone who refuses to accept His artistry. (73)

It is Irenaeus’ theological artistry that makes this books so special. When I read that last quote, I expected it to end with the word “authority.” “Artistry” nuances the meaning and provides fruitful ground for contemplation.

If you are looking to deepen your faith and read something old, The Scandal of the Incarnation is well worth your time.

Irenaeus, and Hans Urs von Blathasar. The Scandal of the Incarnation: Irenaeus Against the Heresies. Translated by John Saward. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1990.