Purpose: Irenaeus teaches that God is involved in the world. His enemies were arguing the spiritual and (especially) the divine does not belong with the concretely human. Irenaeus is showing that, by God becoming the man, he worked salvation for us. What the Gnostics wanted to tear apart, Irenaeus shows Christians hold together. Through this discussion forum, you will consider how this week’s reading demonstrates that Christians believe God has profoundly engaged the world.
Parameters: Your initial thread should be between 200-250 words and reference the textbook. Specifically, enumerate and answer the questions provided. Submit your response within the text box provided. 1st and 3rd person are both acceptable. Respond to at least 2 classmates’ initial threads in 100-150 words for each reply.
Initial Thread Prompt: Answer the following questions in your initial thread. Provide a brief sentence or two for each item, and number them for clarity. Complete your thread by offering your personal response to the material, especially Question 4.
Your reading suggests that the Son becoming incarnated (genuinely becoming human) was crucial to God’s plan. But God has been active in the world all along. Explain the Son’s appearance/interaction with either Jacob or Moses.
Gnostics fantastically taught that the ascension of the Son was really about the pure spirit escaping the evil world of matter. What does Irenaeus envision being accomplished in the ascension (Section 83)?
Irenaeus elsewhere claims the Son and the Holy Spirit are the two “hands” of God” (contra the Gnostics who claimed the true God would not touch the world). How does Irenaeus describe theological error occurring in Section 100?
Reflecting upon Chapter 4 of Engaging Theology, how does the biography of Irenaeus or the explanation of Gnosticism help you better grasp Irenaeus?
Replies Prompt: Respond to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Replies should be substantive. The strongest replies include references to the course material. Is there a particular thread you agree or disagree with? If so, why? Did you learn something new from your classmates’ observations/comments regarding the discussion topic?
