Irenaeus' Theodicy

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Irenaeus was a philosopher of the second century AD, who lived within ancient Greece. He held a strong association with the followers of Jesus in that he was influenced by Polycarp - the Bishop of Smyrna and a disciple of John the Apostle. He is notable for having written Against Heresies; within which he challenged some of the deviations from mainstream Christianity that were arising at this time. 

He, like Augustine, argued that evil was largely a consequence of the abuse of free will. He outlined that we are imperfect, immature beings created in God's image (with personality, intelligence and morality). Yet, it would be the likeness of God that would gradually be acquired throughout life; through free choice, suffering and growth. There were therefore two stages of human development; actual creation and the acquisition of the content of God. Thenceforth, as Adam was made - he was in God's image but not of likeness, and so was forced to develop outside of the Garden of Eden. 

Indeed, Irenaeus stated that God could have alternatively created perfect beings - yet the true value of goodness would be lost if it wasn't to be driven by free choice, in the centre of temptation. If he were to allow free will, he had to allow the potential for humans to disobey God; and therefore evil. He could not compromise human freedom for the sake of a world free of evil. Temporary evil is subsequently justifiable; particularly in light of the idea that all humans will ultimately end up in Heaven, having acquired the content of God, in addition to his image.

Furthermore, he suggested that an immature human being would be simply unable to cope with holding the likeness of God, initially. He used the analogy of a mother and child within Against Heresies. He outlined that a mother has the power to feed her baby strong food, yet does not as the child would be unable to…

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LeenaHope

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Best resource for understanding the Iranean Theodicy that I've come across, I usually never comment but for this I had to. It was simply so educational and well worth reading, thank you very very much!

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