"In the light of this quotation (Adv Haer 5.26.2), it is impossible to maintain with Osborn (Irenaeus p.5) that Irenaeus was as peace-loving as his name indicates and that power play was not important for him. Osborn writes: “His irenic approach shows that his objection to heresies on matters of faith had little to do with a struggle for power. ... Even on matters of faith, elsewhere he prays for his adversaries whom he loves more than they love themselves.” This is certainly what Irenaeus himself claims (Haer.3.25.7) but it is another matter to take his testimony at face value!" [Outi Lehtipuu, The Transformation of the Flesh in Early Christian Debates in Metamorphoses: Resurrection, Body and Transformative Practices in Early Christianity. Turid Karlsen Seim, Jorunn Økland. Walter de Gruyter, 2009 p. 166]
Email
stephan.h.huller@gmail.com with comments or questions.
