The Anti‐Gnostic Fathers: Tertullian, Irenaeus, and the Fight to Preserve Orthodoxy - Paperback

by Various Church Fathers (Author), Tim Zengerink (Translator)

What if the foundations of mainstream Christianity were forged in fierce intellectual battles-where Gnostic teachings threatened to reshape the faith's core?

This anthology spotlights Irenaeus's Against Heresies, Tertullian's Adversus Valentinianos and Adversus Marcionem, and Hippolytus's Refutation of All Heresies. Adapted for a modern audience, these writings illuminate how early bishops and theologians safeguarded orthodoxy by systematically dismantling Gnostic beliefs on cosmic archons, alternate creation myths, and selective scripture editing.

Included Texts:

• Irenaeus's Against Heresies (Selections)
• Tertullian's Adversus Valentinianos & Adversus Marcionem (Excerpts)
• Hippolytus's Refutation of All Heresies (Highlights)
• Epistle of the Apostles (where relevant)

What You'll Discover Inside:

• Core Theological Showdowns - Debates over Christ's humanity/divinity, the Old Testament's place, and salvation's nature.
• Detailed Accounts of "Heresies" - Insight into Valentinian, Marcionite, and other Gnostic movements.
• Development of Orthodoxy - The arguments that shaped key creedal affirmations.
• The Role of Scripture & Tradition - Why certain texts were championed or cast aside.

Witness the razor-sharp rhetoric that molded the Christian faith you know today. Explore these refutations and glean the fervor of early doctrinal battles.