ST. IRENAEUS OF LYON AND GNOSTICISM

Abstract

Gnosticism was very powerful and popular heresy in the early stage of the development of the Christian Church. They claimed to
have a true and undisputable knowledge, and therefore fight against them was difficult and great challenge for the Church. St. Irenaeus of Lyon was among the defenders of Christianity and criticized Gnostics. This article overviews Gnosticism, its basic ideas, also St. Irenaeus’ arguments against it, written in “Adversus Omnes Haereses”