An Account of the Life and Writings of S. Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons and Martyr Intended to Illustrate the Doctrine, Discipline, Practices, and History of the Church, and the Tenets and Practices of the Gnostic Heretics During the Second Century

"An Account of the Life and Writings of S. Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons and Martyr" by James Beaven, M.A. is a record of the life, work and impact of an influential religious leader. This book tells the story of Irenæus, who grew up with the teachings of Polycarp and later became a Bishop, leading the effort to defend Christian thinking against the rising influence of Gnostic beliefs, against the backdrop of the early church. The story presents what the church believed and how they acted during the 100's A.D., and the battles with disagreements that shaped the way the Church would teach critical ideas. This overview sets the reader up to appreciate Irenaeus' writing that were aimed to bring the church into alignment and to bring clarity to Christian teaching in a time of disagreement.