The Church is fortunate that Irenaeus was involved in many of its controversies in the second century. He was a student, well trained, no doubt, with great patience in investigating, tremendously protective of apostolic teaching, but prompted more by a desire to win over his opponents than to prove them in error.
As bishop of Lyons he was especially concerned with the Gnostics, who took their name from the Greek word for “knowledge.” Claiming access to secret knowledge imparted by Jesus to only a few disciples, their teaching was attracting and confusing many Christians. After thoroughly investigating the various Gnostic sects and their “secret,” Irenaeus showed to what logical conclusions their tenets led. These he contrasted with the teaching of the apostles and the text of Holy Scripture, giving us, in five books, a system of theology of great importance to subsequent times. Moreover, his work, widely used and translated into Latin and Armenian, gradually ended the influence of the Gnostics.
The circumstances and details about his death, like those of his birth and early life in Asia Minor, are not at all clear.
Try something like this: Say a silent prayer to God, who lives inside you and is a part of you, "God, I can’t do this alone. I need help. Please show me the way." If your vision of life’s Creative Force involves different language, pick words that fit your beliefs. The important thing is to reach out to a power beyond yourself for help. Then know that God is helping you, guiding you.
But surrendering your problems to a higher power doesn’t mean being passive. Begin making an effort to learn about nutrition from reliable sources (not fad diets). Change your activity habits and do some enjoyable, easy movement for at least 10 minutes every day. Keep praying to God and give up all your problems – trust in your Creator 100%.
You will see miracles happen, I promise. Do what God wants, always, all ways, and you will no longer have the burden of excess.
Don't think about ideas such as bondage and liberation, simply abandon all craving and through wisdom and dispassion bring about the cessation of the mind. Even if the wish "may I be liberated" arises, the mind will come back to life. --Maharamayana
Father, we thank you for your marvellous gift; you have allowed us to share in your divine parenthood. During this time of waiting, we ask you to protect and nurture these first mysterious stirrings of life. May our child come safely into the light of the world and to the new birth of baptism. Mother of God, we entrust our child to your loving heart. Amen.
Quote The difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next. The difference between the two is the difference between living fully and just existing...Michael E. Gerber
Question What is the best way to maximize your energy level?
Website Everyone has an inner voice... most people just ignore it. But it has a purpose. If you listen to that inner voice, you can leave fear and anxiety behind. You can be guided towards an experience of ease and flow; you can open up your eyes and ears and heart to new and wondrous things... just by listening. Can you hear it? http://www.consciousone.com/wisdomflash/WFView.cfm?PID=77
More This web site, is all about that higher understanding, and giving it to you in the most complete, efficient, easy, useful and powerful ways. I've included the link here because of the powerful 9-minute audio sample that you can listen to, just scroll down that page about half way.
