Phronema Catalogue

This paper will examine the theological anthropology of St Irenaeus of Lyons, looking particularly at the plasma that God moulds and breathes life into. This biblical account of the human person has its basis in how Irenaeus talks about the Trinitarian God, as creator ex nihilo, vested in what he creates; not on account of God needing creation but because Irenaeus sees in this creative act God’s economia and salvation entrenched. Plasma language in Irenaeus has been used in scholarship to emphasise the physical nature of man and how man was formed within a scriptural account of creation and out of God’s hands. The plasma’s theological significance and relational qualities, however, require greater depth of study for the purpose of articulating a theology of the human person. This paper hopes to draw out the divine significance of the plasma by exploring its content and authorship. Thus, in seeking to understand Irenaeus’ theological identity of the human person and more particularly the role of the plasma, the paper will also give an account of his doctrine of God.

- Vicki Petrakis