Analysis Of Heresies '

288 Words2 Pages
Nik Reasor
Reli 217 Honors
Angels or Devils? While there have always been differing opinions on the validity of religious views and ideals, there was a particular vehemence held by Irenaeus towards any sect he viewed as heretical. Within his work, entitled Against Heresies, Irenaeus details Gnosticism’s origins and why they should be considered a particularly heinous heretical cult. Irenaeus claims that Simon Magnus, also called Simon the Samaritan, is the father of Gnosticism and all heretics. Magnus’s teaching involved a prostitute named Helen, who was the mother to all angels. Because of this, the angels who oversaw this entire world made her their captive because they did not want to be the offspring of anyone, growing envious of Helen,