Divine Sovereignty, Human Freedom, and the Christological Vocation to Power: Political Resources from Irenaeus

Irenaeus of Lyon is a promising conversation partner for Christian theologians seeking a politics of justice, human flourishing, and the promotion of the common good, in contrast to fascistic models of domination, unchecked power, and the demonization of difference. Christian-valenced authoritarianism relies on assumptions about God, human society, and power that align more closely with Irenaeus’ depiction of the Antichrist than the complex model of Christian politics set forth in Adversus haereses and the Epideixis. Central to this model are particular assertions of divine sovereignty, the human vocation to rule, and the paradigmatic kingship of Christ. While Irenaeus has no neat answers for contemporary Christian political concerns, the heart of his political vision remains relevant today: a theo-centric, Christologically-rich politics that fosters socio-political coherence, diversity, and stability, along with practical care for the marginalized and vulnerable, without undermining individual human freedom.