The Oldest Patristic Witnesses of Reflection on Mary (Ignatius of Antioch, Justin martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons)

Waldemar Jan Turek

professore invitato na Università Pontificia Salesiana w Rzymie , Italy

Abstract

The article deals with the theme of theological reflection on Mary in the oldest Patristic texts written by St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Justin martyr and St. Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons. It presents the strong ties of Mariology and Christology in all three authors. St. Ignatius decidedly rejects the teaching of the Docetists and shows that it was Mary who gave birth to Christ, giving Him a real human body that allowed Him later to suffer and die. St. Justin juxtaposes the works of Eve and Mary, and the birth of Jesus Christ from the Virgin is elucidated in the light of Old Testament prophecies. Finally, St. Irenaeus, in the context of the polemic with Gnosticism, deepens the parallel between Eve and Mary, taking into account also the comparison between Adam and Christ. As Adam had been formed from the virginal earth, so Christ, the new Adam was formed from the Virgin Mary, who through her faith and obedience opened to humanity the way to new life.

Keywords:

Ignatius of Antioch, Justin the Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons, Christ, Mary, Eva, docetism, Gnosticism, human body, Mariology

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Published
2021-12-15


Turek, W. J. (2021). The Oldest Patristic Witnesses of Reflection on Mary (Ignatius of Antioch, Justin martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons). Vox Patrum, 80, 69–86. https://doi.org/10.31743/vp.13123

Waldemar Jan Turek  turek@tiscalinet.it
professore invitato na Università Pontificia Salesiana w Rzymie https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8126-4125



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