Six important theologians

There are six important theologians who helped us understand Jesus’ teaching. They are:

Justin Martyr (100 – 165 AD)

He is the greatest Christian writers of the second century who were concerned to defend Christianity in the face of intense criticism from pagan sources. In his “First Apology” Justin argued that traces of Christian truth were to be found in the great pagan writers. His doctrine of the logos spermatikos (seed-bearing word) allowed him to affirm that God had prepared the way for his final revelation in Christ through hints of its truth in classical philosophy. Justin provides us with an important early example of a theologian who attempts to relate the gospel to the outlook of Greek philosophy, a trend especially associated with the Eastern Church.

Iranaeus of Lyons (130-200 AD)

This man is believed to have been born in Smyrna, modern-day Turkey, although he subsequently settled in Rome. He became Bishop of Lyons around 178, a position which he held until his death two decades later. Iranaeus is noted especially for his vigorous defense of Christian orthodoxy in the face of a challenge from Gnosticism. Iranaeus’ most significant work, “Against the Heresies” represents a major defense of the Christian understanding of salvation, and especially of the role of tradition in remaining faithful to the apostolic witness in the face of non Christian interpretations.

Origen (185-254 AD)

One of the most important defenders of Christianity in the third century, Origen provided an important foundation for the development of eastern Christian thought. His major contributions to development of Christian theology can be seen in tow general areas. In the field of Christology, Origen established a tradition of distinguishing between the full divinity of the Father, and a lesser divinity of the Son. Some scholars see Arianism as a natural consequence of this approach. Origen also adopted with some enthusiasm the idea of apocatastasis, according to which every creature including both humanity and Satan will be saved.

Tertullian (160 – 225 AD)

Tertullian was originally a pagan from the North African city of Carthage, who converted to Christianity in his thirties. He is often regarded as a father of Latin theology, on account of the major impact which he had upon the western church. He defended the unity of the Old and New Testaments against Marcion, who had argued that they related to different gods. In doing so, he laid the foundations for a doctrine of the Trinity. Tertullian was strongly opposed to making Christian theology or apologetics dependent upon extra scriptural sources. He is amongst the most forceful early exponents of the principle of the sufficiency of Scripture, denouncing those who appeal to secular philosophies for a true knowledge of God.

Athanasius (296 - 373 AD)

Athanasius’ significance relates primarily to Christological issues, which became of major importance during the fourth century. Possible while still in his twenties, Athanasius wrote the treatise “On the incarnation,” a powerful defense of the idea that God assumed human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Athanasius pointed out that if Christ was not fully God, a series of devastating implication followed. First, it was impossible for God to redeem humanity, as no creature could redeem another creature. And second, it followed that the Christian church was guilty of idolatry, as Christians regularly worshipped and prayed to Christ.

Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430 AD)

Augustine is probably the greatest and most influential mind of the Christian church throughout its long history. Attracted to the Christian faith by the preaching of Bishop Ambrose of Milan, Augustine underwent a dramatic conversion experience. Having reached the age of 32 without satisfying his burning wish to know the truth, Augustine was agonizing over the great questions of human nature and destiny in a garden in Milan. He heard some children singing “take up and read” nearby. Feeling that this was divine guidance, he found the New Testament document nearest to hand Paul’s letter to the Romans, as it happened. This was the final straw for Augustine, whose paganism ha become increasingly difficult to maintain. As he later recalled, “a light of certainty entered my heart, and every shadow of doubt vanished.” From that moment onward, Augustine dedicated his enormous intellectual abilities to the defense and consolidation of the Christian faith, writing in a style which was both passionate and intelligent, appealing to both heart and mind.

Source: Alister E.McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction, p 10-13.