One Right Reading? A Guide to Irenaeus

Abstract

Reviewed by: One Right Reading? A Guide to Irenaeus James A. Kelhoffer Mary Ann Donovan. One Right Reading? A Guide to Irenaeus. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1997. Pp. x + 197. $18.95 (paper). “Who is a Christian? Is there a hallmark of Christianity, a clear and recognizable Christian identity?” With such questions Donovan begins this volume intended “to serve as a companion to the reader of Adversus haereses . . . [that] will lead others back to the text of Irenaeus himself” (3–4). Donovan’s Guide is not a [End Page 303] commentary but seeks to provide students with the necessary background information for understanding the organization and argument in Irenaeus’ work Against Heresies, the various issues Irenaeus addresses, and the groups and individuals he criticizes. An initial chapter surveys Irenaeus’ life and thought (7–21), and the majority of One Right Reading? introduces his main surviving work section by section (25–170). Afterward Donovan offers some concluding remarks (171–74), a helpful appendix on the question of Irenaeus’ reliability in describing his ‘heretical’ opponents (175–77 = M. A. Donovan, “Irenaeus,” ABD III, 458), a bibliography (178–86) and three indexes (187–97). There are many strengths to the presentation offered here. For example, when discussing Irenaeus’ descriptions of gnostic ideas, Donovan offers for comparison statements in the Nag Hammadi writings. She also has a firm grasp on the secondary literature and draws upon insights of other scholars, especially Philippe Bacq and Elaine Pagels, to illuminate many aspects of the discussion (cf. Donovan’s article, “Irenaeus in Recent Scholarship,” SecCent 4 [1984]: 219–41). Donovan herself reflects a great deal of respect for Irenaeus and yet writes with an appreciation for Walter Bauer’s warning about assuming, as is affirmed repeatedly throughout Adversus haereses, the historical priority of orthodoxy (e.g., pp. 12–13). At two points Donovan’s interest in the chiastic structure of Against Heresies is credible (pp. 70–75, on Adv. haer. III. 9, 1–III. 10, 6; and pp. 83–84, on III. 18, 2–III. 18, 7), but at another her argument is strained (pp. 84–87, on III. 19, 1–III. 21, 9). Most chapters end with a summary, and each is complemented by copious notes indicating where students can find more information. The volume as a whole, however, leaves a mixed impression in that Donovan’s prose is unassuming yet loquacious, sensitive to students’ questions yet tiring when taken in large doses. The editors at Liturgical Press bear some responsibility for this criticism, as the author’s noble pedagogical purposes merit a better final product. Nevertheless, Donovan and her publisher deserve our appreciation for this affordable book offering much to those investigating Irenaeus’ thought for the first time. James A. Kelhoffer University of Chicago Copyright © 1999 The Johns Hopkins University Press