Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 2, Chapters 10–12 (Condensed)

Augustine, Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 45

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1, Question 89, Article 1

Irenaeus continues his assault on the Gnostics—not just refuting their claims, but showing the irrationality and self-contradiction of their system. Their “aeons” collapse under their own logic; their thirtyfold scheme cannot even maintain its number. Augustine then opens his heart in a deeply personal reflection on appetite and self-control, acknowledging that even when he resists drunkenness, the lure of excess still calls through the pleasure of eating. His prayer: “Give what You command.” Finally, Aquinas addresses whether separated souls can know what happens on earth. While they cannot observe bodily events by nature, God may grant them such knowledge—especially for the sake of prayer or joy. We close with a story of William, whose experience after death shows that knowing continues—even when sight does not.

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