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.

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

Hashtags: #Irenaeus #ChurchFathers #Gnosticism #Augustine #Confessions #SummaTheologica #Aquinas #Theology #Continence #SeparatedSouls #DailyReading #HistoricalTheology

Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 2, Chapters 7–9 (Condensed)

Augustine, Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 31 (Section 44)

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

Today we hear Irenaeus take direct aim at the Gnostic mythmakers, challenging their doctrine that this world is merely a flawed shadow of the Pleroma. With razor-sharp logic, he dismantles the contradictions in their theology: if this world is an image, what exactly does it reflect? And if it’s a shadow, where is the light? Augustine confesses his daily struggle with physical appetite, showing how easily bodily necessity becomes a cover for indulgence. Even when we eat for health, desire sneaks in. Finally, Aquinas addresses whether separated souls can still understand anything after death. His answer affirms that while the senses are gone, the soul continues to know—though in a new mode. We end with a story of William, who discovers that without his body, he still knows—through clarity rather than sight.

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

Hashtags: #Irenaeus #ChurchFathers #Gnosticism #Confessions #Augustine #SummaTheologica #Aquinas #Theology #Soul #Afterlife #DailyReading #HistoricalTheology

What if the very name of God is enough to make demons tremble—even when unseen? Today’s readings circle around one central theme: the inescapable presence and power of God, even when He remains hidden from our senses. Irenaeus challenges the bizarre Gnostic claim that the Creator of the world was ignorant of the Most High, arguing instead that even demons fear God instinctively, and angels—though unseen—must have known Him through reason and dominion. Augustine, wrestling with nocturnal temptations, pleads for a fuller healing of his soul, asking God to purify not only his waking life but even his dreams, trusting that God can “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). And Aquinas reminds us that the soul cannot directly perceive its own habits like courage or wisdom by their essence—we know them only by their fruits, the way Zachary at the piano rediscovers music not by memory, but by movement. Together, these readings compel us to believe in a God who governs from the unseen and to trust that His power reaches even the deepest, most hidden corners of the soul (1 Corinthians 15:54).

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

#Irenaeus #Confessions #SummaTheologica #ChurchFathers #Virtue #Gnosticism #Theology #SpiritualFormation #HistoricalTheology #Concupiscence