8.St Irenaeus and St Anselm

Question 1

What two objects did St Irenaeus use to explain salvation?

Answer 1

-a tree in the shape of a cross
-and a cross

Question 2

What is the explanation of the tree and cross? (St Irenaeus)

Answer 2

-the tree created the need for salvation,as it caused the broken relationship with God and humans (when they ate of the tree of knowledge)
-the cross brought salvation for all,it restored the relationship between God and humans

Question 3

What was St Anselms idea about salvation?

Answer 3

-he compared it with the idea of paying a ransom in the slave trade
-after the fall of Adam and Eve,humans became slaves to sin
-Jesus paid a ransom for the sins of all humans with his life,so they can be free from sin

Question 4

What are the strengths and weaknesses of St Irenaeus ideas?

Answer 4

STRENGTHS:helps show the parallels between the fall of Adam and Eve and Jesus’ death
WEAKNESSES:not all Christians agree with St Irenaeus’ interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve

Question 5

What are the strengths and weaknesses of St Anselms’ ideas?

Answer 5

STRENGTHS:reflects the idea that m ay Christians see themselves as slaves to Christ (no longer slaves to sin)
WEAKNESSES:it is not clear who the ‘ransom’ is paid to,some people thinks this means there is someone greater than God