The Ancient Witnesses

Chapter 3: The Beginning of Time • 101

“Not at all,” Irenaeus replied, “for the body is the temple of God. 31 And God made man a free agent from the beginning, possessing his own power, even as he does his own soul, to obey the demands of God voluntarily, not by compulsion.” 32 “So, then, the soul is the seat of decision making?” asked Mentor. “Yes,” he replied, I affirm the essential rationality of the soul.” “Thank you, honored Irenaeus.” The witness returned to his place in the pre-Nicene choir stalls as Mentor summarized, “On the question of the nature of man, whether he is composed of body, soul, and spirit; or body and soul; or body and spirit, our witnesses have not reached consensus.” As Mentor said this we could hear Irenaeus reciting the Thessalonian passage again, “… may your entire body, soul, and spirit be kept blameless …” “In any case,” Mentor continued, “as we explore the creation of humankind in the image of God, we are reminded that rationality—intelligence—is an essential part of that image.” Mentor now called on Justin Martyr. “In the beginning,” said the great apologist, “God made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God; for they have been born rational and contemplative.” 33

31 Irenaeus, Against Heresies V.VI.1. (ANF 1, 532), emphasis added.

32 Irenaeus, Against Heresies , IV.XXXVII.1. (ANF 1, 518).

33 Justin Martyr, First Apology, XXVIII. (ANF 1, 172).