Christ, Creation and the Cosmological Goal of Redemption: A Study of Pauline Creation Theology as Read by Irenaeus and Applied to Ecotheology by J. J. Johnson Leese (review)

Abstract

In this study, based on a doctoral dissertation at the University of Durham in 2014, J. J. Johnson Leese examines Paul’s understanding of Jesus Christ’s relationship to creation in relation to Irenaeus of Lyon’s understanding of Paul and the theology of creation, which Irenaeus developed in combatting gnostic heresies. The picture arising from this analysis is then related to the contemporary discussions of the intricate relationship between religion and nature. Leese seeks to examine “how the Pauline corpus might contribute towards a robust creation and ecotheological theology” (1). Leese addresses two research questions: