ABSTRACT
There is little, if anything, in the Nicene formulae which is not present in embryonic or directional form in the works of Irenaeus. The cardinal place he holds in the way in which orthodox theology opens out to the full expression and significance of the Nicene faith has been underestimated generally in the lack of any systematic consideration of the relation between the influence he left and the achievement of the Nicene fathers, and particularly in the failure to accord his methodology in theology the foundational, directional and formative place it occupies. This chapter lists the themes that arise throughout the Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, which is a framework of Irenaeus's teaching. It says that Irenaeus should be allowed to speak for himself as himself. The chapter tries try to give Irenaeus the chance to be seen in the light of that side of him as the original, influential and therefore important, individual he was.
