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Ideas of Irenaeus, by Text

[French, 140 - 202, Bishop of Lyons from about 180. Began the establishment of New Testament texts.]

190 works
p.34 Irenaeus says evil is necessary for perfect human development
     Full Idea: Echoing Irenaeus, John Hick argues that the existence of evil is necessary for the perfect development of human beings. Hick understands evil in the light of God's desire not to coerce people into accepting him.
     From: report of Irenaeus (works [c.190]) by Brian Davies - Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion 3 'Notable'
     A reaction: I don't suppose I could opt out of perfect development? If I endure the evil, can I be guaranteed that my development will be 'perfect'. Oh, and could I just check what is meant by 'development'?