Athanasius of Alexandria

An Introduction to his Writings and Theology

Lois Farag

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781498282567, 9781498282581
• eBook ISBN: 9781498282574
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

Athanasius of Alexandria, a famous theologian and historical figure, is quoted by many but known by few. His famous dictum, "For he became human that we might be made god (theopoi?th?men)" is explained within the context of his theology and spirituality. The Introduction familiarizes the reader with Athanasius's writings and the historical context of his theology. The reader will engage with the Athanasian language and thought that shaped the Christian understanding of the Trinity. The reader also takes a journey through Athanasius's understanding of the human person, created in the image of God and living the life of renewal. The Introduction aims to guide the reader to a Christian theologian who had the courage to oppose emperors and bishops, and to endure exiles and other threats because of his unwavering theological convictions.

Appendix 1

Map of Roman Empire around the Mediterranean with cities mentioned in the life of Athanasius

Appendix - THE CREED2

Nicene Creed AD 325	The Nicaean-Constantinopolitan Creed AD 381
We believe in one God the Father all-powerful, maker of all things both seen and unseen.	We believe in one God the Father all-powerful, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things both seen and unseen.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten begotten from the Father; that is from the essence of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, being of one essence (homoousion) with the Father, through whom all things came to be, both those in heaven and those on earth; for us humans and for our salvation he came down and became incarnate, became human, he suffered and rose up on the third day, went up into the heavens, is coming to judge the living and the dead.	And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father, through whom all things came to be; for us humans and for our salvation he came down from the heavens and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, became human and was crucified on our behalf under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, and was buried and rose up on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; and went up into heaven and is seated at the Father’s right hand; he is coming again with glory to judge the living and the dead; his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit.	And in the Spirit, the holy, the lordly and life-giving one, proceeding forth from the Father, co-worshiped and co-glorified with Father and Son, the one who spoke through the prophets; in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.
And those who say “there once was when he was not,” and “before he was begotten he was not,” and that he came to be from things that were not, or from another hypostasis or essence, affirming that the Son of God is subject to change or alteration—these the catholic and apostolic church anathematizes.
	We confess one baptism for the forgiving of sins. We look forward to a resurrection of the dead and life in the age to come. Amen.

Bibliography

Primary Sources

The Writings of Athanasius of Alexandria

Editions and translations

Athanasius. Athanasius Werke. Edited by Martin Tetz et al. Multi-volume. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1934–.

———. Histoire “acéphale” et Index Syriaque des Lettres Festales d’Athanase d’Alexandrie. Edited by Annik Martin. Sources Chrétiennes 317. Paris: Cerf, 1985.

———. Later treatises of S. Athanasius, Archbishop of Alexandria: with notes, and an appendix on S. Cyril of Alexandria and Theodoret. Oxford: Parker, 1881.

———. The Life of Antony and the Letter to Marcellinus. Translated by Robert C Gregg. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist, 1980.

———. The Life of Antony: The Coptic Life and The Greek Life. Translated by Tim Vivian et al. Cistercian Studies Series 202. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian, 2003.

———. On the Incarnation, with an introductio...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• Athanasius of Alexandria
• The Incarnation, Creation, and Renewal
• Scripture
• The Trinity
• Energeia and Theopoie–sis
• The Spiritual Life, a Life of Renewal
• Appendix 1
• Appendix - THE CREED2
• Bibliography