As the Patriarch of Alexandria in the critical 4th century, Athanasius' significance was without doubt profound both as a pastor and theologian. With resolute conviction and powerful personality he became the ardent champion of the Council of Nicea's affirmation of the full divinity of the Son, and in so doing he became the most resourceful and innovative theologian of his day. His Christology provided significant theological clarifications that would become decisive for Cyril of Alexandria and the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon. Athanasius is a theologian of great importance and relevance today when many of his concerns are still our own. This book offers a fresh scholarly introduction to the theology of Athanasius that will benefit not only the student but the educated lay reader as well. Weinandy explores, in a lucid and insightful manner, all of the key theological controversies, questions and themes that appear within Athanasius' thought: Revelation, Scripture and Tradition; Creation and the Fall; The Nicene Crisis; The Incarnation and salvation; the divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Church and Sacraments; and the Christian Life and Monasticism.

Athanasius provides a comprehensive and concise introduction to the theological vision of Athanasius, relating the various aspects of his doctrine to a central emphasis on divine condescension.

The Great Athanasius is an introductory survey of the life and work of the most dynamic pastor-theologian of the fourth century. From his birth and early years in Alexandria to the "Golden Decade," the book charts the life and work of Athanasius through a close study of his main writings and other important works. Central to his story is the "Arian controversy," the Council of Nicea, and the subsequent difficulties that emerged in building a consensus around the "very God, very Man" affirmation of the Nicene Creed. The eventual triumph of the theology of the Nicene Creed was largely due to his tireless efforts, which are carefully chronicled in this work. Though a controversial figure in his own lifetime, through both his theological insight and ecclesiastical leadership, and in his fidelity to his faith convictions, Athanasius proved to be "the great" church father and theologian of his age and one of the seminal Christian thinkers of all time.

"By any standard, this is a classic of Christian theology. Composed by St. Athanasius in the fourth century, it expounds with simplicity the theological vision defended at the councils of Nicaea and Constantinople: that the Son of God himself became "fully human, so that we might become god." Its influence on all Christian theology thereafter, East and West, ensures its place as one of the few "must read" books of Christian theology for all time."--

Thomas Weinandy has done an excellent job in this book in introducing Athanasius' theology. A well-known Catholic scholar in historical theology, Weinandy has provided students of theology with a profound historiography of Athanasius' major theological writing. - Calvin Theological Journal "A reliable, concise introduction to the theology of Athanasius." - International Journal of Systematic Theology "A sustained and intelligent introduction to Athanasius and his literature, and will rightly appear on all undergraduate patristic bibliographies." - The Journal of Theological Studies "A very fine theological (as its subtitle emphasizes) introduction to the Alexandrian bishop...[an] accessible, intelligent, and worthy volume, which offers the reader an overview of Athanasius's thought within the context of his full, if at times harried, ecclesiastical life." - Nova et Vetera "Weinandy offers a summary of Athanasius' central works and a balanced assessment of his theology's merits and contemporary significance...No student of Athanasius should overlook this reliable guidebook to the little Alexandrian's great life and works." - Religious Studies Review "Weinandy's introduction to Athanasius is an important work, familiarizing the reader with Athanasius' life, writings, and fundamental concerns. Throughout, the centrality of soteriology clearly emerges, whether the topic is the doctrine of the Trinity or the life of Antony. Hopefully this book will serve to bring Athanasius' soteriology more prominently into contemporary discussions alongside the other great masterpieces on this doctrine." - Themelios

"New edition, revised, with a letter of St. Athanasius on the interpretation of the Psalms added as an appendix." Includes bibliographical references.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.