Athanasius of Alexandria's "Four Discourses Against The Arians" is a powerful and compelling defense of the Nicene Creed against the heresy of Arianism. In these four discourses, Athanasius lays out a clear and detailed argument for the divinity of Christ and the equality of the Son with the Father.
One of the strengths of this work is Athanasius' thorough understanding of Scripture and his ability to use it to support his theological arguments. His citations of biblical passages are numerous and his interpretation of them is thought-provoking and persuasive.
Furthermore, Athanasius' writing style is engaging and straightforward, making his complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience. His arguments are logical and well-supported, giving readers a clear understanding of why Arianism is a dangerous heresy that threatens the core beliefs of Christianity.
Overall, "Four Discourses Against The Arians" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Christian theology or the debate over the nature of Christ. Athanasius' passionate defense of the orthodox Christian faith is both inspiring and enlightening, making this work a valuable addition to any library.
Book Description:
In spite of Nicea's condemnation of Arius in 325, Arianism was far from dead. For decades after Nicea, political intrigue and personality clashes continued to confuse the doctrinal issues. Additionally, the line separating othodoxy from Arianism was blurred by a number of "semi-Arians" who agreed with the theology of orthodoxy but continued to object to the "homoousios" of the Nicene Formula. In this milieu, Athanasius of Alexandria tirelessly worked to cut through the confusion and restore unity. Sometimes alone against the world, Athanasius rejected all attempts at unity through ambiguity and strove for unity through clarity. His Four Discourses Against the Arians are the culmination of these efforts. By these, Athanasius successfully defended the theology of the Nicene Formula and united the orthodox Church. For doing so, Athanasius holds an honored place in Church history.