Athanasius

<p>This book presents the fundamental elements of Athanasius' response to the central questions of the identity of Jesus and the nature of his relationship with God. </p><p>Providing a useful introduction on his life and work, the book focuses on the tumultuous doctrinal controversies of the day in which he was a central figure. </p><p>Key selections from his writings, newly translated, have all been chosen with a view to presenting the rationale for Athanasius' fundamental theological positions: the divinity and humanity of Christ, human redemption, the divinity and work of the Holy Spirit, the logic of Christian worship, and the scriptural basis for the doctrinal formulations of the Council of Nicaea.</p><p>Students of history and classical studies, and even students of religious studies will find this an essential part of their course reading.</p> Acknowledgments, 1. Introduction, 2. Selections from Orations against the Arians, Selection 1: Arianism must be distinguished from authentic Christianity (Or. Ar. 1:1), Selection 2: Against the doctrine that the word is changeable by nature (Or. Ar. 1:3 5–51), Selection 3: Exegesis of Prov. 8:22 (Or. Ar. 2:2, 2:3, 2:18–82), 3. On the Council of Nicaea (De Decretis), 4. Letters to Serapion on the Holy Spirit (1:15–33), 5. Letter 40: To Adelphius, Bishop and Confessor, against the Arians, Introduction, Text