Athanasius of Alexandria: An Introduction to His Writings and Theology (Cascade Companions)
Overview
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 (theopoiēthōmen)” 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.
- Provides a guided introduction to the writings of Athanasius
- Incorporates the results of academic research by scholars
- Examines Athanasius’s writings in an abridged and simplied form
- Athanasius of Alexandria: A Personal and Literary Biography
- The Incarnation, Creation, and Renewal
- Scripture
- The Trinity
- Energeia and Theopoiesis: Activity and Making Divine
- The Spiritual Life, a Life of Renewal
- Appendix 1: Map of Roman Empire around the Mediterranean with cities mentioned in the life of Athanasius
- Appendix 2: The Creed
Athanasius of Alexandria, whose dramatic and influential career forever influenced the course of Christian theological thought, has long deserved a clear and accessible introduction. Mother Lois Farag has given Athanasius’s students such an introduction, providing a handbook invaluable for those beginning the study of this early Christian teacher and bishop.
—Robin Darling Young, Catholic University of America
Lois Farag has written a succinct yet insightful ‘companion’ to the life, writings, and theology of Athanasius informed by the latest scholarship. Her introduction is very accessible, focusing on Athanasius as a theologian and spiritual mentor above all. She walks the reader through Athanasius’s own writings, highlighting the main themes of his thought and explaining these in a clear, straightforward manner. One comes away from this fine introduction with a good sense of who Athanasius was as a theologian and spiritual mentor and ready to read the writings of the great saint himself.
—Mark DelCogliano, University of St. Thomas
Athanasius of Alexandria is one of the great names in the history of Christian theology. Through this clear and accessible guide, Lois Farag introduces Athanasius’s teachings to a wider audience, exploring his language and thought and their importance for modern Christians. It is a book that will inspire many readers, new and old, to explore further the life and writings of this remarkable theologian.
—David M. Gwynn, Royal Holloway, University of London
- Title: Athanasius of Alexandria: An Introduction to His Writings and Theology
- Author: Lois M. Farag
- Series: Cascade Companions
- Publisher: Cascade
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 171
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Athanasius, Saint, Patriarch of Alexandria, -373
- ISBNs: 9781498282567, 9781498282581, 9781498282574, 1498282563, 149828258X, 1498282571
- Resource ID: LLS:ATHNSSALXNDRWRTTH
- Resource Type: text.monograph.study-guide
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T21:56:03Z
Lois Farag is Professor of History of Early Christianity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is the author of St. Cyril of Alexandria, A New Testament Exegete (2007); Balance of the Heart: Desert Spirituality for Twenty-First-Century Christians (2012), and The Coptic Christian Heritage: History, Faith, and Culture (2014).