Saint Athanasius

Reprint of the original, first published in 1843.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1843.

Regarded as one of the greatest theological works of antiquity, Saint Athanasius' treatise "On the Incarnation of the Word" rightfully deserves its status as a pillar of Christendom. First authored in the 4th century A. D., this book systematically expounds orthodox Christian conviction regarding the full divinity and humanity united in Jesus Christ. Emerging from an era of immense controversy surrounding the divine-human nature of the Son of God, Athanasius provided a robust defense for the doctrinal conclusions championed at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople. This included affirmation of Christ as sharing the Divine Word's uncreated existence outside of time and space itself. Additionally, the text unpacks the profound implications of the Word willingly constraining omnipotence within the confines of human flesh and biology to achieve salvation for mankind. Through the Incarnation, Athanasius underscores that the Word retains His divine nature while taking on the fullness of human nature as well - two natures co-existing in the singular person of Jesus without dilution. It is only through Him in His complete incarnation that the pathway opens for renewed communion between the Eternal God and temporal, mortal humanity. The transcendent Lord entered immanence that we might receive adoption into His transcendence across dispensations still to come. In the subsequent thousand years since its writing, Athanasius' Christological tour de force continued shaping theological conversation and church doctrine East and West. Successive church councils and writings revisited its themes again and again. Both Protestant and Catholic thinkers rediscovered this short but powerful book across eras, finding its specific vocabulary and refined logic essential in articulating orthodoxy during outbreaks of revival, renewal and even heresy throughout Christian history. For this proven authority and timelessness, "On the Incarnation" retains immovable status as one of merely a handful of texts essentially prerequisite to grasp for all desiring even basic fluency in classical Christian theology. Any serious student of Patristic thought requires Athanasius as companion on their journey toward loving the Godhead and church more profoundly.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

On the Incarnation is the first classic work of developed Orthodox theology, wherein Saint Athanasius presents teachings on the redemption. Also, Athanasius puts forward the belief, referencing John 1:1-4, that the Son of God, the eternal Word through whom God created the world, entered that world in human form to lead men back into the harmony from which they had earlier fallen away. His writings were well regarded by all following Church fathers in the West and the East, who noted their rich devotion to the Word-become-man, great pastoral concern and profound interest in monasticism. Athanasius is counted as one of the four great Eastern Doctors of the Church in the Catholic Church. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, he is labeled as the "Father of Orthodoxy." Athanasius is also the first person to identify the same 27 books of the New Testament that are in use today.

Born in Egypt, and author of some of the earliest examples of monastic literature, St Anthony has been influential across the world, from the East to the West. To this day his life stands as a testimony to the ascetical life, which was both then and now, "spoken of everywhere, and admired by everyone." This book includes an abridged version of the Greek translation of the Life of Anthony by St Athanasius, to make it accessible for young readers. the second part of the book includes contemplations by Pope Shenouda III on the life of St Anthony, who was a very special companion of His Holiness, who was originally named Fr Antonios as a monk. We hope you find this edition eye-opening to the wonder of St Anthony's life and to the mysteries of asceticism.

One of the most important works of Christian theology, the treatise "On the Incarnation" was written by the fourth century Egyptian religious leader St. Athanasius of Alexandria. An influential Christian theologian and church elder, St. Athanasius, also known as Athanasius the Great, Athanasius the Confessor, and Athanasius the Apostolic, was the twentieth bishop of Alexandria from 328 AD to 373 AD. St. Athanasius played an important role in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD where Roman Emperor Constantine the Great convened the council to address the question of whether Jesus of Nazareth was the son of God and distinct from his Father. "On the Incarnation" expands with clarity on the conclusion reached by the First Council of Nicaea, that God became man through His son, Jesus of Nazareth, and through Jesus, we too may become one with God. While brief, St. Athanasius explores in detail why God became flesh through Jesus and why this transformation was necessary to save the corrupted human soul and prepare it for a perfect and immortal union with God. This treatise, by one of the most important and influential teachers of Christian philosophy, is an essential read for all students of the Christian faith. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of Archibald Robertson.

Select treatises of St. Athanasius in controversy with the Arians is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1881. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.

Popular Patristics Series Volume 44A "When I first opened his De Incarnatione I soon discovered I was reading a masterpiece... for only a master mind could have written so deeply on a subject with such classical simplicity." -C. S. Lewis, from the Introduction 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 for all who want to know more about the Christian faith. We are pleased to offer this new translation with the Greek text presented on the facing page.

When I first opened his De Incarnatione I soon discovered I was reading a masterpiece ... for only a master mind could have written so deeply on a subject with such classical simplicity. -- C. S. Lewis, from the Introduction 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. We are pleased to offer this new translation with a full introduction by C. S. Lewis. This book is also available from SVS Press with the original Greek text presented on the facing page. About the Author: The V. Rev. Dr John Behr was Dean and Professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. He is Editor of the Popular Patristics Series. Other SVS Press books by Fr John are The Way to Nicaea, The Nicene Faith (2 vols.), and The Mystery of Christ.