Book Description

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. ""Dr. John Tyson presents us with a superb intellectual biography of the Great Athanasius. Having taken great pains to bridge history and theological analysis, he has enriched our understanding of Athanasius's theology by careful consideration of the ecclesio-political controversies as well as personal influences that shaped it. This is an excellent introduction to the life and work of St. Athanasius."" --David Yoon-Jung Kim, Arthur J. Gosnell Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School ""John Tyson is to be applauded for his carefully researched and highly accessible introduction to Athanasius amid the theological tensions of the fourth century. This account provides a clear context for the champion of orthodoxy who consistently affirmed the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ against the Arian Controversy. It also reveals the challenges and tensions of seeking theological integrity in a world of competing claims."" --Tom Schwanda, Associate Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College John R. Tyson is Professor of Church History at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, in Rochester, New York. He is author of ten books, including Faith, Doubt, and Courage (Wipf & Stock).