"On the incarnation" (by Athanasius of Alexandria)

"On the incarnation" (by Athanasius of Alexandria) - review (part 1)

I have decided to take time to read through a classic work of the 4th century, "On the Incarnation" by Athanasius of Alexandria (Alexandria was a prominent city in Egypt and one of the centres of Christianity in the early centuries.)

Athanasius lived approx. 296 to 373. He was at first a deacon in Alexandria, and acted as assistant to bishop Alexander at the Church Council convened at Nicea in 325 to deal with the Arian controversy. Arius, a Christian pastor, taught that the Word of God (Son of God) was not divine and eternal, but rather had a beginning. When his bishop died, Athanasius took his place and led the fight against Arianism in all its forms, gaining the nickname Athanasius Contra Mundum (Athanasius against the World).

His work, "On the Incarnation" is the second part of a two-part work, the preceding first part being "Against the Heathen." Having refuted idolatry, Athanasius turns to consider the incarnation.

Having read the first 17 "chapters" (they are really extended paragraphs; much shorter than chapters in the modern sense), I have been impressed by the focus and depth of thought and edified by a fresh exposition of familiar truths.

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