What we read now is an excerpt of what is widely-regarded as one of the most important theological writings of the Christian faith. Athanasius, the famous bishop of Alexandria of the 4th century, was known to have gone against the whole world at that time: he defended the Nicene Christian Faith against the very influential teachings of a certain Arius. Arius believed, "there was a time when the Son did not exist", and therefore he believed the Son of God was a created being, not "eternally begotten of the Father; God from God, light from light, true God from true God, of ONE BEING with the Father" (Nicene Creed, see course resources page). Arius believed the Son was of like or similar substance with the Father, not of the same substance with Him.
As we study the Incarnational Life, Athanasius teaches us WHY God made humanity, and WHY the Word (the Logos, Christ) "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). As you read Athanasius, watch for how he ties together CREATION with SALVATION, for in his view, they cannot be separated. In the Incarnation, God restores His original design to humanity, lifting us up from the place that even Adam had experienced before the Fall.
Respond to the following questions in your blog:
As we study the Incarnational Life, Athanasius teaches us WHY God made humanity, and WHY the Word (the Logos, Christ) "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). As you read Athanasius, watch for how he ties together CREATION with SALVATION, for in his view, they cannot be separated. In the Incarnation, God restores His original design to humanity, lifting us up from the place that even Adam had experienced before the Fall.
Respond to the following questions in your blog:
- According to Athanasius, what was God's purpose for creating humanity? Try and get at the many different aspects of Athanasius' view. Also in your response, be sure to describe the Image of God, that humanity is made IN the Image of God, and why we have been endowed with this Image.
- How did humanity turn from God? To what effect?
- Reflection question #3 (p. 342)
- Reflection question #4 (P. 342)
Related Media
"The Need for Creeds" - an interview the the late Jaroslav Pelikan, professor of Church History at Yale
http://www.onbeing.org/program/need-creeds/211
http://www.onbeing.org/program/need-creeds/211