Topical Encyclopedia The term "Athanasian" refers to anything related to Athanasius of Alexandria, a significant figure in early Christianity, particularly known for his defense of Trinitarian doctrine. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) was the 20th bishop of Alexandria and a staunch opponent of Arianism, a theological belief that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. His contributions to Christian theology, particularly through his writings and his role in the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), have had a lasting impact on the development of orthodox Christian doctrine.Athanasius and the Trinity Athanasius is best known for his defense of the doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but is one in essence. This doctrine is foundational to Christian orthodoxy and is reflected in various passages of Scripture. For instance, in Matthew 28:19 , Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This Trinitarian formula underscores the co-equal and co-eternal nature of the three persons of the Godhead, a truth that Athanasius ardently defended. The Athanasian Creed Although not directly authored by Athanasius, the Athanasian Creed is attributed to his theological influence. This creed is a statement of Christian faith that elaborates on the nature of the Trinity and the incarnation of Christ. It begins with the declaration, "Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith; which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly." The creed emphasizes the necessity of believing in the Trinity and the full divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ for salvation. Athanasius and the Incarnation Athanasius also made significant contributions to the understanding of the incarnation of Christ. In his seminal work, "On the Incarnation," he argues that the Word of God became flesh to restore humanity to its original state of communion with God. This is in line with John 1:14 , which states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Athanasius taught that through the incarnation, death and corruption were defeated, and believers are offered eternal life. Athanasius and Arianism Athanasius's opposition to Arianism was central to his ministry. Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria, taught that Jesus Christ was a created being and not co-eternal with the Father. This view was deemed heretical by the early church. Athanasius argued that if Christ were not fully divine, He could not be the Savior of humanity. His defense of Christ's divinity is reflected in passages such as John 10:30 , where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one." Athanasius's unwavering stance against Arianism earned him multiple exiles but ultimately solidified his legacy as a defender of orthodox Christian belief. Legacy of Athanasius Athanasius's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as his theological insights continue to shape Christian doctrine. His works, particularly his defense of the Trinity and the incarnation, remain central to Christian theology. The Nicene Creed, which emerged from the Council of Nicaea, echoes Athanasian thought and is recited in many Christian liturgies today. Athanasius is remembered as a pillar of orthodoxy, whose life and teachings have profoundly impacted the Christian faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) of or pertaining to Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATHANASIAN; CREEDath-a-na'-zhan. See CREED. Greek 110. athanasia -- immortality ... deathlessness -- immortality. see GREEK a. see GREEK thanatos. (athanasian) -- 3 Occurrences. 109, 110. athanasia. 111 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/110.htm - 7k Library The Athanasian Creed. Athanasian Creed The Athanasian Creed The Athanasian Creed General Character of the Oecumenical Creeds. The Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation Explained ... The Life of God Appendix I. Depositio Arii. American Revision of the Thirty-Nine Articles, AD 1801. Thesaurus Athanasian... (a.) of or pertaining to Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in the 4th century. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ATHANASIAN; CREED. ath-a-na'-zhan. See CREED. ... /a/athanasian.htm - 6k Creeds Athali'ah (17 Occurrences) Creed Atharias Resources What is the Athanasian Creed? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Church History (All) | GotQuestions.org What is the doctrine of eternal Sonship and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Athanasian: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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