Top Christian Theologians by Theme and Denomination – Article 2
Theme: Christology
Denomination: Eastern Orthodox / Catholic (Pre-Schism)
1. Introduction
Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373) stands as a monumental figure in the development of Christological doctrine, particularly for his defence of the full divinity of Christ during the Arian controversy of the fourth century. As Bishop of Alexandria for over four decades, Athanasius fought tirelessly for Nicene orthodoxy in the face of political exile and ecclesiastical opposition. His theological insight, pastoral resolve, and scriptural exegesis positioned him as one of the most authoritative voices in the early Church. Revered as a saint and Doctor of the Church in the Catholic tradition, and deeply venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Athanasius’ work remains a cornerstone in Christian theology.
2. Historical and Ecclesial Context
The early fourth century was marked by doctrinal instability, particularly concerning the identity of Jesus Christ. The central issue arose from the teachings of Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria, who argued that the Son of God was a created being—subordinate in nature and not eternal. The Council of Nicaea (325) rejected Arianism, affirming that the Son was homoousios (of the same essence) with the Father.
Athanasius, although still a deacon at the time, was present at Nicaea as a theological advisor to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. After Alexander’s death, Athanasius became bishop and the foremost defender of the Nicene faith. His uncompromising stance led to five exiles under successive Roman emperors, yet his resilience preserved orthodoxy during a volatile period in Church history (Williams, 1995).
3. Theological Theme: Christology – True God and True Man
Athanasius’ theological legacy lies in his insistence that Jesus Christ is fully divine and consubstantial with the Father. He recognised that if Christ were not fully God, then He could not be the Saviour of humanity. This conviction is most clearly articulated in his seminal treatise On the Incarnation.
He wrote:
“He became what we are that He might make us what He is.” (Athanasius, On the Incarnation, §54)
For Athanasius, salvation is participatory—the Word became flesh so that humans could be restored to divine communion. This required that the Word (Logos) be eternal, uncreated, and identical in essence with the Father, not merely similar or subordinate.
4. Key Writings
● On the Incarnation of the Word (De Incarnatione Verbi Dei)
Written early in his life, this treatise presents a systematic theology of the Incarnation, combining biblical exegesis, apologetic reasoning, and soteriological insight. Athanasius explains the necessity of the Word becoming human to defeat death and restore the image of God in humanity.
● Against the Arians (Three Orations)
These orations directly refute the Arian heresy by defending the Son’s eternal generation from the Father. Athanasius supports his argument with an appeal to Scripture (esp. Proverbs 8, John 1, Hebrews 1) and the apostolic tradition. He also clarifies the distinction between generation (eternal, divine) and creation (temporal, contingent).
5. Language and Methodology
Athanasius utilised biblical theology, philosophical clarity, and liturgical reflection. He was careful to distinguish between metaphysical categories such as ousia (essence) and hypostasis (person) while remaining pastorally sensitive to the needs of the faithful. His method avoided the abstract speculations of some Greek philosophers, focusing instead on the revealed economy of salvation.
He interpreted the Incarnation not merely as a moment of humility, but as the central redemptive act in which death was defeated and immortality restored to humanity.
6. Impact on the Eastern Orthodox Tradition
In Eastern Orthodoxy, Athanasius is hailed as one of the Great Hierarchs and a foundational Father. His Christology laid the groundwork for the doctrine of deification (theosis), the idea that human beings can participate in the divine life through union with Christ. The Orthodox emphasis on the Incarnation as transformative and cosmic draws directly from Athanasius’ thought.
His feast day is celebrated on 18 January in the Eastern calendar, and his writings are considered spiritual as well as theological texts, used in both monastic and lay instruction.
7. Influence on the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church recognises Athanasius as a Doctor of the Church, affirming the universal relevance of his teachings. His articulation of the hypostatic union was later formalised at the Council of Chalcedon (451), which declared that Jesus Christ is one person in two natures, “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”
Medieval scholastics such as Anselm and Aquinas drew upon Athanasius’ clarity in addressing the necessity of the Incarnation. His emphasis on the Son’s eternal generation continues to influence Catholic dogmatic theology today.
8. Relevance to Modern Theology
In modern theology, Athanasius’ work remains central to debates on incarnational theology, Christ’s uniqueness, and the relationship between divine transcendence and immanence. Theologians such as Hans Urs von Balthasar and Thomas F. Torrance have revived his insights in dialogue with contemporary Christological questions.
His influence also extends to ecumenical dialogues, where his affirmation of Christ’s full humanity and full divinity serves as common ground between Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions.
9. Conclusion
Athanasius of Alexandria provided a doctrinal anchor in one of Christianity’s most turbulent theological eras. His vision of Christ as true God and true man, incarnate for the salvation of the world, remains foundational to both Orthodox and Catholic Christology. Through his theological courage, biblical fidelity, and pastoral clarity, Athanasius stands not only as a defender of orthodoxy but as a spiritual guide for the ongoing proclamation of the gospel.
10. References
- Athanasius. (1996). On the Incarnation of the Word of God (trans. J. Behr). Yonkers, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press.
- Athanasius. (2004). The Orations Against the Arians (trans. J. Parker). In P. Schaff & H. Wace (Eds.), Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 4. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.
- Williams, R. (1995). Arius: Heresy and Tradition. London: SCM Press.
- Weinandy, T.G. (2007). Athanasius: A Theological Introduction. Aldershot: Ashgate.
- Pelikan, J. (1971). The Christian Tradition, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100–600). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.