St Athanasius - The Achievements of the Incarnation
The life of St Athanasius (c. 295 – 373 AD) the “fiery bishop of Alexandria” is intimately connected with the fourth century formation of the doctrine of the Trinity. He played a vital role in securing this doctrine in the aftermath of the landmark Church council at Nicaea in 325 AD. Over the best part of 45 years, he was a forceful and successful advocate of the creedal formula hammered out at Nicaea (which affirmed the full divinity of Christ) in the face of strong “Arian” opposition.
In the process of his campaign, Athanasius travelled widely in both the Western and Eastern parts of the Roman Empire, challenged emperors face to face, was exiled 5 times for his trouble, and lived in hiding alongside monks.
During his career, he also found time to compose an inspirational treatise on the event of the Incarnation, which has been seen as a classic text ever since. His writings speak powerfully of the full divinity of God made man in Christ, and the (salvific) implications of this event for humanity.
However, according to some more recent scholars, Athanasius is not completely guileless, but may have exerted a little too much force in his dealings with some of those who disagreed with his views…
This course will provide an overview of Athanasius’ life and work, especially his involvement in the evolution of the doctrine of the Trinity which took shape in the 4th century. We will also use excepts of his text “On the Incarnation” as the vehicle with which to understand his (classically Eastern) view of salvation and start to consider some of the numberless “achievements of the incarnation”.
This course is one in a series focussing on important figures from the Early church period, spanning the second to mid-fifth centuries. Each course will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.
Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest). If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!
Refreshments
Coffee, tea and a selection of non-caffeinated teas will be provided during breaks, but you will need to make your own arrangements for lunch. We’ll take a break for lunch and being located in central Oxford there are plenty of options nearby.
Location
This Study Day is being held in the Ursell Room at Pusey House, Oxford. The entrance for Pusey House is on St Giles’ – you can try the door, but may need to press the intercom buzzer to speak to someone to gain access. Once inside, go up a few steps straight ahead of you and then turn right down the corridor. Follow this corridor as far as it goes (you can’t go wrong!). Just before you arrive at some stairs, the Ursell Room is to your left.
Can I just turn up on the day?
Please book in advance so we know to expect you. (And we don’t want to run out of biscuits…).
Follow up with a Reading Group?
This Study Day is ideal preparation for the Advent Reading Group – “On the Incarnation” by St Athanasius starting on Monday 1st December 2025 in which we’ll work through this classic text together.