A Celebration of Faith: Saint Athanasius
Defender of Orthodox Christology | On the Incarnation
By Steven R. Martins and Saint Athanasius
ISBN: 9781999099206
Product Type: Book
Pages: 156
Publish Date: September 2020
Topics: Apologetics, Christology, Theology
Summary
Saint Athanasius was an astute apologist, proficient theologian, and champion of orthodox Christology. He earned the title Athanasius Contra Mundum for his willingness to take on the world in defending biblical truth. One of his most influential works, On the Incarnation, was written as an apologetic for the doctrine of the eternal Son of God taking to himself, without ceasing to be God, full humanity for the purpose of the Father’s glory and our salvation. This classic, preceded by an apologetic by Steven R. Martins, has since inspired generations towards defending biblical truth.
The Celebration of Faith Series reflects on the lives and contributions of those who have been touched by the grace of God, those who have professed, defended and advanced the Christian religious worldview throughout history. The objective of this series is to inspire and encourage grace-bought believers towards living out their faith in such a way that demonstrates the truth, beauty and liberty of the gospel and its comprehensive nature for the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
Endorsements
“Why would anyone read a book written 1700 years ago? The different context of old books can sometimes make them seem irrelevant. But the truth about God is perennial, and the titanic figure of Athanasius fought a battle against a corrupt church establishment and the Emperor Constantine to refute the teaching of the powerful but heretical Bishop Arias. He was convicted to uphold the truth, regardless of the consequences for him. It was Athanasias contra mundum, Athanasias against the world. He did so, as Steven Martins ably demonstrates in his excellent introduction, to uphold the true teaching of Scripture and the ancient church about Jesus’ dual nature. He was both fully God and fully man. Whereas Bishop Arias denied his divinity, in much the same way that Dan Brown also has through his popular fictional novel the Da Vinci Code. Athanasius’ bold witness and truthful exposition brought a great light into a time of popular darkness. My prayer is that this new edition may yet fan into flame its ancient power and illumine our own dark days.”
Scott Masson (PhD),
Asc. Professor of English Literature, Tyndale University College, Toronto, ON.
“What does it mean that Jesus is “begotten of God” or “the firstborn of all creation”? Is He of the same essence as the Father, or is He an inferior created being? These crucial questions surrounding the doctrine of the Trinity are at the heart of the debate between Arius and Athanasius. In this book Steven R. Martins takes us on a journey and unveils the historical background of the debate, showing that the Trinitarian doctrine didn’t begin at Nicaea or with Constantine, but with the teachings of Christ himself and the apostles in the New Testament. I was reminded of the importance of the sound biblical Christology that Athanasius passionately defended and was treated to Athanasius’ own words in his On the Incarnation, his confession of the historical doctrine of the nature of Christ. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves church history and wants to be encouraged to stand for the truth of foundational orthodox doctrines.”
Nathan Díaz
Pastor and Teacher, Cuajimalpa Evangelical Church, Mexico;
Council member of The Gospel Coalition (Español);
Founding Director of Fish Studios and radio program producer of Clasificación A
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