The Early Episcopal Career of Athanasius of Alexandria (Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity) (Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, 6) - Hardcover

Arnold, Duane W. H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0268009252 ISBN 13: 9780268009250

Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press, 1991

Synopsis

This historical study examines in detail the first seven years of Athanasius's career as bishop of Alexandria from the time of his election and consecration as bishop in 328 to his banishment by Emperor Constantine following the Synod of Tyre in 335. Thoroughly examining the modern historical and literary tradition, which has arrived at a negative assessment of Athanasius, as well as original contemporary documents both within and outside the Athanasian corpus, Duane W. H. Arnold evaluates their veracity and reassesses ancient and modern charges of misconduct concerning the early years of Athanasius's episcopate.

In the course of this volume particular attention is given to identifying the issues and events in Athanasius's career that have been in dispute, including the reliability of the Philostorgian narratives, the controversy over Athanasius's consecration, and his reaction to the Meletian schism in Egypt especially as it relates to the material contained within London Papyrus 1914 and the documents of the Synod of Tyre. A brief study is also made of the festival oration of Gregory Nazianzen for its information about Athanasius's character and conduct.

Arnold suggests that an evaluation of the charges made against Athanasius both at court and in ecclesiastical gatherings indicates that although the motives of certain opponents may have been theological, the means used to remove Athanasius from Alexandria were essentially political; the Synod of Tyre functioned as a show trial with no real concern for either justice or equity.

About this title

About the Author

Duane W.H. Arnold is a church historian and priest. He holds his PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Durham, UK (1989). He has served in academic and parochial posts both in Europe and America, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Detroit, and St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York. He was named a Senior Research Fellow, The Centre for Reformation Studies, University of Sheffield, UK (1987) and a Fellow of the College of Preachers, the National Cathedral, Washington, DC (1991).

In addition to his academic work, Arnold is a part of the musical collective, The Project, and has recorded two albums, "Martyrs Prayers" and "Mystic Chapel".

Review

"Duane Arnold has written the most thorough study to date of the early career of Athanasius, complete with a comprehensive review and evaluation of the charges against him...."

Thomas G. Weinandy

"All interested in the doctrinal history of 4th century Christianity will need to study this volume."ADRIS

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0268009252
• ISBN 13: 9780268009250
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 252