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St. ATHANASIUS: ON THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD OF THE LORD and AGAINST THE HEATHEN: DE INCARNATIONE VERBI DEI and CONTRA GENTES
The tract ‘against the Gentiles’ leaves the reader face to face with the necessity of restoration by the Divine Word as the remedy for corrupt human nature. How this necessity is met in the Incarnation is shewn in the pages which follow. The general design of the second tract is to illustrate and confirm the doctrine of the Incarnation by shewing its necessity and end, the congruity of its details, its truth, as against the objections of Jews and Gentiles, its result. He begins by a review of the doctrine of creation and of man’s place therein. The abuse by man of his special Privilege had resulted in its loss. By foregoing the Divine Life, man had entered upon a course of endless undoing, of progressive decay, from which none could rescue him but the original bestower of his life. Then follows a description in glowing words of the Incarnation of the Divine Word and of its efficacy against the plague of corruption. With the Divine Life, man had also received, in the knowledge of God, the conscious reflex of the Divine Likeness, the faculty of reason in its highest exercise. This knowledge their moral fall dimmed and perverted. Heeding not even the means by which God sought to remind them of Himself, they fell deeper and deeper into materialism and superstition. To restore the effaced likeness the presence of the Original was requisite. Accordingly, condescending to man’s sense-bound intelligence-lest men should have been created in vain in the Image of God-the Word took Flesh and became an object of Sense, that through the Seen He might reveal the Invisible.
Having dwelt upon the meaning and purpose of the Incarnation, he proceeds to speak of the Death and Resurrection of the Incarnate Word. He, Who alone could renew the handiwork and restore the likeness and give afresh the knowledge of God, must needs, in order to pay the debt which all had incurred, die in our stead, offering the sacrifice on behalf of all, so as to rise again, as our first-fruits, from the grave. After speaking of the especial fitness of the Cross, once the instrument of shame, now the trophy of victory, and after meeting some difficulties connected with the manner of the Lord’s Death, he passes to the Resurrection. He shews how Christ by His triumph over the grave changed the relative ascendancy of Death and Life: and how the Resurrection with its momentous train of consequences, follows of necessity from the Incarnation of Him in Whom was Life.
Having dwelt upon the meaning and purpose of the Incarnation, he proceeds to speak of the Death and Resurrection of the Incarnate Word. He, Who alone could renew the handiwork and restore the likeness and give afresh the knowledge of God, must needs, in order to pay the debt which all had incurred, die in our stead, offering the sacrifice on behalf of all, so as to rise again, as our first-fruits, from the grave. After speaking of the especial fitness of the Cross, once the instrument of shame, now the trophy of victory, and after meeting some difficulties connected with the manner of the Lord’s Death, he passes to the Resurrection. He shews how Christ by His triumph over the grave changed the relative ascendancy of Death and Life: and how the Resurrection with its momentous train of consequences, follows of necessity from the Incarnation of Him in Whom was Life.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2010
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About the author
Athanasius of Alexandria
352 books322 followersborn perhaps 293
Greek patriarch Saint Athanasius, known as "the Great," of Alexandria led defenders of Christian orthodoxy against Arianism.
An Athanasian follows him, especially in opposition to Arianism.
Christians attributed Athanasian Creed, which dates probably from the fifth century, but people now consider its unknown origin.
People also refer to Athanasius (Arabic: البابا أثناسيوس الرسولي, as the Confessor and the Apostolic, primarily in the Coptic Church; he served as the twentieth bishop. From 8 June 328, his episcopate lasted, but four different Roman emperors ordered him to spend five exiles for 17 years. People consider this renowned theologian, a Father of the Church, the chief of Trinitarianism, and a noted Egyptian of the fourth century.
People remember his role in the conflict. In 325, Athanasius at the age of 27 years played a role in the first council of Nicaea. At the time, he served as a deacon and personal secretary of Alexander, the nineteenth bishop. Constantine I convoked Nicaea in May–August 325 to address the position of Jesus of Nazareth of a distinct substance from the Father.
Three years after Nicæa and upon the repose of Alexander, bishop, he served in June 328 at the age of 30 years as archbishop. He continued to the conflict for the rest of his life, and theological and political struggles engaged him against Constantine and Constantius II, the emperors, and against Eusebius of Nicomedia and other powerful and influential churchmen. He stood as "Athanasius contra Mundum," against the world. Within a few years of his departure, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "pillar of the Church." All fathers of the Church followed and well regarded his writings in the west and the east. His writings show a rich devotion to the Word, the Son of Man, great pastoral concern, and profound interest in monasticism.
The Roman Catholic Church counts Athanasius and three other doctors, and east labels him the "father." Many Protestants also celebrate him and label him "father of the canon." People venerate Athanasius on feast day, 2 May in west, 15 May in Coptic, and 18 January in the other eastern churches. The Roman Catholic Church, Orient, east, Lutherans, and Anglican communion venerate him.
Greek patriarch Saint Athanasius, known as "the Great," of Alexandria led defenders of Christian orthodoxy against Arianism.
An Athanasian follows him, especially in opposition to Arianism.
Christians attributed Athanasian Creed, which dates probably from the fifth century, but people now consider its unknown origin.
People also refer to Athanasius (Arabic: البابا أثناسيوس الرسولي, as the Confessor and the Apostolic, primarily in the Coptic Church; he served as the twentieth bishop. From 8 June 328, his episcopate lasted, but four different Roman emperors ordered him to spend five exiles for 17 years. People consider this renowned theologian, a Father of the Church, the chief of Trinitarianism, and a noted Egyptian of the fourth century.
People remember his role in the conflict. In 325, Athanasius at the age of 27 years played a role in the first council of Nicaea. At the time, he served as a deacon and personal secretary of Alexander, the nineteenth bishop. Constantine I convoked Nicaea in May–August 325 to address the position of Jesus of Nazareth of a distinct substance from the Father.
Three years after Nicæa and upon the repose of Alexander, bishop, he served in June 328 at the age of 30 years as archbishop. He continued to the conflict for the rest of his life, and theological and political struggles engaged him against Constantine and Constantius II, the emperors, and against Eusebius of Nicomedia and other powerful and influential churchmen. He stood as "Athanasius contra Mundum," against the world. Within a few years of his departure, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "pillar of the Church." All fathers of the Church followed and well regarded his writings in the west and the east. His writings show a rich devotion to the Word, the Son of Man, great pastoral concern, and profound interest in monasticism.
The Roman Catholic Church counts Athanasius and three other doctors, and east labels him the "father." Many Protestants also celebrate him and label him "father of the canon." People venerate Athanasius on feast day, 2 May in west, 15 May in Coptic, and 18 January in the other eastern churches. The Roman Catholic Church, Orient, east, Lutherans, and Anglican communion venerate him.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 24, 2022
I only read ‘Against the Heathen’ (that’s why I got this book; I’ve read ‘On the Incarnation’ multiple times already). It is certainly understandable that it is not as famous as ‘On the Incarnation’ since it is largely devoted to refuting pagan idolatry rather than setting forth the heart of the Christian faith. However, it was certainly worth reading and I’m very grateful this edition exists. The formatting and font size are vastly superior to what you find in the double-column Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers volume.
September 26, 2021
Many people don’t realize that prior to ‘de Incarnatione’, Athanasius wrote ‘Contra Gentes’ (Against the Heathens) as a prequel to his theologizing in ‘On the Incarnation’. I was genuinely delighted to spend time reading ‘Contra Gentes’. There’s a marvelous apologetic tone, alongside a deep rootedness in Johannine thought. I’m excited to continue on into ‘On the Incarnation’ as a follow up treatise.
December 17, 2023
Cracking little volume by the saint, top work Athanasius. Well worth checking this out - proper job defending the Incarnation. Great little Christmas read.
July 5, 2022
For me it was the translation which seems to be very literal and archaic. I also thought although well articulated some of the arguments used especially in Against The Heathen were simplistic.
EDIT I have now read a bit more theology and early church documents and can confirm that if you are familiar with the language used by the church fathers then Athanasius is a treasure trove of wisdom.
EDIT I have now read a bit more theology and early church documents and can confirm that if you are familiar with the language used by the church fathers then Athanasius is a treasure trove of wisdom.
February 4, 2017
Athanasius is clearly a promising apologist and theologian.
January 1, 2026
(On the Incarnation)
"He was made man that we might be made God"
This is a powerful work from St Athanasius, one that focuses on how Christ atones for our sins, sanctifies our fallen human nature far beyond what it originally was, and why it could only have happened in such a manner.
Id much recommend this text to those are simply perplexed at the idea of Christ crucified, the text is targeted at both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks.
Some potent ideas that have been left echoing in my mind after reading this is that although we were made corruptible, as mortals by nature, we were made FOR incorruptibility, through grace, and participation in the uncreated divine life, wearing immortality as a garment. Athanasius likewise speaks of the opposite case for those thst reject God, he outlines that what is evil has no ontological existence, what is evil is not, and what is good is, God being the one who IS. When man turns from God, he turns back toward what is not (for God made man out of nothing).
"""
For man is by nature mortal, in asmuch he is made of what is not, but by reason of his likeness to Him that is (and if he preserves his likeness by keeping Him in his knowledge) he would stay his natural corruption, and remain incorrupt, "The taking hede to His laws is the assurance of immortality" (Wisd 6:18). being incorrupt, he would live henceforth as God "I have said ye are gods..."(Ps 82:6 LXX)
"""
It is also important to point out that he teaches that God could not have saved man by mere fiat, in the same way He created man by mere fiat. For if he did this, human nature would not be healed, but instead merely destroyed and replaced. But instead God took on our very nature, suffered death for us all, and as death tasted the mortal body, united with the very Life Himself, death was defeated, and in His ascension Christ in himself deifies all of human nature. This is all a Frinitarian act of union between God and man (i.e. not classical Reformation PSA of placating the Fathers wrath and attributing this to man by fiat).
"He was made man that we might be made God"
This is a powerful work from St Athanasius, one that focuses on how Christ atones for our sins, sanctifies our fallen human nature far beyond what it originally was, and why it could only have happened in such a manner.
Id much recommend this text to those are simply perplexed at the idea of Christ crucified, the text is targeted at both Jews and Gentiles/Greeks.
Some potent ideas that have been left echoing in my mind after reading this is that although we were made corruptible, as mortals by nature, we were made FOR incorruptibility, through grace, and participation in the uncreated divine life, wearing immortality as a garment. Athanasius likewise speaks of the opposite case for those thst reject God, he outlines that what is evil has no ontological existence, what is evil is not, and what is good is, God being the one who IS. When man turns from God, he turns back toward what is not (for God made man out of nothing).
"""
For man is by nature mortal, in asmuch he is made of what is not, but by reason of his likeness to Him that is (and if he preserves his likeness by keeping Him in his knowledge) he would stay his natural corruption, and remain incorrupt, "The taking hede to His laws is the assurance of immortality" (Wisd 6:18). being incorrupt, he would live henceforth as God "I have said ye are gods..."(Ps 82:6 LXX)
"""
It is also important to point out that he teaches that God could not have saved man by mere fiat, in the same way He created man by mere fiat. For if he did this, human nature would not be healed, but instead merely destroyed and replaced. But instead God took on our very nature, suffered death for us all, and as death tasted the mortal body, united with the very Life Himself, death was defeated, and in His ascension Christ in himself deifies all of human nature. This is all a Frinitarian act of union between God and man (i.e. not classical Reformation PSA of placating the Fathers wrath and attributing this to man by fiat).
January 13, 2025
An amazing achievement of theology to give the purpose of Christ’s mission on this earth and his divine importance in less than 100 pages. On the Incarnation is a great overview of the Theology of Christianity which contains the Hypostatic Union, Theosis, Trinity and Essence Energies distinction all in simple yet powerful ways.
Against the Heathen is also a great book to understand who the early church fathers were evangelizing too and the arguments that were used which can still be applied today against the current worldly religions and atheism.
“For often the artist even when not seen is known by his works…He is by nature invisible He may yet be known by His works” Against the Heathen chapter 35
“Why the cross of all deaths?(2) On it He held out His hands to unite us all,Jew and Gentile, in Himself” On the Incarnation chapter 25
And that fact he made these amazing books at 19 still blows my mind with the amount of depth and understanding of the scriptures.
Against the Heathen is also a great book to understand who the early church fathers were evangelizing too and the arguments that were used which can still be applied today against the current worldly religions and atheism.
“For often the artist even when not seen is known by his works…He is by nature invisible He may yet be known by His works” Against the Heathen chapter 35
“Why the cross of all deaths?(2) On it He held out His hands to unite us all,Jew and Gentile, in Himself” On the Incarnation chapter 25
And that fact he made these amazing books at 19 still blows my mind with the amount of depth and understanding of the scriptures.
January 12, 2023
Worth Wading Through
This is a very interesting work of Christian apologetics. I found most of it less than persuasive, But there are number of penetrating points that even a non believer would be impressed with and would not necessarily have thought of by themselves.
This is a very interesting work of Christian apologetics. I found most of it less than persuasive, But there are number of penetrating points that even a non believer would be impressed with and would not necessarily have thought of by themselves.
December 15, 2021
An absolute classic. A beautiful mediation on the unique message of the incarnate Word restore the corrupted creation.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews