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On the Incarnation with Against the Heathen
A Double Volume Edition of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria's "Against the Heathen" along with his famed work "On the Incarnation". This compilation was curated and typeset by Paterikon Publications utilizing the original text and notes from the Second Series of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers.
176 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2010
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About the author
Athanasius of Alexandria
351 books320 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 - 8 of 8 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 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 - 8 of 8 reviews