Against the World: The Odyssey of Athanasius

by Henry W. Coray

Muriel R. Lippencott in The Christian [it] . . . is a partially fictionalized profile of the life of Athanasius . . . who died in a.d. 373. Much of the historical content is from the writing of reliable historians. Some parts of the book, while the product of the author's imagination, set forth accurately the spirit and the temper of the times, including the proceedings and vigorous debates that took place in Alexandria and Nicea. . . This is the story that Rev. Coray so brilliantly tells.

Genres: History

111 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Amanda Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but informative history of Athanasius. For anyone interested in learning about church history, this is a good starter book of a key figure. It goes back and forth between a more narrative presentation of the information to dialogue between historical figures.

[Lindsey Finton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written overall and very informative.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating historical fiction about Christian Faith in the Roman Empire around the time of the Council of Nicaea, Quick engaging read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why I was expecting a rather dry biography, but I was surprised. Athanasius was perhaps the most hated man of his time, and it was due to his brilliant mind and fervent passion for truth, specifically in the person of Jesus Christ. The Arianists were teaching that Jesus was a son of God and was like God, but was not God himself. Arius taught that there was a time when Jesus did not exist, and that the Son of God cannot completely know the Father or His will, because they were not eternally coexistent. Their doctrine seems to be similar to what the Jehovah's Witnesses teach. Athanasius argued that Jesus was absolutely divine, and that in Him is all of the fullness of the Godhead; that the Trinity is eternal. Constantine desired unity in the church, and sided with Athanasius, declaring Arius and his followers to be heretics. For the rest of his life, Athanasius was slandered, maligned and persecuted in what was for him a fight for truth, and for the Arianists, a struggle for power. There were even attempts on his life, so violent was their hatred of him! Athanasius lived through the reigns of several emperors, who alternately respected or denounced him. Coray chronicles his exiles and his efforts in the church, where he became a bishop and sought to serve the Lord and His people. This biography was far more exciting that I anticipated, and I definitely recommend it!

[Chris Comis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to the man and his work. It's funny though that on the cover they colored him white, when he was probably black.