Anthony A. Doss

In 2025, the Christian world celebrated the 1700th anniversary of the convening of the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. Despite the monumentality and centrality of this Council and the doctrinal matters with which it was concerned, the words of Boniface Ramsey continue to ring true: “the Fathers continue to be little known, despite what has appeared to be a resurgence of interest in them” (Beginning to Read the Fathers, 2).

Athanasius, Arianism, and the Council of Nicaea seeks to bridge this gap of knowledge among Christians today. In an approachable and informative manner, this work introduces readers first to the life, formation, and character of Saint Athanasius; then to the intellectual and theological background, events, developments, and individuals relevant to the Council and the theological issues with which it was concerned; and finally to the events leading up to, surrounding, and following the Council, examining the subsequent theological debates of the time and the experience and witness of Saint Athanasius, as the most prominent defender of the Faith vindicated at Nicaea, as well as his beloved Church and those who supported him in defending the Faith of Christ. Drawing upon and synthesizing leading contributions from foremost Athanasian and Nicene scholars, this work presents a thorough, rigorous, and engaging exposition of the Church’s first Ecumenical Council.

Paperback

ISBN: 9780557685387

Pages: 164

Table of Contents:

Introduction...........1

Chapter One: The Makings and Character of St. Athanasius...........4

Chapter Two: The Makings and Context of Arianism and the Arian Controversy...........15

Chapter Three: The Makings and Proceedings of the Council of Nicaea and its Aftermath...........77

Bibliography...........139

Index...........146