On the Incarnation: Saint Athanasius The Great of Alexandria

This is one of those books that’s quoted everywhere but I had never read it for myself. Athanasius is one of the most influential voices in Christian theology, largely responsible for the Nicene creed and a major proponent for what ultimately became Trinitarian theology. Hearing him speak for himself was refreshing for me. Some of his arguments for the divinity of Jesus fall flat, mostly because our modern worldview is so much different than the one he was operating in, but his exposition of the necessity of the incarnation, as a function of God’s goodness, is still crucial for us to understand. I’m becoming a big fan of reading original texts rather than commentators. In these words, not only did I hear Athanasius’ theological discussion, but (and this is where commentators and quotes don’t suffice) I also could hear his devotion and love for Jesus. This particular edition is a great one. It includes a fantastic preface by C.S. Lewis on the importance of reading original texts and getting over our prejudice that newer is better. This alone should be required reading. It also includes a lengthy introduction by Dr. John Behr, a renowned Orthodox theologian, that gives helpful context to both Athanasius himself, as well as the circumstances around the writing of On the Incarnation. There’s a lot of meat packed into just about a hundred pages.

Great little book, easy read, great introduction to the Church fathers.

I read it every nativity fast. It's such an important book.

Every Christian should read this classic and be enraptured with the beauty and wonder of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.

What am I reviewing here? I mean, Athenasius is dead, so he doesn't really care, does he? And you can't really critique the theology within the book. Athenasius is an early church historian who was part of the movement that brought about the entrance of logical argument into the understanding of God. He wrote what he wrote with the tools and understanding he had at the time - this book is part of his greater works - it simply "is". I can tell you that this translation is easy to read, which is not true of all early church fathers. So I guess I can critique the necessity of owning something like this, as well as the physical structure of the book itself. As to the latter, the book is small and very manageable, easily placed in a purse or backpack. It won't weigh down the reader. As to the former, well, understanding theology is more than just reading scripture. Understanding theology means that we must also study the works of those theologians who have come before us, and who have shaped our understanding. So often I see people making statements about God, Heaven, Hell, and Christ, among many other topics, without having put in the effort to try and understand the theology of the people who have come before us. These teachers thought deeply and completely engrossed themselves in their work so many years ago, and their understanding is still pertinent and brilliant today. It behooves any good theologian to study their predecessors, and I would wager to say that if one does not, he/she has no business speaking on the topic at all.

Important work on the defense of the gospel

This is a huge reference book. I already know I’ll be coming back to this book again and again for the rest of my life.

Highly recommend this book. My favorite of the apostolic writings.

He’s so good at writing theology statements I have no idea what he’s even saying and have to read the paragraphs multiple times. Good recommend

in good condition

Although together with most biblical scholars I question some of the methods in Patristic writers, there is no way you can read someone like Athanasius without feeling the impact of his pious theological insights, his audacious connections of biblical texts and the fascinating illustrations (e.g. comparing the incarnation to a king that comes to a particular house and brings honour and protection to the whole city around it). Lots of good insights this book, deserving 4.5/5 stars because it's complete as a classic: well-condensed (Athanasius work itself is roughly 90-pages long), transpiring long and deep refletions with the biblical tradition, in a beautiful printing that fits well in one's hand, besides a great translation by John Behr (I had heard an older translation from an audiobook, but Behr's was way more accessible, though still elegant). But... the actual surprise was the formidable introduction by C. S. Lewis about the need for a reader to simply abandon the thousands of discussions aroung writers and works, and take a stand to read the classics.

This is a classic, every Christian should read this. Good explanations in the introduction and preface.

A Book like a Treasure to cherish from generation to generation ! Makes a Great Gift too !