the singularity of being and nothingness
Posts tagged Athanasius
Auto-Tuning Theology: The Disappearance of Death
Dec 14th
Continuing with Athanasius, we come across an outstanding passage from On the Incarnation of the Word wherein Athanasius brilliantly lays out the reason for Christ’s Incarnation. But for Athanasius, the importance of the Incarnation is of more importance than the mere appearing of God in the person of Christ. Rather, he sees an indelible link between the manner in which Christ has come (in the flesh), and the work which he accomplishes.
To Athanasius, the assumption of human nature is the means by which the corruption and dissolution which has infected humanity can finally be undone. Through his suffering and death, Christ tastes the annihilating power of sin and death. Yet because he is at the same time the incorruptible Word of God made manifest in the flesh, the corruption of sin and death which would normally obliterate the human person severed from God is of no permanent effect on him. By virtue of his justification and “grace” in the resurrection granted to him by the power of the Father, Christ reveals the powers of sin and death to be ultimately vacuous, and in this triumph over the grave, he crushes forever their claim on his brothers, the race of humankind that has been More >
Athanasius: Mortality and the Problem of Unbecoming
Dec 13th
Throughout theological history, there have been many theories set forth regarding the origin and theological meaning of human mortality. Some, seeing mortality as the result of a departure from a pristine existence in the Garden of Eden, root the advent of human mortality in the “fall” of Adam and Eve by virtue of their disobedience of God’s commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Others, especially those influenced by reflections upon the theories of biological evolution, understand human mortality as something which is the natural state of existence, the peculiar aspect which all things in the impermanent universe share in common.
For those who have read my previous thoughts on the subject, it should be plainly obvious where I come down on the issue, and I have argued strenuously that I believe it is possible to assume the latter position while still putting forward a thoroughly biblical and theologically tenable understanding of the nature of human existence in relationship to God, the problem of evil, and the ultimate purposes of God within the universe.
Nevertheless, I was extremely intrigued to come across a fairly developed argument from St. Athanasius on this very topic. The selection More >
Auto-Tuning Theology: The Trinity
Dec 4th
More Athanasius! In this installment, Athanasius–in his distinct way–nicely summarizes some of the more important aspects of Trinitarian theology. Definitely a great passage 🙂
Listen to the TrackIt will not be out of place to consider the ancient tradition, teaching and faith of the Catholic Church, which was revealed by the Lord, proclaimed by the apostles and guarded by the fathers. For upon this faith the Church is built…
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
We acknowledge the Trinity, holy and perfect, to consist of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In this Trinity there is no intrusion of any alien element or of anything from outside, nor is the Trinity a blend of creative and created being.
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
Light, radiance and grace are in the Trinity and from the Trinity
It is a wholly creative and energizing reality, self-consistent and undivided in its active power,
For the Father makes all things through the Word and in the Holy Spirit, and in this way the unity is preserved.
Light, radiance and grace More >
Auto-Tuning Theology: Theosis
Oct 25th
In the second part of Auto-Tuning Theology, we stick with Athanasius and select a passage for which he is probably most famous: his outline of the doctrine of Theosis.
Listen to the TrackAs, then, he who desires to see God Who by nature is invisible and not to be beheld,
May yet perceive and know Him through His works,
So too let him who does not see Christ with his understanding at least consider Him
In His bodily works and test whether they be of man or God.
If they be of man, then let him scoff; but if they be of God, let him not mock at things which are no fit subject for scorn,
But rather let him recognize the fact
And marvel that things divine have been revealed to us by such humble means,
That through death deathlessness has been made known to us,
And through the Incarnation of the Word the Mind whence all things proceed has been declared,
And its Agent and Ordainer, the Word of God Himself.
He, indeed, assumed humanity that we might become God.
He, indeed, assumed humanity that we might become God.
He, indeed, assumed humanity that we might become God.
He, indeed, assumed More >
Auto-Tuning Theology: Christ’s Death
Oct 25th
This selection is from St. Athanasius’ famous On the Incarnation of the Word, section 26. This paragraph is an introduction to the argument which Athanasius makes regarding the necessity and efficacy of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Listen to the TrackShare this:Fitting indeed, then, and wholly consonant was the death on the cross for us; And we can see how reasonable it was, And why it is that the salvation of the world could be accomplished in no other way. Even on the cross He did not hide Himself from sight; Rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker. Then, having once let it be seen that it was truly dead, He did not allow that temple of His body to linger long, But forthwith on the third day raised it up, IMPASSIBLE and INCORRUPTIBLE
The pledge and token of His victory.