Athanasius of Alexandria: Bishop, Theologian, Ascetic, Father by David M. Gwynn. Oxford University Press (Oxford 2012). Pbk. 230 pages. £17.99.
SOF members are familiar with debates about precisely what people do or don’t believe, and their implications for their involvement in religious structures. They have therefore something in common with Athanasius, the focus of this book, though they run less risk of exile or imprisonment! Whilst this book does not present itself as a biography, it draws on a range of contemporary sources including Athanasius’ own writings to examine four aspects of his life and look at his impact on and legacy to the wider church.
Athanasius became Bishop of Alexandria when he was around 33 years old, just 16 years after the conversion of the Roman Emperor to Christianity, and three years after the Council of Nicaea. This was a time of great change as Christianity became, at least in principle, the main religion for the vast territory that was the Roman Empire, and its officials also became significant civic leaders. In addition, the see in this important city on the Egyptian coast was, it seems, seen as one which offered leadership to the whole Egyptian church. Athanasius was to remain Bishop for 45 years, though he was sent into exile five times.
The first chapter (preceded by a useful chronology) provides a brief outline of Athanasius’ life, an overview informed by the stories which developed around him and the evidence provided by his writings. The development of his thinking is outlined, and its gradual movement into a struggle to define orthodoxy. Gwynn suggests that particular care is needed in considering Athanasius’ ‘polarised division of the fourth century Church into orthodox and heretical factions’ (p9), because more is at stake than the obvious defence of his position: his underlying theology crystallised over his life time, informed by those with whom he was debating and by his hopes for the wider church.
The second chapter focuses on his position as a bishop, examining the significance of the Alexandrian see, viewed as papal before this term was applied to Rome. It touches on his relationship with his predecessor Alexander and explores the politics and power struggles on the international stage which constituted the context of his ministry in this role. The next chapter addresses Athanasius’ development as a theologian, drawing on letters sent to his churches and other writings. Initially he was principally concerned to oppose Arius’ view that Christ was somehow less than the Father. However, over his lifetime Athanasius came to build on the thinking of the Nicene Creed and to tease out an understanding of the Trinity, including both Son and Holy Spirit, as distinct but of one substance. He argued for distinct yet intimately connected persons (not multi-faced like Janus, nor three unrelated deities). Gwynn indicates that, though the next century would see further debates about the nature of Christ, Athanasius’ core thinking has influenced Christian understanding to the present day.
Further chapters examine first Athanasius’ involvement with and influence on the ascetic movement, and his work as pastor of his city and the wider Egyptian church. Though there is debate about the authenticity of some relevant sources, it seems that Athanasius’ commitment to asceticism strengthened his position as a bishop. Through analysis of the Festal letters, Gwynn shows both Athanasius’ concern for the poor, and his serious engagement with the task of making Scripture relevant to the lives of his people. A final chapter looks at Athanasius’ legacy in East and West.
David Gwynn certainly puts Athanasius in context. He describes this significant and truly pivotal figure’s work as a senior bishop in the 4th century, not skipping over his failings but seeking to examine what evidence there is for his achievements and activity in a thorough and balanced way. In so doing he writes in an accessible and friendly style which connects his readers with the man Athanasius — who though at times he probably encouraged quite violent assaults on those who opposed him, also suffered quite substantially at the hands of others. He emerges as a significant church politician, a strong preacher and a caring pastor, as well as a hugely influential theologian. This is a book worth reading.
Dr Pauline Pearson is Professor in Nursing at the University of Northumbria and a non-stipendiary minister in the Church of England.