Book review of Athanasius; On the Incarnation

To my delight this writing by St. Athanasius, was very clear. When I approached this book to read I was a bit hesitant, for I get some massive headaches from some of the classics works of the old. Trying to make sense of some of the old English describing such a deep subject. The translator is due many thanks for bringing such a master piece to light for modern readers to enjoy, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject of the Incarnation. Such books should be read by all Christians to help better understand, and Strengthen their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Having skipped first to chapter 1 (because I thought this would be a bore), and read through the book, I decided to go back and read the introduction by C.S Lewis, the translator preface, and The Life of St. Athanasius. I did this because the book turned out to be so good, just as the introductions turned out to be as well. C.S Lewis has always been a favorite author of mine, because he has such a wonderful way of shinning light on the things that I typically miss. In his introduction to this book he has done that and more. C.S. Lewis makes a very important point as well in his writing of the introduction,” Now the Layman or amateur needs to be instructed as well as to be exhorted. In this age his need for knowledge is particularly pressing. Nor would I admit any sharp division between the two kinds of book. For my own part I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that “nothing happens” when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand.” Most Christians that I know of spend more time reading devotional, and self help books, than spending time in the Bible or other doctrinal books. This is reflected in many Christians being illiterate to Gods word.

















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In reading of the life of St. Athanasius, I really admire the courage that this man had, in living in a time of persecution of the church. Many good writings of our faith have taken place during the time of persecution. Maybe modern American Christian scholars have become lazy in our time of peace. Fortunately, there are still some very Godly men out there putting some work out there that may someday be considered classic works. The first part of St. Athanasius life history that sticks out to me, is the education that he received from the famous Catechetical school. While he was in school the persecutions were at their highest. To stay true to his higher calling during this time in the church history is very inspirational for an aspiring student such as myself. In a society where education is so accessible, we take for granted the luxuries that we have in order to enrich our minds. It is really dishearten to see so many pastors leading churches without even the desire to further their education, at least for the sake of those that they are leading. I am sure that is why we see so many different denominations here in America. Churches are being led and divided by uneducated, unbiblical pastors.

Slandered, persecuted, and exiled three times during his life. Still in the face of all these hardships, his character, and perseverance shown through. Quoted from the book; “ He knew that the very existence of the Church was at stake; but he was utterly certain of the truth and he knew that it must in time prevail”. Facing the low ethical standards of today’s world, we as Bible believing Christians must always keep that in our mind.

With all the admiration for the Christian scholars and martyrs, that stood up in their convictions, even if it would bring death. We must never forget that all these great accomplishments for our faith, would never come to pass outside the will and the power of God. He is the author and creator of the world in which we live in.

Within the nine chapters of this wonderful little book, we see the evidence laid out for Christ being God the creator and redeemer of mankind. In chapter 1 St Athanasius explains the arguments for God being the creator of all which is. He also explains theories that argue against that truth, and he very eloquently refutes them. Chapter 2-3, deals with the fall of man, and the solution for man’s state of fallen grace. Chapter 4, the death of Christ the atonement for mankind, chapter 5 the resurrection, death and sin conquered for those which Christ died for. Chapter 6, The refutation to the Jews, chapter 7-8 refutation to the Gentiles. Chapter 9, the conclusion of his work on the subject.

Even though I believe that Church leaders should read this book, I think that we should spend a considerable time reading chapters 7-8, The Refutation to the Gentiles. The reason is that in the US we spend more time witnessing to people in a culture that is becoming more of a pagan nation everyday. This modern society has been so polluted with science theories that claim to be more than what they are, and an anti God, live your own life, its all about you, free bird attitude that influences the children of the next generation. It is going to be extremely difficult to witness to people in the coming years. That is why this chapter of this book is so important us. I found it very interesting to see that St. Athanasius dealing with the same argument that we find ourselves battling today. It is so hard to speak with people of these things that do not even believe in a God which is the creator, and the one who is in control of the universe. As St Athanasius discovered, that when even the word of God is denied as being non-existent, we have no foundation for the argument of Christ being God, the redeemer of mankind. That was the difficulty in sharing the Gospel to the Greek, and it is the dilemma we face today in our own country.

Ten years ago I would have argued for the case of our country, to be compared to the refutation of the Jews. We were at a place of being at least an aware of God country. This was the same place that Jews are at in their unbelief. They acknowledge God of the Old Testament, but not Christ. In doing this they do not acknowledge God at all, because Christ is the God of the Old testament as scripture has revealed. So they are trying to fulfill a law that they are incapable of, meanwhile Jesus is standing before them with open arms, willing to cover their sins and unrighteousness with his blood, but they reject him.

We can still see both of these types of rejection in our world still today. Christians should be well equipped to refute both, we should take every opportunity that we are given to be a witness to an unbeliever. Books such as this one, are books that will help be a guide to us in this pursuit of God’s lost sheep. All true born again Christians should have a desire, to share and defended the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.