St. Athanasius of Alexandria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson
* Born: 296 AD, Alexandria, Egypt
* Died: May 2, 373 AD, Alexandria, Egypt
Dr. Matthew Bunson and Kris McGregor discuss St. Athanasius of Alexandria, declared a Doctor of the Church in 1568. St. Athanasius played a significant role in defending orthodox Christian doctrine against the Arian heresy. Born around 298 AD, he became Bishop of Alexandria and faced exile multiple times due to his staunch opposition to Arianism.
Despite persecution and false accusations, Athanasius remained steadfast in his defense of Christ’s divinity and humanity; in addition to Christ’s incarnation and its role in salvation, providing clarity on the Trinity and the nature of Christ. He also contributed to the spread of monasticism through his writings on the Desert Fathers, particularly St. Anthony. His life serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in defending the truth and the unwavering commitment required to uphold the faith.
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Athanasius
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Against the Heathen
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On the Incarnation of the Word
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Deposition of Arius
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Statement of Faith
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On Luke 10:22 (Matthew 11:27)
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Circular Letter
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Apologia Contra Arianos
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De Decretis
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De Sententia Dionysii
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Vita S. Antoni (Life of St. Anthony)
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Ad Episcopus Aegypti et Libyae
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Apologia ad Constantium
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Apologia de Fuga
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Historia Arianorum
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Four Discourses Against the Arians
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De Synodis
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Tomus ad Antiochenos
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Ad Afros Epistola Synodica
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Historia Acephala
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Letters
Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions
* The Courage of St. Athanasius: How does St. Athanasius’ unwavering courage in the face of persecution inspire us to stand firm in our faith, even when confronted with adversity?
* Defending Truth in Today’s World: In what ways can we apply St. Athanasius’ example to our modern context, where the truth of the Catholic faith is often challenged or misunderstood?
* Embracing Orthodoxy: Reflect on the importance of understanding and defending orthodox Christian doctrine, especially in a world where relativism and skepticism abound.
* Sacrifice and Commitment: Consider the sacrifices St. Athanasius made for the sake of defending the faith. How does his commitment challenge us to deepen our own dedication to Christ and His Church?
* The Role of Monasticism: Explore the significance of St. Athanasius’ contribution to monasticism and its impact on Christian spirituality. How can we incorporate elements of monastic living into our own spiritual practices?
