This post ponders sections 10-12 of the second chapter of For the Life of the World. If you haven’t listened to it yet, here is the link to Deacon Michael Hyatt’s podcast over sections 9-16.
For the Life of the World: Part Five
When man stands before the throne of God, when he has fulfilled all [...]
This week I’ll reflect on sections 9-16 of the second chapter of For the Life of the World. But first, the link to Deacon Michael Hyatt’s podcast to which I’m listening as I read the book.
For the Life of the World: Part Five
The book now moves into that part of the liturgy called variously [...]
Athanasius continues his argument against the Greek pagans, and it’s worth reading the entire section. There are certainly parts of it that echo strongly in today’s environment. But I want to focus on one thought.
Then, if the Saviour is neither a man simply, nor a magician, nor some demon, but has by His own Godhead [...]
As you read this part of Athanasius’ treatise, it helps if you understand something of the divine madness of the Delphic oracle or something both of Greek philosophy and the worship of the Greek gods. I’ll move straight to his conclusion.
But as to Gentile wisdom, and the sounding pretensions of the philosophers, I think none [...]
Athanasius writes about the diminution of the pagan cults, the dying out of the oracles and the schools of magic, and the interference in the power of the demons. Moreover, even the wisdom of the Greeks has become foolish.
And, in a word, at what time has the wisdom of the Greeks become foolish, save when [...]
This section invokes one of my favorite quotes from Isaiah 11 ( especially as held in tension with Isaiah 6). It’s something affirmed again in Habakkuk. One day the whole earth, already filled with God’s glory, will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. There is no place that is not [...]
This next section of Athanasius’ writing is complicated, but provides a vital component of his defense and explication of the Incarnation. I’ll do what I can to unravel it, but you made need to spend some time meditating on his words more than mine.
Athanasius considers the objection that since the Christian God is held to [...]
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Trisagion
A couple of days ago, @tomcottar retweeted @edstetzer:
Holiness is not separation from sinners. It is separation from sin.
At the time I had several thoughts, but none that would [...]
Athanasius is circling his target and moving closer in his treatise. He is responding to those who might criticize the Incarnation as something humble rather than an impressive display of divine power and might.
Now, if they ask, Why then did He not appear by means of other and nobler parts of creation, and use some [...]