An analysis of atonement theory in St. Athanasius’ De Incarnatione in relation to earlier thinking.

Athanasius was Bishop of Alexandria during the fourth century, and was completely unyielding in his defence of the full divinity of the person of Jesus Christ as the Divine Word of God. His steadfast resolve in the face of ever-increasing heresy, has gained him much admiration in every generation since his death. Athanasius’ Christology, and consequently his atonement understanding, has been a topic of some debate amongst theologians of the last hundred years. This thesis will investigate whether Athanasius’ atonement understanding was true to the teaching of the Church and the theologians that preceded him. Section one will analyse and evaluate the main texts on the subject of atonement prior to Athanasius, and will conclude that although no systematic theory of atonement can be seen to have existed at this time, nevertheless, a common thread of understanding is apparent. Section Two will closely analyse Athanasius’ work DIVD, and will conclude that despite framing his understanding in an ontological framework that was not used previously, the atonement ideas he presents are wholly consistent with those preceding him.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mth

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Freeman, Maria

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:1563