Podcast Summary: Augustine Institute’s "Catholic Saints" Episode on St. Athanasius
Episode Title: St. Athanasius
Host: Dr. Ben Akers
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Klein
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Duration: Approximately 19 minutes
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of the Augustine Institute's "Catholic Saints" podcast, host Dr. Ben Akers engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Klein, a respected theology professor at the Augustine Institute. The focus of their conversation is St. Athanasius, a pivotal figure in early Christian theology and a staunch defender of the Nicene Creed during the Arian controversy.
Historical Context and Life of St. Athanasius
Dr. Akers opens the discussion by situating St. Athanasius within the broader tapestry of early Church history. Dr. Klein elaborates on Athanasius's lifespan (c. 297–387 AD) and his pivotal role during the Arian controversy—a significant theological dispute concerning the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [01:48]: "Athanasius lived from around 297 to 387, in his 80s, and he lived through the great Arian controversy."
Athanasius served as the Bishop of Alexandria and was a vocal opponent of Arianism, which questioned whether Jesus Christ was divine in the same manner as God the Father. This steadfast opposition earned him the nickname "Athanasius contra mundum" (Athanasius against the world) and led to his exile five times under four different emperors with Arian sympathies.
Athanasius's Theological Contributions
A central theme of the episode is Athanasius's theological work, particularly his treatise "On the Incarnation." Dr. Klein highlights the significance of this work in explaining why God became man and the necessity of Christ's death.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [09:13]: "He really starts in this text from the very beginning. And so he says, okay, if you're going to understand the Incarnation, you have to understand creation."
Athanasius argued that the Incarnation was essential for restoring the divine image in humanity, which had been marred by the Fall. By becoming man, Christ renewed the image of God within humanity, enabling humans to partake in the divine nature.
Additionally, Athanasius's engagement in polemics against Arianism is discussed, showcasing his ability to write theology on multiple levels—from foundational works accessible to all believers to intricate arguments intended for theological debates.
Anecdotes Illustrating Athanasius’s Character
Dr. Akers shares a compelling anecdote demonstrating Athanasius's wit and intelligence during his periods of exile.
Dr. Ben Akers [03:22]: "One of the stories I love about Athanasius tells his wit is that he was part on exile, was going down the river, and the imperial troops were coming after him to overtake him because they wanted to arrest him... He said, 'If you row quickly, you'll overtake me,' but when the troops intensified their efforts, Athanasius cleverly changed direction, allowing him to evade capture."
This story not only underscores Athanasius's cleverness but also symbolizes his resilience and unwavering commitment to his faith despite relentless persecution.
Athanasius’s Educational Background and Influence
Dr. Klein notes that Athanasius hailed from a wealthy family and received a high-level secular education, which equipped him with the rhetorical and philosophical tools necessary for his theological endeavors.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [05:09]: "He was from a fairly wealthy family and received sort of a high level secular education, which is, you know, sort of often the case with many of these early saints."
This classical education, similar to that of other Church Fathers like St. Basil the Great, allowed Athanasius to articulate and defend orthodox Christian doctrine effectively, ensuring his lasting impact on the Church.
Theological Insights: The Incarnation and Deification
A significant portion of the discussion delves into Athanasius's theological arguments regarding the Incarnation.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [15:07]: "God became man, that man might become God."
This profound statement encapsulates the concept of deification (theosis), wherein humans participate in the divine nature through Christ. Athanasius posited that by uniting Himself with humanity, God enabled humans to transcend their fallen state and ultimately partake in eternal life with Him.
Key Points Discussed:
- Creation and Fall: Athanasius begins by explaining that God created everything good, and the Fall introduced corruption, leading humanity back to a state of "nothingness."
- Necessity of the Incarnation: To reverse this corruption, God Himself must enter creation, thereby restoring the divine image in humanity.
- Christ’s Death and Resurrection: Athanasius emphasizes that Christ's death does not nullify natural laws or the reality of human death but transforms it into a gateway for eternal life through resurrection.
Athanasius’s Legacy and Recognition
The episode also touches upon Athanasius’s enduring legacy in the Church. Despite facing numerous exiles, his unwavering defense of the Nicene Creed solidified his reputation as a pillar of the Church.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [18:24]: "To endure the kind of hardships he did and still to be so confident in the truth, you know, it's really, really remarkable."
St. Gregory Nazianzen's recognition of Athanasius as "a pillar of the church" shortly after his death underscores the immediate and lasting respect he garnered for his theological contributions and steadfast faith.
Practical Applications: Athanasius’s Teachings Today
Dr. Akers and Dr. Klein discuss the relevance of Athanasius’s teachings in contemporary Church issues. While the nature of controversies has shifted from doctrinal to more moral and ethical debates, the foundational principles Athanasius upheld remain pertinent.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [08:14]: "People often ask me, what would Athanasius say about what's going on in the church today?... there's some analogs to maybe how they would have dealt with it."
This reflection invites listeners to draw inspiration from Athanasius’s dedication and apply his theological insights to modern challenges within the Church.
Additional Insights: Athanasius’s Letter to Marcellinus
The conversation also highlights Athanasius’s "Letter to Marcellinus," a foundational spiritual work focusing on the Psalms and their role in shaping believers' affections and prayers.
Dr. Elizabeth Klein [16:36]: "He talks a lot about how the Psalms really shape our affections, how they help us understand how to put ourselves before God."
This work remains influential in guiding Christians on how to engage deeply with the Psalms, using them as a means to express a wide range of emotions and deepen one’s prayer life.
Conclusion
Dr. Ben Akers and Dr. Elizabeth Klein conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to explore Athanasius’s works further, particularly through the Augustine Institute’s offerings. They emphasize the importance of reclaiming and honoring the legacies of such influential saints to inspire and fortify contemporary faith practices.
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Elizabeth Klein [15:07]: "God became man, that man might become God."
- Dr. Ben Akers [18:00]: "Name your kid Athanasius after hearing this, we will send you a free Bible."
- Dr. Elizabeth Klein [05:50]: "Set your kid up for eternal life. Name them the immortal one."
Resources Mentioned
- Athanasius’s Works: Accessible via New Advent.
- Augustine Institute’s Short Courses: Available on the Augustine Institute’s platform, covering various theological topics and saints.
This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of St. Athanasius's life, theological contributions, and enduring legacy within the Catholic Church. Dr. Akers and Dr. Klein provide listeners with valuable insights into one of Christianity’s foremost defenders of orthodoxy, encouraging a deeper appreciation and understanding of his work and its relevance today.