Athanasius : The Life Of Antony And The Letter To Marcellinus - 80 edition

Introduction

The two early Christian writings brought together in this volume differ considerably in subject and in form. One employs narrative to set forth the career and teachings of a celebrated ''man of God,'' while the other offers fairly systematic instruction concerning the nature and use of the Psalter. Despite their contrasting purposes and styles, these two lengthy epistles bear the common stamp of Christianity in the patristic age, and readers will soon sense that both works are informed by assumptions, concepts, and energies that are as fundamental to the ear of the church fathers as they seem foreign to our own. Although the authorship of the Life of Antony has been a matter of debate,(1) both of these treatises are now widely thought to be products of Athanasius, the controversial and frequently exiled bishop of Alexandria during the tumultuous years from 328 to 373.(2) Advocacy of the Christian beliefs articulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 (called thereafter ''orthodoxy'' by its champions) was Athanasius's consuming vocation, and it was in his capacity as antiheretical activist and writer that he became one of the more vivid and forceful personalities in fourth-century ecclesiastical and political affairs. Although the works published here do not purport to be polemical writings, they too provide evidence of Athanasius's vigilance against unorthodox ideas and doctrines. By the standards of the classical world, the Life of Antony was an immediate literary sensation. It enjoyed broad circulation among literate members of the Church, presumably was read to others, and quickly was made available in translation to those who did not read Greek. The treatise contained a view of Christian living too revolutionary in its implications for individuals and institutions to be labeled, in the modern sense, ''devotional reading.'' An incounter with the Vita Antonii could have traumatic effect. We may take it for granted that Athanasius's account of the deeds and powers of Antony appealed also to readers beyond the Christian community, for though the taste for stories about the exploits of holy men and women is present in most cultures and times, this appetite was especially strong in late Roman society. To our age and culture the figure of Antony is thoroughly startling - even offensive. Other centuries did not think him so bizzare, but from the first there must have been a mixture of admiration and puzzled fascination in the responses of those, Christians and non-Christians alike, who learned of his life. The Letter to Marcellinus created no comparable stir. Athanasius's treatment of the Book of Psalms is provocative in ways quite distinct from the story of Antony, and its subject is, in the strict sense, more esoteric: It contains information and direction intended exclusively for those who make use of the Psalter in their public and private prayer, and do so as Christians. THE LIFE OF ANTONY The Simplicity and Complexity of a Classic It was apparently quite soon after Antony's death in 356 that Athanasius answered a request for more information abaout the renowned Egyptian's life.(3) His correspondents wanted to know of Antony's yough, of his beginning.....(continued in the book).

Foreword
Preface
Introduction

The Life And Affairs of Our Holy Father Antony
A Letter of Athanasius, Our Holy Father, Archbishop of Alexandria, to Marcellinus on the Interpretation of the Psalms

Notes
Index