Product Description

This work examines the extant primary sources of the Christian doctrine of God from the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea to the Second Ecumenical Council at Constantinople. "A great work. . . . As a resource book, this study of Arianism could not be bettered. It is thorough and comprehensive, a lasting work of scholarship and as such a fitting memorial to its author."--Expository Times

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #573763 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 960 pages

About the Author
R. P. C. Hanson (1916-1988) was Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, University of Durham; professor of theology, University of Nottingham; and professor of historical and contemporary theology, University of Manchester. His numerous scholarly publications include Allegory and Event: A Study of the Sources and Significance of Origen's Interpretation of Scripture.

Customer Reviews

Must Have for Patristic Theology Buffs
The late Mr. Hanson has written a masterpiece of clear, concise theological history that covers all the important aspects of the great Trinitarian Debates of the 4th century. He avoids getting bogged down in the "how-many-angels-on-the-head-of-a-pin" debates so characteristic of many patristic history tomes (though in their defence these kinds of debates were typical of patristic discourse.) He offers detailed descriptions of the political maneuvering involved in the post-Nicea and pre-Constantinople regional councils (e.g., Sardica) which typically get shortchanged in generic theological histories. His analysis may not be universally accepted but his logic and deductive abilities must be admired. It is a hefty chunk of change but be patient on the internet for a good price and then buy it!

Even handed & solid coverage of 4th century debates
I found this book to provide the best recounting of facts from the original source texts (more fair than Grillmeier's set.) His tone is not an apologetic of classical trinitarian dogma, but neither is he negatively skeptical of the what became "orthodoxy". The coverage is suggestive of the fluid state of doctrine at that time. Agreement, unfortunately was settled politically. The material focuses on the 4th century debates, but not the later extentions made at Chalcedon.

Great book, but too much for a beginner.
I had this book recommended to me about 1.5 years ago as an introduction to the Arian Controversy. I bought it and tried to read it, but there was just too much information. He goes into great detail about each aspect of the debate, including theological background, examination of primary sources, history of interpretation, questions of authorship and dating, and details on all the major and many of the minor players. I got bogged down and frustrated. A year and a half later, having read Barnes's books and examined some of the primary documents, as well as getting a better idea of the course of the controversy, I now find the book very useful for reference, and can read through a chapter without feeling like I'm drowning.
I would not encourage you to refrain from buying this book, but I would encourage those new to the Arian controversy to try and find something shorter and more manageable for an introduction. Get your bearings on the major councils, bishops, theological camps, and writings of the controversy. If you're not sure where Athanasius was bishop, you definitely don't want to read this book yet. If you're not sure what the Council of Serdica was you still might want to hold off. If you know who Constantius was and what theological position he favored, you probably have the background needed to wade through this rather lengthy book. I found that once I knew the general chronology of Athanasius' life fairly well, it served as a good hook to hang all this information on - and it is a lot of information.