St Athanasius is one of the most revered figures in the history of Christianity. He was a theologian and bishop who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, in the fourth century. He played a crucial role in the development of Christian doctrine, particularly in shaping the Nicene Creed, which is still recited by many Christians today. Teaching students about St Athanasius is an excellent way to help them understand the roots of their faith and the importance of Christian theology.
The Life and Work of St Athanasius
St Athanasius was born in Alexandria around the year 296. He was educated in the classical Greek tradition and received training in Christian theology. He was ordained as a deacon in 319 and became the secretary and assistant to his bishop, Alexander of Alexandria. When Alexander died in 326, Athanasius succeeded him as bishop.
St Athanasius is best known for his defense of the doctrine of the Trinity. He believed that Jesus Christ was both fully human and fully divine and was, therefore, the perfect mediator between God and humanity. He also argued that the Holy Spirit was a third member of the Trinity.
One of Athanasius’ greatest contributions to Christian thought was his formulation of the Nicene Creed. This document, which was created at the Council of Nicaea in 325, affirmed the essential beliefs of Christianity, including the divinity of Christ, salvation, and eternal life.
St Athanasius faced many challenges during his career as a bishop. He was often exiled and persecuted for his beliefs and was even accused of murder at one point. However, he persevered in his work and continued to defend the doctrine of the Trinity until his death in 373.
Teaching Students about St Athanasius
St Athanasius is an excellent figure to teach students about because he played such a pivotal role in the development of Christian theology. Here are some ideas for how to best share his story with your students:
– Introduce the Nicene Creed: Start by introducing your students to the Nicene Creed, which Athanasius helped to create. You can explain the significance of each line and talk about why these beliefs were so important to the early Christians.
– Watch a Documentary or Film: Many documentaries and films have been made about St Athanasius, so consider showing one of these to your class. Seeing a visual representation of his life can make his story more engaging and memorable for your students.
– Organize a Debate: You could organize a debate about the divinity of Christ and whether or not he was both human and divine. This can spark a lively discussion that encourages your students to think critically about their faith.
– Assign a Written Response: Have your students write a response paper to St Athanasius’ works or teachings. This can be an excellent way to help them develop their own beliefs while also learning about his ideas.
