The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy, 318-381

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.

Pages 242 and 243 are not here. Not happy about that because I’m enjoying the book. Still worth it. Will bump to five stars if I ever get access to those pages.

RPC Hanson has left no stone unturned, no theologian uncovered, no comment unmade in this huge, magnificent work on Nicaea and its aftermath. Perhaps not as sympathetic to Athanasius of Alexandria as I would have liked. Hanson's work here is truly monumental in intention and in scope.

This volume by Hanson is a great reference work on the 4th century controversies. It covers all major people, theologies, and councils in depth along with a wealth of foot notes and references. If your researching anything between 318-381 you will be well served here.The reason for "only" four stars is the book is in regards to some people/events outdated as it was written around 1987/88. I far as I know (which in some cases isn't much) this is the exception rather than the rule.

A

Best tool for Serious Christology Student!

Hanson's book reads like a mystery - a long one. The Author has organized well and he writes clearly, including his translations of both Latin and Greek. An interesting story that keeps the reader held to the task and the conclusion.

I worked through this text in a doctoral seminar on the Arian Crisis. It is without doubt a must read to grasp the intricacies involved in the early patristic struggle of identifying the triune God. Hanson was too harsh on Athanasius, in my opinion. However, the book is an essential guide and will be consulted again and again. Solid scholarship if sometimes a little lop-sided!

This is an in-depth and authoritative scholarly overview of the theological issues relating to the arian crisis and the ultimate trinitarian resolution in theological terms. Its a brilliant book, but its definitely for the serious student, not for the beginner in these fields by any means. It's not in any way a light read! More recently, Lewis Ayres argues that the Arian crisis was partly a creation of Athanasius' polemic. Hanson concurs with the generally negative view of Athanasius' character in recent times. See Khaled Anatolios 'Retrieving Nicaea' for a far more positive estimate of his theological contribution. Thomas Weinandy also has a great book on Athanasius from a more positive viewpoint.