by Henry Melville Gwatkin
In ePub, & .pdf formats
Slightly modernized and annotated (in blue) by William H. Gross www.onthewing.org
Henry Melvill Gwatkin’s The Arian Controversy is an incisive historical and theological examination of one of the most pivotal debates in Christian history—the struggle over the deity of Christ that culminated in the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). Written with both scholarly depth and engaging narrative style, this book explores the origins, development, and resolution of Arianism, a theological error that denied the full divinity of Christ. Gwatkin meticulously traces the conflict from its philosophical and theological roots in the early church to its ultimate condemnation and the establishment of Nicene orthodoxy.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its treatment of the broader historical and cultural forces at play. Gwatkin does not merely recount church councils and theological arguments; he vividly portrays the political intrigues, imperial influences, and philosophical currents that shaped the controversy. Readers will gain insight into how pagan philosophy, imperial politics, and church authority intertwined, making this battle over Christology not just a doctrinal dispute, but a defining moment for the entire Christian Church. His discussion of key figures, from Arius and Athanasius to Constantine and the Cappadocian Fathers, provides a well-rounded view of the personalities and convictions that shaped Christian doctrine.
Gwatkin’s work is particularly valuable for those interested in how ancient heresies continue to resurface in modern theological debates. He demonstrates that Arian tendencies—the denial of Christ’s full deity in favor of seeing Him as a created being—have re-emerged in various forms throughout church history, making the lessons of Nicaea relevant even today. His detailed examination of how Arianism gained traction, how it was resisted, and why it ultimately failed offers timeless insights into the defense of biblical orthodoxy.
For anyone interested in church history, doctrinal development, or the defense of the Trinity, The Arian Controversy is a must-read. Gwatkin’s clarity, historical depth, and theological precision make this book not only an academic resource but also an essential guide for those seeking to understand and defend the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
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Table of Contents
THE ARIAN CONTROVERSY.
Contents
CHAPTER 1. THE BEGINNINGS OF ARIANISM
CHAPTER 2. THE COUNCIL OF NICEA
CHAPTER 3. THE EUSEBIAN REACTION
CHAPTER 4. THE COUNCIL OF SARDICA
CHAPTER 5. THE VICTORY OF ARIANISM
CHAPTER 6. THE REIGN OF JULIAN. 50
CHAPTER 7. THE RESTORED HOMOEAN SUPREMACY
CHAPTER 8. THE FALL OF ARIANISM
CONCLUSION
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
THE FAMILY OF CONSTANTINE
INDEX