Pentecostal Spirituality and Emotional Intelligence
Letters to Serapion: Athanasius on the Holy Spirit
The third article of the Nicene Creed simply states, “We believe in the Holy Spirit.” Such a brief statement would lead one to believe that fourth century pneumatology was under-developed. However, Athanasius presents a well-developed theology of the Holy Spirit. His reputation as the champion of Nicene Trinitarianism is secured with his On the Incarnation of the Word and Letters to Bishop Serapion. Athanasius’ Trinitarian theology does not appear in a vacuum, but was developed to answer challenges to the apostolic tradition as stated in the Rule of Faith. The wide acceptance of Athanasius’ work by his contemporaries suggests that he articulated and clarified a received Trinitarian theology.
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Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories abound, especially in times of crisis. In the church, conspiracy theories are given additional credence when combined with wild eschatological themes. For example, the claim that the Covid vaccine is the mark of the beast. False-prophets have enriched themselves by peddling fear and lies among the people of God.
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Athanasius – On the Incarnation
Athanasius of Alexandria (abt AD 296-372) is one of the most significant theologians of the golden age of patristic thought. He served as deacon and secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, and in that capacity Athanasius attended the Council of Nicaea (AD 325). With the death of Alexander (AD 328), Athanasius was elected to succeed him. He was a giant of the Faith who engaged in theological controversy and political intrigue with emperors and bishops in defense of Nicene orthodoxy. He was known as a man of fiery and uncompromising disposition, expressed in the maxim “Athanasius against the world!”
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Reflecting on Cyprian’s Vision of the Church
Cyprian was born in AD 210 in northern Africa of Berber descent. He became the bishop of Carthage in 249. He is remembered because of his strong pastoral leadership, his mediating position in the restoration of clergy who denied the faith during persecution, and his writings, especially those on the theology of the church. He was executed as a martyr on September 14, 258.
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Irenaeus: On the Apostolic Preaching – A Reflection
Irenaeus presents a historical narrative of God’s revelation to humanity and how that revelation has redeemed humanity. The narrative is informed by the Old Testament and the apostolic writings. Throughout his work, Irenaeus insists that fidelity to the rule of faith – that doctrine received from the apostles – is essential to salvation. Here Irenaeus presents two essential elements in Christian theological reflection – (1) the Bible (2) read through the apostolic tradition. This work seems to be an early baptismal catechesis and its purpose is to promote the holiness of life.
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