ABSTRACT
Arius and Athanasius stand traditionally for two contrasting theological positions, one denying and one affirming the full divinity of Christ. While there is some evidence that the teaching of Arius, though grounded clearly in scripture, was informed by Greek antecedents, the polemical and constructive hue of philosophical tools is illustrated more clearly in the apologetic works of Athanasius, where he offers a distinctively Christian account of the fall of souls, the origin of evil and the providential activity of the Logos. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the presentation of Antony, in the life of him ascribed to Athanasius, as the paradigm of true philosophy, i.e. the holy and righteous service of God.
