Customer Reviews

10. St. Athanasius: The Life of St. Antony (Ancient Christian Writers)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are searching for spirituality, this record of Saint Antony's life provides fascinating detail of living daily within the framework of a world ruled by the Prince of the Air. Written within 25 years of the Nicene Creed, this perspective lends to observing the powerful foundation upon which orthodoxy (and heresy) was built, that is, the up-close interaction with both God and His enemies. Thus, his life is not recorded chronologically, but through the narrative telling of encounter

after encounter. These encounters begin when Antony was left alone in the world with his sister as an early adult. From the very start, Antony's spiritual journey delved into what is now taboo for many Christians: spiritual warfare. Seeking the devil out on his own terms, Antony refused to give into temptation and immediately became a target for attack. The end of his career as a hermit brought forth powerful prayer, wisdom, and - thanks to Life of Antony - considerable fame. Virtually unknown today, Antony remains a largely untapped resource.

I was captivated when I first read the Life of St. Antony, most likely written by the staunchly Orthodox church father Athanasius (I say 'probably' because some scholars doubt that Athanasius wrote it, however I noticed many similarities between 'Life of Antony' and 'On the Incarnation'). The book reads like a novel at times, telling of Antony's battles with demons, and his traveling farther into the desert to avoid publicity and temptation. There is also an interesting segment when Antony lives by a mountain and a cool stream, and animals are eating his small amount of grain. He gently grabs the animals and asks them why they bother him when he does not bother them? They returned no more after that. We are also told of Antony's journey into Alexandria after persecutions broke out there. Antony himself desperately wanted to be martyred, but instead he offered encouragement and consolation to those who were going to be killed. One individual whose martyrdom is mentioned is Peter, the Bishop of Alexandria at that time. Near the end of the book, Antony returns again to Alexandria, this time to dispel rumors that he is an Arian (a heretical group of the early 4th century which denied the full divinity of the Son). Athanasius makes it clear that Antony was a Nicaean.

The rest of the work could be described as a kind of a monastic manual, with particular emphasis on fighting demons. Athanasius records Antony's struggles, and tells his readers how to recognize and fight the devil. Throughout the story, the power of the sign of the cross is stressed, and we are urged to sign our houses and ourselves in order to repel evil. Near the very end, Antony debates various Greek philosophers regarding the Cross and the Incarnation. Antony, despite being uneducated, holds his own with the men, and they leave having learned something.

Antony is the vehicle for many miracles, but those who sought help are always told to give the glory to God, because Antony himself really did nothing. Antony is the picture of Biblical humility and self-denial. The life of Antony is a powerful example to all Christians. My church history professor said that if you only have time to read one book from the Patristic period, `Life of Antony' should be that book. I couldn't agree more: the Life of Antony is a spiritual classic.

One wonders if the work did not leave its readers breathless in the 4th century the way it does today, but given its popularity, I suspect so. The initial shock comes simply from the true details of the story, that a simple man in his thirties withdrew from the normal course of urban life to live a radical, mystical life of encounters with the good and evil sides of the divine.

Anthony withdrew to the desert, living on bread and prayer. There he was attacked and tempted by physical manifestations of demons that did everything from make gold coins materialize in front of him to physically beat him. As a result of his prayer life and unique habits, he came to the attention of the wider public. Two Greek philosophers sought him out and witnessed a possession, to which he replied, "Let's see you cast those out with your syllogisms." Likewise, he received a letter from the Emperor, which he greeted with equal disinterest (though less disdain) as Diogenes.

The only room the work leaves for suspicions is when one considers whether or not Athanasius might have been using it as a polemical tool. Anthony's fervor for Trinitarian theology and opposition to the Arians (of which he has a vision of a take-over of the empire, making one wonder if Athanasius didn't imagine Arians where Anthony was envisioning barbarians) could have been taken straight from Athanasius' theological writings. There are moments where one wonders if Athanasius is reporter or rhetorician.

Nonetheless, that vague suspicion gets lost under the sheer surprise of the story of this cryptic life. There is no doubt that Athanasius and his listeners took the story at face value. To the modern, post-enlightenment writer you must either reject it as mythical as buy into it as historical. And the immediate consequence is that one wonders what one is missing out on. No sermon on fasting could make you want to fast more. No seminar on prayer could make you more likely to do it. Anthony's life does today exactly what it did for the early church: inspire a radical alternative that is mysteriously beyond criticism.

I ordered this book and it was delivered incredibly fast. The book is an excellent read and gives an incredible snapshot of the trials and temptations St.Antony endured. It is an excellent resource for anyone preferring to live a more ascetical life.

This short (98 pages) biography of a saint written by another saint is one of the most valuable books I have ever read. It is especially helpful for people who are having real problems with demonic activity in their lives. St. Antony was a hermit--he's known as the Father of Western Monasticism--and his unmatched success at exorcising demons from others as well as successfully battling their attacks on him--show what is necessary for triumphing over the evil one. Living a life of faithful prayer--mental prayer--fasting, penance, reading of Scripture, & developing the virtues of humility & charity to a very high level are all absolutely necessary weapons before one dares to do battle with the devil. He also exhorts his followers to use the Sign of the Cross as a "first line of defense" when attacked by demons. Catholics will have no problems understanding the concepts in this book. Protestants will have more difficulty because of their rejection of the Mother of God & the use of sacramentals. An outstanding book!

This series is really great. Historical writings for all to study and ponder what those who have gone before have to say and their example for our lives. Would like to purchase more in this fine series of books

A MEANINGFUL SUMMARY OF THE LIFE OF ST. ANTONY. MUCH TO CONTEMPLATE. MUCH TO ADMIRE.