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Life And Importance Of Arius

 

            
            
            
             What is known about Arius and his life is very little. He was born circa 256 CE (possibly in Libya or Alexandria) and died 336 CE in the city of Constantinople. When one hears his name, the thought that immediately follows is heretic! Yes, it is true, Arianism is a heresy but is this the only thought one should have when the name Arius is heard? When an overall view of his life is taken, the heresy he started brought Christianity back to its focus on Christ's divinity and the salvation of man by God's grace. The difficulty encountered in examining Arius and his heresy is in the lack of unbiased information available. Only two of his letters still exist today, one written to Alexander of Alexandria and another to Eusebius. Athanasius and Alexander write of him and do not hold back in sharing their utter dislike for the man. Although Arius disregarded the current theology of Jesus, they had a total disregard for the historical teachings of Jesus (hating the sin, loving the sinner). When studying the life of Arius, there are three areas that should be considered: the character of Arius that can be gleaned from the letters we do have, his teachings and beliefs, and the impact he had on the church.
             Arius" Character.
             Unfortunately, as stated above, only two of Arius" letters still exist today, one written by Arius to Alexander, his Bishop in Alexandria, and another written to Eusebius of Nicomedia. Due to this fact, one is limited in the reconstruction of a holistic picture of Arius" character.
             In Arius" earlier letter, written around 319 CE to Eusebius, it can be observed that he is a persistent man who wants to teach the truth, or at least what he believes to be the truth (Rusch 17). Arius" father, Ammonius, is apparently still living at this time and travelling from Alexandria to Nicomedia; Arius decided to address Eusebius through his father, carrying the letter for him.
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            


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