Boethius: The Life Of St. Antony, The Consolation Of Philosophy

The Life of Saint Antony, The Confessions, and The Consolation of Philosophy all reflect the wider cultural context of their particular geographical setting of their time. These three works reflect upon theology, specifically problems within theology. However, they provide contrasting opinions, largely because they were written in different times and cultures.
First, The Life of Saint Antony recounts the life of Saint Antony who reportedly lived from 251 to 356 CE. However, the work itself is written by Athanasius of Alexandria, who lived from 298 to 373 CE. Athanasius of Alexandria lived in fourth century Alexandria. Thus, he was only a teenager when the Edict of Milan was proclaimed in 313. This edit, proclaimed by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, symbolically ended the persecution of Christians within the Roman Empire, which controlled the Mediterranean world. Effectively, the Edict of Milan made Christianity a legitimate and significant religion. Additionally, Constantine’s previous conversion significantly impacted the Christian faiths acceptance and ability to spread.
However, it seems the shaping point of Athanasius of Alexandria’s life was the First Council of Nicaea in 325. Athanasius of Alexandria attended this council, at which the Nicene Creed was constructed. However, the main
purpose of the council was to reach a consensus on the relationship between God and Jesus. This debate was most prevalent within Alexandria, which severely impacted the life of Athanasius of Alexandria. To simplify the debate centered around whether Jesus was “made” by God, or “begotten” from God. The debate was essentially over whether Jesus was the physical son of God, or an embodiment of God, and therefore, one in the same. So, the debate was, to some extent, over the actual divinity of Jesus.
Therefore, the main purpose of Athanasius of Alexandria’s work the Life of Saint Antony, was to spread his views and combat Arianism. The work was extremely successful, because, along with other works it played a key role in defeating Arianism. Next, The Confessions was an autobiographical work written by Saint Augustine of Hippo. He lived and served as a bishop, in North Africa, a part of the Western Roman Empire. During his life, Christianity was accepted throughout the empire and no longer persecuted. However, Christianity had been legalized for around two centuries. Likewise, the Roman Empire had already split into the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. While the Western Roman Empire did not collapse until after Saint Augustine’s life, the empire was significantly weakening and collapsing in his time.
Saint Augustine of Hippo theology was influential in developing the doctrines of original sin and just war. However, his larger impact and purpose was to convert others to Christianity and encourage Christians. Specifically, in The Confessions he attempts to discuss sin. Saint Augustine characterizes himself as a sinner. He seems to do this in order to connect with the average reader. He suggests that everyone should convert, regardless on imperfections, in order to humble themselves to God for forgiveness.
Therefore, Saint Augustine writes in order to attempt to convert those of other religions. In addition, he provides clear directions on how to go about converting. Likewise, he also attempts to solidify the faith of Christians and connect with the average Christian. Many Christians at the time had begun to feel disconnected with the religious establishment. So The Confessions attempts to improve the average person’s relationship with the church and God. Likewise, he may, to an extent, also be attempting to provide stability and support for the collapsing Western Roman Empire. He encourages Christian unity, and therefore unity within the empire. However, this may have been and unintentional affect.
Lastly, The Consolation of Philosophy was written by Boethius.
This work poses as a significant bridge between the Roman era and the Medieval era. Undoubtedly, Boethius was significantly influenced by the culture and events of his time. Boethius was born on four years after the final, official collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Contrastingly, his works do not mention Jesus or Christianity. However, they discuss God. But, The Consolation of Philosophy provides a powerful argument explaining how evil can exist in our world, even though it is governed by God. He also provides several other arguments, including how happiness can exist despite
hardship.
Arguably, Boethius attempts to solidify the place of Christianity, in the dark ages. His work was significantly influenced by the culture in Rome, during the Early-Carolingian era. Also, his works include some influence from the works of Plato. Therefore, his works attempt to help beliefs which existed before the fall of Rome find a place in the new world. Therefore, The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius attempts to reconcile old world beliefs persist into the new, changed world. Importantly, his work was significantly impacted and inspired by the culture and events of his time.
Therefore, The Life of Saint Antony, The Confessions, and The Consolation of Philosophy significantly portray the current culture and geographical conditions of their times. These works by Athanasius of Alexandria, Saint Augustine of Hippo, and Boethius attempt to secure their beliefs in the radically changing times, of which the lived.