Athanasius of Alexandria, known as Athanasius the Great, was a pivotal Christian theologian and the 20th Pope of Alexandria.
He played a crucial role in defending orthodox Christian beliefs against Arianism, strongly advocating for the doctrine of the Trinity and the consubstantiality of the Son and the Holy Spirit with the Father.
His dedication to the teachings of the apostles and the faith handed down by the early Church fathers greatly influenced Christian theology.
Athanasius’ Biblical Exegesis
Athanasius, besides being a theological defender, delved into biblical exegesis, providing interpretations on various passages, including Genesis 6:1-4.
He argued that the “sons of God” mentioned in this passage were not supernatural beings but the descendants of Seth, who were considered righteous. This view aligns with scholars like Julius Africanus and Ephrem the Syrian.
Athanasius states:
“From Adam Seth was born, who was the third after Abel, and from Seth Enosh was born. He hoped to be called the Lord and God. Therefore, the children born from him bear the name ‘sons of God’, just like we also from the name of the master Christ are called Christians. The race of Seth was segregated and not mixed with the race of Cain because of the curse which was laid on him by the God of the universe. But later, when they observed how beautiful the daughters of Cain’s family were, they became enchanted and took them for themselves as wives, thus ruining their ancestral nobility.”
The intermarriage between the righteous Sethites and the descendants of Cain is central to this passage. According to Athanasius, the Sethite lineage was supposed to remain separate from the lineage of Cain due to the latter’s sins. However, the Sethites were tempted by the beauty of Cainite women and chose to marry them, thereby compromising their nobility.
Athanasius’s interpretation contrasts with narratives in Second Temple literature, such as the Book of Enoch, which describes the story in Genesis as involving rebellious angelic beings.
Athanasius presents the events in Genesis as historical facts, emphasizing the consequences of the intermarriage between the two lineages.
Conclusion
In an era filled with misinformation and sensationalism, Chasing the Giants aims to be a reliable source of quality research on topics like the “sons of God” and the Nephilim in Genesis 6:1-4. By exploring ancient sources and scholarly discussions, the platform seeks to uncover answers and highlight the profound truths found in Jesus and the Bible.
