The early Christian Church faced a crisis during the 4th century. Many of its followers shunned all worldly comforts and embraced asceticism in order to achieve divine grace. How could the Church accept and admire these ascetics, and at the same time sustain congregations of families whose well being, propagation, and generosity assured the future of the Church? Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria has been given credit for reconciling this dilemma. Athanasius and Asceticism by David Brakke explains the story with marvelous clarity. | Athanasius and Asceticism by David Brakke, Paperback | Indigo Chapters