I wanted to make a recommendation for anyone who might be interested in the history of the Arian controversy in the 4th century of the early church. The best, indeed the most extensive treatment, that I have read is by R. P. C. Hanson, The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy 318-381 (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1997).
This book is R. P. C. Hanson's magnum opus. The book is not cheap, and is 931 pages including the index, but is well worth the read. Hanson did not hold what we would understand to be an orthodox view of scripture, but he was (for the most part) orthodox in doctrine. However, his historical treatment of the Arian controversy in the 4th century is surpassed by none. And if you read him, you will understand that the Arian controversy was not nearly so simple as we tend to view it from our day. He does not hesitate to explain and document "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of all parties involved in the controversy. It is a very fascinating read.
This book is R. P. C. Hanson's magnum opus. The book is not cheap, and is 931 pages including the index, but is well worth the read. Hanson did not hold what we would understand to be an orthodox view of scripture, but he was (for the most part) orthodox in doctrine. However, his historical treatment of the Arian controversy in the 4th century is surpassed by none. And if you read him, you will understand that the Arian controversy was not nearly so simple as we tend to view it from our day. He does not hesitate to explain and document "the good, the bad, and the ugly" of all parties involved in the controversy. It is a very fascinating read.