Nicene Era
On the Trinity & On the Synods
Hilary of Poitiers · c. 356 – 367
Historical Context
Bishop of Poitiers in Gaul, exiled by the Arian emperor Constantius II to Phrygia, where he mastered Greek theology and became known as the 'Athanasius of the West.'
Summary
On the Trinity is the first great Latin defence of Nicene faith, translating and reworking Greek arguments for a Western audience; On the Synods explains the various Eastern creeds and pleads for mutual understanding between Nicene and moderate homoiousian bishops.
Major Themes
- Nicene faith in Latin
- Ecumenical mediation
- Trinity
- Exile theology
Important Quotations
“I am well aware, almighty God, that I owe you as the chief duty of my life the devotion of all my words to your praise.”— On the Trinity 1.37
Related Timeline Events
Related Doctrines
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- Carl Beckwith, Hilary of Poitiers on the Trinity