"Jesus became what we are, that he might make us what He is." Athanasius Athanasius (c. 297 - 373AD), a fourth century theologian and Bishop of Alexandria, stood contra mundum ("against the world") in defense of the biblical doctrine of Christ. His opposition to the Arian heresy, even when that road led to opposition, false accusations and exile resulted in him becoming known as the "Father of Orthodoxy," the "Pillar of the Church" and "Champion of Christ's Divinity." Athanasius's work continues to be read, quoted and respected by theologians today.