The Spirituality of St. Antony of Egypt: Lessons for Contemporary African Pentecostalism

Joshua Settles

doi:10.38159/pecanep.2021261

Abstract

This study is an examination of the spirituality of St Antony of Egypt. It examines the historical, intellectual, and religious context of St Antony’s life and ministry, including his worldview and how these inform his spirituality. The study is a literary study and utilizes existing primary and secondary source materials on Antony’s life, including his seven extant letters which are assessed as to their credibility. The study explores St Antony’s understanding and use of scripture, prayer, and spiritual warfare. From these, the study draws lessons relevant for contemporary African Pentecostalism. Keywords: Spirituality, St. Antony of Egypt, African Pentecostalism

Highlights

This study is an examination of the spirituality of St Antony of Egypt
Anselm may be considered foundational to Christian theology. It is the self-disclosure of God that enables the possibility of faith, and it is a reflection upon this faith that results in theology
It is here that the life of St Antony of Egypt reveals its ongoing relevance to the life of African Pentecostalism – of which he might be called a precursor

Summary

Introduction

This study is an examination of the spirituality of St Antony of Egypt. It examines the historical, intellectual, and religious context of St Antony’s life and ministry, including his worldview and how these inform his spirituality. All too often within the academy, theology has been conceptually restricted to ‘systematic theology’, ‘formal presentation’, and ‘propositional articulation’.2. This restriction leads invariably to a divorce of spirituality from theology. Antony’s life is a picture of vibrant spirituality, deeply rooted in the native soil of Egypt, yet coupled with thoughtful engagement with the theological issues of the day. It provides a compelling model for African Pentecostals to couple a vibrant spirituality with theological depth. This study explores aspects of Antony’s spirituality and draws lessons from it for contemporary African Pentecostalism

Methods

Conclusion