Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint Hilary of Poitiers was an influential early Christian theologian and bishop known for his staunch opposition to Arianism, a heresy that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. Originally a well-educated pagan, he converted to Christianity after studying the Scriptures. Hilary became a prominent figure in Latin theology, especially noted for his comprehensive work on the Trinity, which consisted of twelve books. His commitment to his beliefs led to his banishment to Phrygia by Emperor Constantius II, during which he immersed himself in the study of Greek theologians and continued to advocate for the divinity of Christ.
Hilary's writings include controversial treatises, commentaries on biblical texts, and hymns, significantly impacting later theologians like Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. He is credited with introducing the practice of singing hymns in the Western church, inspired by their effectiveness in addressing Arianism during his exile. Recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1851 by Pope Pius IX, Hilary's feast day is celebrated on January 13. His legacy also extends to academia, with the spring term at Oxford University named in his honor.
Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Bishop, theologian
Life
A well-educated pagan who was converted to Christianity by reading the Scriptures, Saint Hilary of Poitiers (HIHL-uh-ree of pwah-TYAY) was to become the most prominent Latin theologian of his age, with a record of uncompromising opposition to Arianism. Banished to Phrygia by order of Constantius II after he declined to condemn Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, the bishop studied the Greek theologians and continued his spirited defense of the divinity of Jesus Christ in the East before he was allowed to return home. Hilary’s works include a full doctrinal study of the Trinity in twelve books, controversial writings, commentaries on the Gospel of Matthew and the Psalms, and three hymns.
Influence
Hilary was one of the first to introduce the treasures of Greek theology to the Latin West, and his observations on the Trinity influenced such important subsequent Latin churchmen as Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. He is also supposed to have introduced the practice of singing hymns to the West after he witnessed in exile their powerful effect in spreading Arianism, although the hymns he himself wrote are incomplete. He was named a doctor of the church in 1851 by Pope Pius IX. His feast day is January 13, and the spring term at Oxford University is named for him.
Bibliography
Barnes, T. “Hilary of Poitiers on His Exile.” Vigiliae Christianae 46 (1992): 129-140.
Hilary, Saint, Bishop of Poitiers, and Lionel R. Wickham. Hilary of Poitiers, Conflicts of Conscience and Law in the Fourth Century Church. Liverpool, England: Liverpool University Press, 1997.
Williams, D. “A Reassessment of the Early Career and Exile of Hilary of Poitiers.” Journal of Ecclesiastical History 42 (1991): 202-217.