Jesus, Prophet of Islam - The Islamic Bulletin

Early Unitarians in Christianity 83

Although his early life is hidden in mystery, it is recorded that
in 318 AD, Arius was in charge of the Church of Baucalis in Alex­
andria. lt was the oldest and one of the most important of the city's
churches. From the scanty record which is available, it is known
that Arius was tall and thin. He would have been handsome but
for hisgeneral emaciation, the deadly pallor of his face and a down­
cast look which was imparted by the weakness of his eyesight. His
dress and demeanour were those of a dedicated ascetic. He wore a
long coat with short sleeves. His hair hung in a tangled mass from
ms head. He was usually silent, but, if occasion arose, he would
break into fierce and exciting words. There was a sweetness to his
voice and he had an earnest but winning manner about him which
fascinated those who came into contact with him, He was regarded
as one of the most remarkable presbyters in Alexandria, and was
held in high esteem by anyone who met him:

His fame soon spread, even outside Alexandria, as an

earnest worker who 100 a strict and ascetic life, a pow­

erful preacher who dealt boldly and frankly with the

great principle of faith. He was gifted with great con­

versational powers and charm of manner. He was also

capable of injecting others with the enthusiasm which

he himself felt. Like all the great religious leaders of the

world, he was fanatically sincere and the doctrine he

preached was vital and fecund. 1

lt is also known that he had the following of not less than seven
hundred of the Christian ladies of Alexandria. 2

e e e e e

Up until this time, a Christian's faith had not really been a matter
of compulsion. There were differences between sects, sometimes
deep and bitter, but whatever belief an individual held was based
on his own personal conviction and sincerity. In this period after
[esus's disappearance from earth, saints and martyrs. had gladly
given up their lives rather than compromise their belief, The swords
wielded by those in authority over the land had only ever been
used in an attempt to destroy such beliefs and certainly not to en­
force them. When, however, Constantine made ms first alliance
with the Church, there was a dramatic change in the situation.