3. Athanasius Contra Mundum

The dominant character of the fourth century of Christian history must be Athanasius, the man who not only championed the orthodox understanding of Christian teaching at the Council of Nicaea, but who also single-handedly defended it for the next 50 years against overwhelming pressure. This great Christian hero preserved the central doctrines of Christian theology so that for generations to come, his name was associated with the heart of Christian devotion and fortitude. His gravestone was marked 'contra mundum,' against the world, and in this he set a high and remarkable example for thousands who would come after him.