Theological Tractates

In the last years of his life, Boethius turned his attention to a profoundly significant yet seemingly different subject theology. He penned four concise yet impactful letters, two addressed to Symmachus and two to their mutual friend, John the Deacon, tackling the pressing theological issues of his time. The first letter to Symmachus, titled How that the Trinity is one God and not three Gods, offers a robust critique of the Arian heresy. The second letter to John, entitled Whether Father, Son, and Holy Spirit may be substantially predicated of Divinity, continues this critical discourse. The final letter, A Treatise against Eutyches and Nestorius, engages with key debates of the era surrounding the nature of Christ. Here, Boethius defends orthodox beliefs against the heresies of Eutyches, who denied the humanity of Christ, and Nestorius, who rejected His divinity. Likely written around 512, this work is one of the most significant contributions to Christological discussions, introduci