Similes et Aequales

Abstract Chapter 6 profiles Hilary of Poitiers as the innovator of a new anthropology and theology of equality and a belief in the Christian episcopate as the sole institutional link between human and divine realms. Section 6.1 discusses Hilary’s life and his importance to the development of the Nicene consensus. In De synodis (section 6.2), Hilary is portrayed as attempting to unite different theological factions via a detailed metaphysical treatment of the concept of equality. In section 6.3, Hilary’s direct engagement with Lucifer of Cagliari is argued for. Hilary’s efforts led to Ad Constantium (section 6.4), a last-minute attempt to convince Constantius to reverse his conciliar campaign. This appeal’s failure, section 6.5 argues, led to Hilary’s decision to embrace a Luciferean generic model in In Constantium, a furious effort to make of Constantius a unifying antagonist for the episcopate as a whole.