Theologian · Patristic
Origen of Alexandria
c. 185–254 · Alexandrian theology
Confessor who died of torture under Decius; never canonized. Certain opinions attributed to him and his followers were condemned at Constantinople (543, 553), though his person and his vast orthodox work remain honored by the Fathers.
The most learned Christian of the third century: head of the catechetical school of Alexandria, author of the Hexapla and of commentaries and homilies on almost the whole Bible, of the first systematic theology (On First Principles) and of the greatest ancient apology (Against Celsus). He taught the eternal generation of the Son, read Scripture in its literal, moral and spiritual senses, and defended free will against the Gnostics and fate.
Why he matters: The Cappadocians, Ambrose, Jerome and the whole tradition of spiritual exegesis drew on him; de Lubac and Balthasar led his modern rehabilitation. He is the father of Christian biblical scholarship and mystical theology alike.
Where to be careful
His speculations on the pre-existence of souls, the eternity of creation, a subordination of the Son, and the final restoration of all including the devil (apokatastasis) were condemned in 543 and 553; read him as a daring explorer, not a rule of faith.
Reading
-
On First PrinciplesOrigen · The first Christian systematic theology; read with the condemnations in mind.
-
Against CelsusOrigen · The ancient Church's fullest answer to a pagan critic.
-
Origen: Spirit and FireHans Urs von Balthasar · An anthology that shows why the saints loved him.
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each question the test asks.