His greatest work is the hexapla, which is a synopsis of six versions of the old testament. Origen combines piety and fidelity to the faith with creativity and bold exploration. Origens the first principles is a protosystematic theology, and in book iii, origen discusses election with more scrutiny than in previous chapters. It was the first systematic exposition of christian theology. It provoked controversy when written, provoked further debate when translated into latin by rufinus in the fourth century, and was the subject, together with its author, of condemnation in the sixth. First, although origen wrote first principles when he was only about 30. This has been used many times and in many ways, so the following is an extended quotation by origen on this matter, origen, on first principles book ii section 6.
Origen applies his expansive and speculative mind to scripture and the faith for the sake of the church with an easy aplomb and conciseness that is quite a feat. Tracing the thread of trinitarian thought from ignatius to. What emerged was on first principles, the first christian systematic theology ever written. The words which rufinus has rendered natus an innatus are rendered by jerome in his epistle to avitus 94 alias 59, factus an infectus. Even the old discipline was not without precedents to enforce monogamy. The latin translation by rufinus is a paraphrase and often softens the text to favor the later and more widely accepted views on free will and justification and seem to contradict a literal translation origen s greek fragments. Origen composed it as a young man between the years 220 and 230 while he was still living in alexandria. Edited and translated by john behr, the journal of theological studies, volume 70, issue 1. Alexandria was known as one of the intellectual hubs of the ancient world, home of an extensive library. In the first place, we must note that the nature of that deity which is in christ in respect. The particular points clearly delivered in the teaching of the apostles are as follow.
Butterworth origens on first principles was the first attempt to formulate a coherent system of christian philosophy, and also the best expression. On first principles by origen of alexandria, written around 220230 ad, is one of the most important and contentious works of early christianity. First, that there is one god, who created and arranged all things, and who, when nothing. That people which was called of old the people of god was divided into twelve tribes, and over and above the other tribes it had the levitical order, which itself again carried on the service of god in various priestly and levitical suborders. Context known as a man of the church,1 origen of alexandria is. Butterworth, on first principles, book i, chapter viii new york. All who believe and are assured that grace and truth were obtained through jesus christ, and who know christ to be the truth, agreeably to his own declaration, i am the truth, derive the knowledge which incites men to a good and happy life from no other source than from the very words and teaching of christ.
The latin translation by rufinus is a paraphrase and often softens the text to favor the later and more widely accepted views on free will and justification and seem to contradict a literal translation origens greek fragments. Jersey city, nj 07304 english text is revised by rose mary halim. We personally assess every book s quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. It is probably around this time that he began composing on first principles. In the same manner, it appears to me that the whole people of christ. Tracing the thread of trinitarian thought from ignatius to origen. Origen has 179 books on goodreads with 3287 ratings. Clement and origen, both connected to the catechetical school of alexandria during the late second and early third. Origens on the first principles was the first ever systematic exposition of christian theology. In on first principles, origen begins the first book with a preface that states what is clear from the teaching of the apostles. Origen then proceeds to examine first principles of faith. Apr 23, 2020 origen, latin in full oregenes adamantius, born c. Origens on first principles was the first attempt to formulate a coherent system of christian philosophy, and also the best expression of the theologians general opinions.
It is known as a colossal landmark in the study of scripture. We personally assess every books quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. This book lays its main emphasis on a few core questions. Origen was born of pagan parents, according to the neoplatonist philosopher. Dec 31, 20 on first principles is the most important surviving text written by origen, a third century church father. It is the first attempt in history at a systematic christian theology. Consider this passage from on first principles book 4. In the first place, we must note that the nature of that deity which is in christ in. His greatest work is the hexapla, which is a synopsis of six versions of the old testament life. Origen was one of the most significant early christian writers.
On first principles by john behr, hardcover barnes. Origen of alexandria, one of christianitys greatest systematic theologians, was a believer in reincarnation. Given the divine authorship of scripture through the spirit, origen presupposes. We deliver the joy of reading in 100% recyclable packaging. Origen hardcover john behr oxford university press. Origen of alexandria internet encyclopedia of philosophy. Origen of alexandria, one of the greatest christian theologians, is famous for composing the seminal work of christian neoplatonism, his treatise on first principles. Origens guiding hermeneutical principle is to find a meaning worthy of god on first principles 4. Origen s the first principles is a protosystematic theology, and in book iii, origen discusses election with more scrutiny than in previous chapters. The school of alexandria origen ch 2 origens writings. Origen first principles metropolitan andrey sheptytsky. The school of alexandria book two origen preparatory edition 1995 fr. Among origens most important works must be counted on first principles, which.
John behr on first principles by origen of alexandria, written around 220230 ad, is one of the most important and contentious works of early christianity. Writing in a time when fundamental doctrines had not yet been fully articulated by the church, origen contributed to the very formation of christianity. But as it is not sufficient, in the discussion of matters of such importance, to entrust the decision to the human senses and to the human understanding, and to pronounce on things invisible as if they were seen by us, we must, in order to establish the positions. On first principles is the most important surviving text written by thirdcentury church father, origen. On first principles is the most important surviving text. Book i, ii, iii, iv, iv literal origen on the principles preface. In the first book, origen discusses the nature of god, christ, and the holy spirit. All who believe and are assured that grace and truth were obtained through jesus christ, and who know christ to be the truth, agreeably to his own declaration, i am the truth, 1915 derive the knowledge which incites men to a good and happy life from no other source than from the very words and teaching of christ. On first principles proceeds in the first chapter of the first book to discuss the doctrine of god, a discussion in which origen quickly began to interpret the christian faith in platonic categories. Origen, commentary on the epistle to the romans books 15, tr. His more speculative ideas are presented tentatively and humbly. Origens on first principles is perhaps the first major systematic or philosophical theology in church history. The allegory goes that iron in the fire takes on the properties of the flame such as warmth, glow, heat, etc. Origen declares the holy spirit to be third in dignity and honour after the father and the son.
Oct 17, 2019 on first principles by origen of alexandria, written around 220230 ad, is one of the most important and contentious works of early christianity. He lived at a time when persecution had died down, providing an opportunity for writers like him to devote more time to exploring theological questions. It provoked controversy when written, provoked further debate when translated into latin by rufinus in the fourth century, and was the subject, together with its author, of condemnation in the sixth century. Third, universal salvation is one of the main themes which run. But in this as in other respects, the new has brought in a higher perfection. On first principles is the most important surviving text written by origen, a third century church father. Reincarnation in early church history the afterlife. His work, on the first principles, is believed to be the very first systematic theology on. On first principles by origen 9780870612794 paperback. Unity of marriage taught by its first institution, and by the apostles application of that primal type to christ and the church. Origen on the divinity and interpretation of the scriptures.
A letter to origen from africanus about the history of susanna. Origens theory of language and the first two columns of the hexapla. He composed it as a young man between 220 and 230 while he was still living in alexandria. Origen lived through a turbulent period of the christian church, when persecution was widespread and little or no doctrinal consensus existed among the various regional churches. It is the first attempt in history to compose a complete christian theology. For over a decade it has been out of print with only expensive used copies available. I know that some will attempt to say that, even according to the declarations of our own scriptures, god is a body, because in the writings of moses they find it said, that our god is a consuming fire. Criticising the errors in the first book of the principles, he says. On first principles peri archon is the first systematic theology in christian history but do not expect it to read like a modern textbook. Edited by alexander roberts, james donaldson, and a. This is an ebook, presumably because it is cheaper to produce than the printed version which i often think is a pity with texts such as this, which require a certain kind of attention when reading. On first principles was written is not explicitly mentioned in book iv. First, there is only one god the creator, who gave the law and sent. The objection from the polygamy of the patriarchs answered.
Origen 8 first to try and give a methodical explanation of the mysteries of christianity. On first principles was one of origens earliest and most significant writings. First, that there is one god, who created and arranged all. On first principles was one of origen s earliest and most significant writings.
This has been taken to mean that he regards eden not as a physical locality but as the state in which all souls enjoy the presence of god before they descend to bodies martens, 20. Origen is an ancient church father and is considered one of the most influential theologians of all time. Another was his hexapla, an enormous edition of the old testament arranged in six columns of hebrew and greek text. Origens on first principles is a foundational work in the development of christian thought and doctrine.
Scripture, book four, and the purpose of on first principles vi. Apr 26, 2017 origens guiding hermeneutical principle is to find a meaning worthy of god on first principles 4. There were no witnesses to convey many of the stories in genesis 1. Buy a cheap copy of on first principles book by origen. Origen wrote in a time when fundamental doctrines had not yet been fully articulated by the church, and contributed to the very formation of christianity. But as it is not sufficient, in the discussion of matters of such importance, to entrust the decision to the human senses and to the human understanding, and to pronounce on things invisible as if they were seen by us, we must, in order to establish the positions which we. Origen s on first principles was the first attempt to formulate a coherent system of christian philosophy, and also the best expression of the theologians general opinions. Origen of alexandria, one of the greatest christian theologians, is famous for composing the. Like the platonists, origen was concerned to defend the incorporeal nature of god against the stoic doctrine that god is a particularly rarefied.