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Name:
Origen
Dates:
Born: c. 185 CE in Alexandria, Egypt
Died: c. 254 CE
Ordained: c. 230 CE
Banished from Alexandria: 231
Origenism Condemned: 533
Biography:
Origen was an important early Christian theologian in the patristic tradition. His apologetic
works included a defense of Christianity against the criticisms of Celsus, sermons, commentaries
on many books of the Bible, and a critical edition of the Old Testament. Origen was active in
attempts to reconcile Christian beliefs with Greek philosophy, particularly the philosophy of
Plato, leading him to develop doctrines which were eventually judged heretical by Christian
authorities - like the pre-existence of souls, for example. Origenism was eventually condemned
by 533 CE at the Second Council of Constantinople.
It is believed that Origen was profoundly influenced by the martyrdom of his father, Leonides, during the large scale persecution of Christians under Roman emperor Severus in 201. After his father's death he was educated in a circle of wealth Alexandrine women and it was there that he came into close contact with Valentine Gnosticism, a theology which would influence his own beliefs. In Alexandria he also came into contact with Platonists and Philo the Jew, a philosopher who would have been a contemporary of Jesus and whose works focuses upon on the Torah.
Even as a youth, Origen was active in the education of Christians in the Alexandrine church. Long before Augustine, Origen believed that an education about Christianity required first careful study of secular subjects like mathematics and rhetoric. Origen also introduced students to secular philosophy, believing that philosophical studies would help Christians gain more insight into their own scriptures.
Eventually he ran afoul of Bishop Demetrius of Alexandria, the same man who originally appointed him catechist, and he was banished from Alexandria completely. He moved then to Caesarea in Palestine where he spent the last twenty years of his life, with time off for travels throughout the Roman Empire. While in Caesarea he preached in various churches and served as theological advisor to many and was taken under the wing of Ambrose. Eventually he was imprisoned during one of the persecutions under emperor Decius and, his health broken, he died not long after he was released.
Some of Origen's most important work was on the Bible, Determined to develop a more accurate and faithful translation, he created a six column comparison of the Bible in the original Hebrew, a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew, four Greek translations - noting the changes, likely additions, and likely subtractions. He acquired in this manner an unusual familiarity with the entire Bible and wrote his own commentaries on several books - including Psalms and Romans.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
