1. Lecture 10: Introduction to Origen
2 October 2014
Introduction to Origen

2. Introduction to Origen
Background on Alexandria
Pagan and Jewish Center of Learning
Early Christianity in Alexandria
Preliminary Remarks on Origen
Introduction to Origen

3. Introduction to Origen
Roman Empire – Third Century
Introduction to Origen

4. Introduction to Origen
Alexandria
Established by Alexander the Great, 323 BC
Became the center of the Ptolemy Empire; one of three to succeed Alexander
Ptolemies
Seleucids
Macedonians
Cleopatra was the last Ptolemy ruler, died in 31 BC; Roman rule established
Port for grain and other food from Nile
Largest and most important city after Rome
Introduction to Origen

5. Intellectual Importance of Alexandria
It was the greatest center of learning in the ancient world for 600 years
Library
Museum
Center of Hellenistic Philosophy
Philosophical schools of all sorts established and flourished in Alexandria
Historical question: Who burnt the great library?
Plutarch said Julius Caesar (47 BC)
Edward Gibbon said Christian Emperor Theodosius (390 AD)
Christian authors said Caliph Omar (642 AD)
Introduction to Origen

6. Introduction to Origen
Judaism in Alexandria
Center of Diaspora (Greek) Judaism
Old Testament translated in Greek by 72 Jewish scholars “Septuagint” to be included in library
Letter of Aristeas (200 BC)
Romans destroyed Jewish Alexandria in 117; this along with development of rabbinic Judaism and evangelization by Christians ended Hellenistic (Greek) Judaism
Introduction to Origen

7. Introduction to Origen
Philo of Alexandria
Most influential Jewish philosopher: Philo of Alexandria, contemporary of Jesus and Paul
Leader of Jewish School in Alexandria
Also ‘political’ leader
Philosopher of ‘middle Platonism’
Combines aspects of Platonism and Stoicism
Logos, wisdom, of God begotten of God from the beginning of creation
Seed of Logos found in philosophy (see also Justin Martyr)
Moses older than Plato (Justin Martyr)
Biblical exegesis using allegory
Introduction to Origen

8. Early Christianity in Alexandria
Traditionally, St. Mark first bishop
Because of philosophical milieu, Gnosticism of various types prevalent in Alexandria in Second Century
Orthodox Christianity also thrived, with an important Christian school
St. Clement of Alexandria (d. 215)
Wrote extensively on true knowledge (true gnostics)
Led the Christian school
May have been teacher of Origen
Explicitly influenced by Philo
Introduction to Origen

9. Trilogy by Clement of Alexandria
Exhortation to Greeks; written to philosophical, but unbelieving audience; apology
Philosophy as a way to faith
The Instructor; rules for living the Christian life for new Christians
The Logos is the Instructor
Logos as the Divine Word found in all truth
The Stromaties (Carpets); Discussion of true knowledge, opposed to gnostics
Philosophy needed for true gnosis
Seeds of divine truth in philosophy
Moses older than Plato
Philosophy is Greek Testament
Introduction to Origen

10. Who Is the Rich Man Who Will Be Saved?
Homily on Matt 19:24
Faith, Hope, Love referred to as virtues of the soul (xviii)
Truly rich are those who are holy and can use their wealth for benefit of others (xix)
Everyone should strive for poverty of spirit; that is elimination of passions (xx)
But man cannot achieve this without God; however, God conspires with willing souls (xxi)
One purchases immortality for money by giving the perishing things of this world (xxxii)
Not for the giver to judge the worth of the recipient (xxxiii)
Rich should put themselves under a spiritual director (xli)
Homily ends with story (narrative) of young robber and repentance (xlii)
Introduction to Origen

11. Origen: Biographical Sketch
Born c. 185 into a prominent Christian family, and baptized as an infant
Was given both a Christian and a Classical education
May have taken Matt 19:12 literally
Father, Leonides, was martyred when Origen was 17
Origen became the support of family as a teacher of philosophy
Eventually took over the Christian school in Alexandria
Had a falling out with Bishop of Alexandria, Demetrius
Travels to Rome, settles in Caesarea
Ordained presbyter by Bishop of Caesarea; establishes an important Christian school there
Was most famous Christian theologian in his day
Addressed the mother of Emperor Alexander Severus (c. 220)
Imprisoned and tortured during Decian persecutions
Because of his fame, Origen tortured to the point of death but not allowed to die; Decius wanted a public recantation from this most famous Christian
Dies from wounds in 260
Origen is the towering theological giant in the East who casts a very long shadow
Introduction to Origen

12. Philosophical Influences on Origen
Middle Platonism
Combination of Stoicism and Platonism
Philo of Alexandria, Jewish theologian used middle Platonism
Clement and Origen preserved most of Philo’s writings
Development of allegory to explain sacred texts
Emphasis on God beyond material, not in material
Introduction to Origen

13. Some Important Contributions of Origen
Philosophy as handmaid of theology (from Philo)
Textural criticism (like Marcion)
Systematic investigation into Christology
Use of Theotokos for Mary
May have tended to subordinationism to maintain monotheism
Speculation about eschatology
Introduction to Origen

14. Introduction to Origen
Origen’s Works
Very focused on Scripture
Commentaries (OT and NT)
Hexapla
Rules for interpretation
Contra Celsum
Type of apology
Answering philosophical arguments against Christianity raised by pagan philosopher Celsus
Most of Origen’s works have been lost due to later controversies, or maintained in modified forms
Introduction to Origen

15. Introduction to Origen
On Prayer
Written for Ambrose and his sister (wife?) Tatiana
Three Parts
Prayer in general
The Our Father
Proper disposition for prayer
Prayer in General
What is impossible for human nature is possible by grace
Prayer leads to union with the Lord
Four kinds of prayer: petition, adoration, supplication, thanksgiving
Differences between Luke and Matthew
OT does not know ‘Father’ as name for God
Daily bread is the Eucharist
Effect of prayer depends on interior disposition, a struggle with the passions
Introduction to Origen

16. Introduction to Origen
Assignment
Read On Prayer
A - L read preface, first part, third part
M - V read second part
Read selections from Henri Crouzel
Note: Crouzel tried for years to have Origen declared a saint in Roman Church
Benedict XVI, General Audience, 18 April 2007, Clement of Alexandria
Introduction to Origen