Origen
Origen of Alexandria (c.185-254 AD) was an ascetic scholar, teacher, priest, mystic and prolific author whose achievements and influence were unsurpassed in the Early Church.
Called upon as a theological trouble-shooter to resolve disputes in the world-wide Church of his day, in old age he was tortured and died a confessor of the faith and virtually a martyr. The legacy he left behind exerted an enormous impact, especially on the Eastern Church, and his influence can clearly be seen in the works of later authors such as Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa (two of the Cappadocian Fathers).
Some scholars, however, also brand Origen as a heretic of the first order – a Platonic philosopher in Christian clothes and the chief cause of the 4th century Arian controversy. They point to his condemnation by St Jerome at the start of the fifth century, by an Ecumenical Council in the middle of the sixth century, and the fact that his books were ordered to be burned by the Emperor Justinian.
Regardless of the varying opinions of those who study Origen and his works, his influence on later authors and the emerging monastic movement means he cannot simply be ignored or easily dismissed.
Quotes from Origen
I’ve compiled some of my favourite quotes from Origen on some of his common themes. Click the links to read more…
Origen was an inspired teacher and preacher, and his Homilies on the Song of Songs provide some wonderful examples. The link below contains quotes solely from this work…
Origen’s Texts in Translation
Quotes and books about a person are all well and good but there’s nothing better than reading an entire text by someone to fully understand their approach.
R.A. Greer (translator), Origen: An Exhortation to Martyrdom, Prayer, First Principles: Book IV, Prologue to the Commentary on the Song of Songs, Homily XXVII on Numbers (New York: Paulist Press, 1979)
A good selection of texts from Origen’s surviving work, chosen to “represent the heart of Origen’s spiritual vision” (as it says on the cover). Highly recommended reading to get a feel for Origen’s work without having to wade through lots of Victorian language (as you do with older translations). If you’ve only got time/space for one book of Origen’s writings, it’s this one. The only slightly confusing choice in this selection is the inclusion of the Prologue to the Commentary on the Song of Songs (which is not the best bit). No matter, you’ll just have to buy the next book as well…!
R. P. Lawson (translator), Origen: The Song of Songs, Commentary and Homilies (Ancient Christian Writers, No 26) (New York: Paulist Press, 1957)
Hang on tight and try to keep up with Origen the master exegete as he unpacks the hidden, spiritual meaning in the Song of Songs. Amazing insights on every page. St Jerome wrote “While Origen surpassed all writers in his other books, in his Song of Songs he surpassed himself“. Read this book. Enough said. Might be worth trying Abebooks.co.uk to see if you can get it cheaper.
Hans Urs von Balthasar (editor), R.J. Daly (translator), Origen Spirit & Fire: A Thematic Anthology of His Writings (Washington DC: Catholic University of America Press, 2001)
This book contains a selection of over one thousand snippets from Origen’s works which have been assembled on thematic lines, making Origen easier to read in some ways (although harder in others!). A great book to open at the contents page, choose a topic and dive in! Listed as “hard-to-find” on Amazon.co.uk, so you might want to try Abebooks.co.uk too.
John Behr (translator), Origen: On First Principles, A Reader’s Edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020)
A fascinating insight into Origen’s thought, this is his central (and most controversial) work and is a great place to explore his ideas in more depth. Sometimes referred to as the first work of systematic theology. This is a very recent translation (and introduction) by a very accomplished patristic scholar. The main motive for Behr’s new translation was his dissatisfaction with the existing standard English translation of the text at the time (and its composition) – G. W. Butterworth, and Paul Koetschau, trans., Origen: On First Principles (Gloucester, MA: Peter Smith, 1973).
It doesn’t feel the done thing to admit it, but in the places where translations of both the Greek and the Latin versions of the text are presented, I find the layout in Behr’s book hard to follow and much prefer the Butterworth edition (which sets them side by side). If you’re new to Origen, and unless you’re working on a PhD, you might do just as well with a cheap secondhand copy of Butterworth from Abebooks (if available) in order to catch a glimpse of Origen’s truly cosmic vision.
Other texts of interest…
Various other of Origen’s commentaries and homilies (sermons) are available in translation. Larger fragments of some of his homilies on Genesis & Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, Judges, the Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Luke, John and Romans are available as separate books as part of the “Fathers of the Church” series by the Catholic University of America Press.
Also worth a mention is Origen’s classic (if lengthy) work of apology (i.e. defence of the faith) – “Contra Celsum“.
Books about Origen
If you’re wanting to read more and the life and times of Origen, here are some recommended starting points.
H. Chadwick, Early Christian Thought and the Classical Tradition (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1984)
This small paperback provides a great overview of three important early Christian thinkers (Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria and Origen) and their role in integrating Christianity with Greek culture. Worth searching on Abebooks.co.uk.
C. Bigg, The Christian Platonists of Alexandria (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913 – 2nd edition)
A more lengthy and in-depth survey of the life and work of both Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Also includes good coverage of the important & influential Philo (a Jewish Alexandrian theologian in whose footsteps Clement and Origen trod). You’re unlikely to find a copy of the original floating around (published in 1913) but Amazon list reprints. Try searching Abebooks.co.uk.
J.W. Trigg, Origen: The Bible and Philosophy in the Third-century Church – Published by either John Knox Press (1983) or SCM Press (1985)
If you’re after just one comprehensive book on Origen for your bookshelf, this is the one to go for. Unfortunately only available second hand now. Not to be confused with another book by Trigg which is also entitled “Origen” (see below)! Also worth looking on Abebooks.co.uk.
J.W. Trigg, Origen (London: Routledge, 1998)
Quite a brief introduction to Origen (unlike the previous book) but contains a selection of excerpts from a number of Origen’s homilies on the Psalms, Lamentations, Genesis, John, Jeremiah, Luke and Samuel (if you didn’t fancy buying one or more books on each of these in the Catholic University of America Press series!). Also included is a short letter to one of his pupils (St. Gregory the Wonder Worker aka “Thamaturgus”). Usefully also available as an Audiobook.
A mini-encyclopedia on Origen consisting of numerous short, detailed, but easy to follow articles by a number of different scholars. Great as a reference or to dip into. Amongst the topics under “A” alone you’ll find articles on… Angels, Anthropology, Asceticism and Atonement… which should be enough to whet your appetite! Edited by a leading patristic scholar (John McGuckin) who also contributes a couple of longer introductory essays on the Life and Works of Origen.
J. Daniélou, Walter Mitchell (translator), Origen (London: Sheed and Ward, 1955)
An excellent study by an eminent French scholar. Highly readable & highly recommended. Re-published in 2016 by Wipf & Stock (hurrah!). Worth a look on Abebooks.co.uk.
H. Crouzel, A.S. Worral (translator), Origen (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1989)
Written in more of a scholarly reference style than the above books by Trigg and Daniélou – i.e. lots of footnotes! Comprehensive coverage of Origen’s life, work and approach.
R.P.C. Hanson, Allegory & Event: A Study of the Sources and Significance of Origen’s Interpretation of Scripture (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002)
A classic work of scholarship. Does exactly what it says in the title. Not a general work on Origen, but specifically on his approach to Scripture.
This book surveys three Church Fathers (Clement of Alexandria, Origen and Gregory of Nyssa) and their arguments for universal salvation based on various scriptural references. If you’re interested in universal salvation, this is a handy reference to various texts used to support the idea, and how they were interpreted by these three important and influential figures.
Additional Reading
Origen is also often understood as a pioneer in Christian mysticism, so you may want to consult the recommended reading list in that section of the website:
- Christian Mysticism