A Very Short introduction to Origen will be held over two Monday evening sessions (3rd and 10th February 2025) from 6:30pm to 7:45pm.  The first session will provide an overview of the context and contribution of Origen whilst the second session will provide an opportunity to reflect on and discuss some extracts from his writings.

Origen (c. 185 - 254 AD) was an ascetic scholar, teacher, priest, apologist and prolific author with a prodigious output.  He was called upon as a theological trouble-shooter to resolve disputes in the world-wide Church of his day and in old age was tortured and died a confessor of the faith and virtually a martyr.  His legacy had an enormous impact, especially on the Eastern Church, with his work being a source of inspiration to many saints and doctors of the early church as well as the nascent monastic movement. In short, he was arguably the most important & influential figure in the early Church between St Paul and St Augustine.

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 4^th 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 swiftly dismissed.

These sessions are the second in a series focussing on four important figures from early Egyptian Christianity, spanning the late-second to mid-fifth centuries.  Each set will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.

Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest).  If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!

Location
These sessions will be held in the Liddon Room at Pusey House (go through the entrance on St Giles', then immediately turn left and go up the stairs).

Do I need to book?
There is no charge for this event, but it would be good to know if you're planning to attend.  And the reading material for the discussion based session will be sent to those known to be attending.  So please do book!