488 Early Church History 8: Origen of Alexandria

Mar 23, 2023

Origen of Alexandria, an influential early Christian theologian, discusses his intellectual contributions that shaped Christianity. He reflects on his ascetic lifestyle and the creation of the Hexapla, a critical synthesis of biblical texts. The conversation delves into his innovative allegorical interpretations and defense against early heresies. Origen also addresses his integration of Neo-Platonism with Christian thought, revealing how his controversial beliefs influenced theological development despite facing persecution. His legacy resonates through centuries of Christian doctrine.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

The Legacy of Origen of Alexandria

03:02 • 16min

The Intellectual Legacy of Origen of Alexandria

18:36 • 12min

Insights into Early Christian Prayer Practices

30:17 • 2min

The Theological Legacy of Origen of Alexandria

32:38 • 23min

Engagement and Future Content Preview

55:12 • 2min

Upcoming Family Camp Announcement and Community Engagement

57:32 • 3min

This is part 8 of the Early Church History class.

Origen of Alexandria is the man behind the curtain. Although few Christians today would recognize his name, most denominations are still on a trajectory he initiated eighteen hundred years ago. His influences in theology, christology, eschatology, apologetics, textual criticism, asceticism, hermeneutics, and Christian philosophy are astonishing. Understanding Origen's life and ideas is a major key to comprehending the history of ideas within Christianity's most creative and speculative period. With the knowledge you've gained from our previous two episodes, you'll be able to see how Origen drew on Philo and Clement and also moved beyond them to synthesize a doctrinal package in response to pressures and criticisms from the Gnostics, Valentinians, pagans, philosophers, and Jews.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg_Hz1TDjg0&list=PLN9jFDsS3QV2lk3B0I7Pa77hfwKJm1SRI&index=8

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—— Notes ——

“Origen was the most important Christian thinker between Paul in the first century and Augustine in the fifth century.” –Joseph Lynch

Life (186 - 253)

grew up in a Christian home
a committed ascetic

Scripture

strong commitment to the inspiration of Scripture
an early textual critic: one who compares manuscripts to figure out the original reading
Hexapla
1. Hebrew (had learned from a Jew)
2. Secunda (transliteration of Hebrew into Greek letters)
3. Aquila of Sinope (2nd c., ad 130) very literal translation
4. Symmachus the Ebionite (late 2nd c.)
5. Septuagint with textual critical notes to mark where it differs from the Hebrew
6. Theodotion (late 2nd c.) (Jewish Christian?)
interpreted Scripture
1. looking for hidden treasures
2. preferred “spiritual” readings rather than reading according to “the letter” (2 Corinthians 3.6, 14-16)
3. esoteric interpretation for elite, educated Christians (2 Corinthians 2.6-7)

Books

Commentaries
1. Commentary on Matthew, John, Song of Songs, etc.
Sermons (Homilies)
1. approximately 280 survive
Treatises on Subjects
1. On Prayer, Exhortation to Martyrdom, On Passover
An Apology