Lecture 9: Introduction to Origen 2 October 2018 Introduction to Origen

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

Introduction to Origen Roman Empire – Third Century www.utexas.edu/courses/romanciv/Romancivimages23/rome211.gif Introduction to Origen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Important Contributions by Origen Philosophy as handmaid of theology (from Philo) Textural criticism (like Marcion, but including all of New Testament and the Old Testament) ‘Systematic’ investigation into Christology Use of Theotokos for Mary May have tended to subordinationism to maintain monotheism Speculation about eschatology Introduction to Origen

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

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

Introduction to Origen Assignment Read On Prayer Benedict XVI, General Audience, 18 April 2007, Clement of Alexandria http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070418_en.html Introduction to Origen