Origen (185-254)

Major works

•          On First Principles

•          Against Celsus (apologetic)

•          Fundamental Doctrines (Christian theology)

•          Hexapla

Importance

•          “Father of Christian theology” and best Christian scholar of his time

•          Most prolific writer of pre-Nicene church (2,000 works)

•          Wrote doctrinal and apologetical works as well as commentaries

•          Known for unsound theological speculation and allegorizing

•          Taught a lesser divinity of the Son (Christology hierarchal, not well worked through)

•          Believed every creature would be saved (apocatastasis)

•          Was a pupil of Clement of Alexandria

•          Controversy with bishop in Alexandria led to his dismissal from church in Alexandria

•          Spent last years in Caesarea

•          Tortured during Decian persecution

•          Took Matthew 19:12 literally and became a eunuch for the kingdom of God; was an ascetic

•          Died at Tyre in 254