On First Principles

Origen; Cavadini, John C. (FRW); De Lubac, Henri (INT)

ISBN 10: 0870612794 / ISBN 13: 9780870612794

Published by Christian Classics, 2013

About this Item

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: On First Principles
• Publisher: Christian Classics
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0870612794
• ISBN 13: 9780870612794
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: good

About this title

Synopsis

Origen's On First Principles is a foundational work in the development of Christian thought and doctrine: it is the first attempt in history at a systematic Christian theology. For over a decade it has been out of print with only expensive used copies available; now it is available at an affordable price and in a more accessible format.

On First Principles is the most important surviving text written by third-century Church father, Origen. Origen wrote in a time when fundamental doctrines had not yet been fully articulated by the Church, and contributed to the very formation of Christianity. Readers see Origen grappling with the mysteries of salvation and brainstorming how they can be understood. This edition presents G. W. Butterworth's trusted translation in a new, more readable format, retains the introduction by Henri de Lubac, and includes a new foreword by John C. Cavadini. As St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Doctor of the Church, wrote: "Origen is the stone on which all of us were sharpened."

About the Author

Origen (ca. 184--ca. 253) is considered the most important biblical scholar and theologian of the early Greek Church, and some have even called him the finest scholar of the first millennium of Christianity. He fits into a legacy of prominent figures from the Alexandrian Church, which was under persecution during his time. His father was martyred when he was seventeen, and several of the students whom he converted to Christianity also went on to martyrdom.

On First Principles was one of Origen's earliest and most significant writings. Another was his Hexapla, an enormous edition of the Old Testament arranged in six columns of Hebrew and Greek text. It is known as a colossal landmark in the study of Scripture. Many of his homilies were also recorded, and are widely read today.

Near the end of his life, Origen was tortured by civil authorities in an effort to make him apostatize. While they did not succeed, Origen died a confessor from related causes a few years later.