Origen was one of the greatest defenders of the Christian faith. At the same time, some church thinkers believed his ideas were dangerous and he (or at least some of the men influenced by him) were eventually condemned as heretics. As you read Origen for yourself, how to you see him? Is he an effective defender of "orthodox" Christianity or is his blend of philosophy and scripture potentially dangerous?
I didn't have to get far into reading Origen to think that some of his ideas might be...potentially dangerous. The introduction and background on his life was enough to make me stop, and reread, then contemplate further. HE MADE HIMSELF A EUNICH!?! All because he was “tempted” by his 20 year old female students. Justified it with Matt 5:27-30, probably every woman’s favorite passage, but I wouldn’t expect a man to translate it THAT way?
ReplyDeleteThen I thought about myself being a teacher, and teaching young students. I don’t think I’ll need to take as drastic a measures to remain professional. Anther thought I had was, shouldn’t a 20ish year old guy find 20 year old females attractive? What was Origen thinking/his thought process; how disturbing were his “Lustful” thoughts that he felt the only way to repulse his urges was removing his genitals? This even caused problems for him in the priesthood. His own actions, caused himself problems
I don’t think anyone would doubt Origen’s commitment to his faith, suffering years of torture and never wavering in his faith, but I can see how his literal interpretations of the scripture could be potentially dangerous.
As we look back 1800 years at Origen and his view of orthodox Christianity I wonder more why the orthodox view became the orthodox view. In the early formative days of Christian thought evidently was quite varied, it was only after a group of men got together to debate what they wanted to keep and what to toss out. If Origen had had more power or support, perhaps his views could have become the orthodox view.
ReplyDeleteHow did they determine what to keep? Did they have some type of checklist or did someone have some type of checkbook? Yes, I am being cynical because people were involved in the decision of what to keep so it is their opinions that are seen today.
Jerry Taylor
First, let's look at what the term "orthodox" really means. Orthodox means strictly keeping to traditional doctrine and ritual. Origen's views could have easily become the Orthodox, traditional, view on Christianity if more people supported him in his writings and works.
ReplyDeleteI think his blend of both philosophy and Christianity is dangerous as it would push people to start potentially believing that philosopher's were god himself and that that was the correct way to think instead of believing in the true God.
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