The Great Books Podcast: Episode 357 - 'On First Principles' by Origen
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: John J. Miller, National Review
Guest: Paula Fredrickson, Professor Emerita of Scripture at Boston University
Introduction
In Episode 357 of The Great Books Podcast, hosted by John J. Miller of National Review, the spotlight is on On First Principles by Origen. Joining him is Paula Fredrickson, a distinguished scholar and professor emerita specializing in scripture and comparative religion. With an extensive body of work, including her latest publication, Ancient Christianity: The First 500 Years, Fredrickson delves deep into the significance of Origen's seminal work, its historical context, and its lasting impact on Christian theology.
Origen and the Significance of 'On First Principles'
John J. Miller opens the discussion by asking Fredrickson why On First Principles is considered a great book. Fredrickson emphasizes Origen's genius and the book's groundbreaking nature as the first systematic theology in Christian history.
“...the book is astonishingly creative and clear... the first systematic theology in Christian history.”
— Paula Fredrickson [00:57]
She further explains that despite Origen's works being largely destroyed in the 6th century due to his posthumous condemnation as a heretic, On First Principles survived as a testament to its profound intellectual merit.
Historical Context: Christianity in the Second and Third Centuries
Miller probes into the state of Christianity during Origen's lifetime (c. 187–254 AD). Fredrickson paints a picture of a vibrant and diverse Christian landscape rather than a uniformly persecuted underground movement.
“Christianity was incredibly vigorously various... Origen was considered orthodox and was a great authority.”
— Paula Fredrickson [02:19]
She notes that Christianity engaged in scholarly dialogues, such as Origen's conversation with the imperial regent Julia Mamia, indicating a level of acceptance and intellectual integration within the Roman Empire. Persecutions were sporadic and localized, with minimal martyrdom during Origen's time.
Systematic Theology: Origen's Intellectual Triumph
Miller inquires about the nature and necessity of systematic theology in Origen's work. Fredrickson defines systematic theology as the coordinated treatment of various doctrines, ensuring they form an integrated and harmonious system.
“Systematic theology is a work that coordinates different doctrines so that they are coordinated... represents a beautiful integrated system.”
— Paula Fredrickson [04:18]
She elaborates that Origen structured his work into four books covering God, creation, rational beings, and revelation, aiming to create an intellectually coherent framework for Christian doctrine tailored for educated Christian intellectuals in Alexandria.
Origen's Definition of God and Creation
Discussing Book One, Chapter One of On First Principles, Fredrickson explains Origen's conception of God as pure spirit and changeless, influenced by Platonic philosophy.
“God is the only self existent thing and God is the only non embodied thing because God is completely changeless and he's perfect... pure spirit.”
— Paula Fredrickson [05:43]
Miller questions Origen's reliance on Greek philosophy. Fredrickson affirms that early Christian theology was inherently intertwined with Greek philosophy, stating:
“The only kind of philosophy there was was Greek philosophy, Greek pagan philosophy. You can't do theology without philosophy.”
— Paula Fredrickson [07:32]
In exploring creation, Origen posits a two-level creation process: an eternal spiritual creation and a temporal material creation initiated by God to facilitate the redemption of souls.
“God decides to call matter into being from absolutely nothing... so that the soul can learn what it's supposed to learn and realize how to know and love God again.”
— Paula Fredrickson [08:23]
Redemption and Universal Salvation
A pivotal and controversial aspect of Origen's theology is his view on salvation. Fredrickson highlights Origen's commitment to the ultimate redemption of all souls, including Satan and celestial beings.
“He is committed to the redemption of every soul that is ultimately his creation... even Satan is going to wake up, realize the mistake he made.”
— Paula Fredrickson [12:31]
This universalist perspective challenges later theological positions, particularly those of Augustine, who firmly opposed the notion of Satan's salvation.
“Augustine is the great counter theologian to Origen... Satan has a permanent job in hell for all of eternity.”
— Paula Fredrickson [13:52]
Origen as a Church Father: Legacy and Controversy
Origen is acknowledged as a Church Father, a title retrospectively assigned to influential early Christian theologians. However, his legacy is marred by posthumous condemnation.
“Origen was a Church father with a difference because... he's ultimately condemned as a heretic.”
— Paula Fredrickson [14:31]
Despite his significant contributions, Origen is not canonized as a saint, and his works were largely suppressed, which Fredrickson views as a historical injustice.
Origen's Cultural Identity and Personal Life
Miller asks whether Origen should be considered African or Greek. Fredrickson clarifies that Alexandria, while geographically in Egypt, was a melting pot of Greek and diverse cultural influences.
“Alexandria is a philosophical powerhouse... He gets a superlative classical education there.”
— Paula Fredrickson [16:46]
Regarding Origen's celibacy, legends suggest he may have taken the biblical metaphor of being a “eunuch” literally. Fredrickson disputes this, asserting that Origen would have interpreted such texts allegorically.
“He never would have taken a text literally... he was completely committed to reading the text for its spiritual meaning.”
— Paula Fredrickson [17:38]
Sources on Origen: Reconstruction of His Thought
Given the scarcity of Origen's surviving works, much of what is known comes from later sources like Eusebius of Caesarea and the Philokalia, which preserves excerpts of his writings.
“We have Eusebius of Khazaria to thank for this... the Ecclesiastical History, that he gives us the information that we have about Origen's life.”
— Paula Fredrickson [19:07]
Reading Origen Today: Accessibility and Relevance
For contemporary readers interested in Origen's On First Principles, Fredrickson recommends accessible translations and related scholarly works.
“There's an available paperback of Origen... it's so foreign. Origen represents the path not taken, and it's so creative and so original...”
— Paula Fredrickson [20:04]
Fredrickson's Latest Work: Ancient Christianity: The First 500 Years
Fredrickson provides an overview of her new book, which explores the diversity of early Christianity and its evolution under imperial influence.
“...how religious imagination changes under the pressure of historical and political circumstance. And I think it's an incredible story.”
— Paula Fredrickson [22:21]
She emphasizes the plurality of early Christian thoughts and how imperial authority eventually shaped a singular orthodox doctrine, sidelining diverse interpretations like Origen's.
Modern Implications: Plural Christianities Then and Now
Discussing the relevance of ancient Christian diversity to today's pluralistic Christian landscape, Fredrickson draws parallels between the multiplicity of early Christianities and modern denominations.
“...the difference is that there isn't one imperial power saying that everybody has to be one type of Christian.”
— Paula Fredrickson [25:16]
Conclusion: The Enduring Importance of Origen
In closing, Fredrickson advocates for the continued study of Origen's On First Principles not merely as a historical artifact but as a profound expression of Christian spirituality and intellectual exploration.
“It's an dazzling piece of committed Christian spirituality... it's very beautiful.”
— Paula Fredrickson [27:32]
Miller thanks Fredrickson for her insightful discussion, underscoring the episode's exploration of one of Christianity's foundational yet controversial figures.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Great Books Podcast offers a comprehensive examination of Origen's On First Principles, shedding light on its historical context, theological innovations, and lasting legacy. Paula Fredrickson's expertise provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of Origen's role in shaping Christian thought and the broader tapestry of early Christian diversity.
For those interested in diving deeper into Origen's work or early Christian theology, Fredrickson's recommendations and her latest publication provide valuable resources.