Apokatastasis, Genesis 1.26–27, and the Theology of History in Origen's De Principiis
Many interpreters of De principiis understand the circularity of Origen's theology of apokatastasis to entail identity between the original and the final state of rational creatures. This essay argues that Origen's interpretation of the difference between creation in the image of God and p...
Saved in:
| Published in: | Journal of early Christian studies 2021-06, Vol.29 (2), p.169-191 |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Many interpreters of De principiis understand the circularity of Origen's theology of apokatastasis to entail identity between the original and the final state of rational creatures. This essay argues that Origen's interpretation of the difference between creation in the image of God and perfection in likeness to God (Gen 1.26–27) gives way to a linear theology of history. In Princ. Origen envisions history as the economy of salvation, which God utilizes as the training ground for embodied rational creatures to exercise freedom, to undergo experience, and to receive the grace of God in Christ and by the Holy Spirit, all of which are necessary for their progress in virtue and attainment of eternal life. These two conceptual frameworks combine within this single work to suggest what might be referred to as Origen's "spiral theology" in which the end is similar to the beginning, but whereas in the beginning creatures fell from God, God will in the end become their "all in all" as their wills are confirmed in charity towards God so that they remain forever secure in their participation in God. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1067-6341 1086-3184 1086-3184 |