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Origen - hero or heretic?

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www.Saintgregorys.org

An Introduction to Origen
This course is the second in a series of short courses aiming to introduce some of the major figures from Early Church history to a wider audience, especially to those with no previous background in the subject.
Origen (c.185-254 AD) was undoubtedly an ascetic scholar, teacher, priest, mystic and prolific author whose achievements and influence were unsurpassed in the Early Church.
Called upon as a theological trouble-shooter to resolve disputes in the world-wide Church of his day, in old age he was tortured and died a confessor of the faith and virtually a martyr. The legacy he left behind exerted an enormous impact, especially on the Eastern Church, and his influence can clearly be seen in the works of later authors such as Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa (two of the Cappadocian Fathers).

Some scholars, however, also brand Origen as a heretic of the first order - a Platonic philosopher in Christian clothes and the chief cause of the 4th century Arian controversy. They point to his condemnation by St Jerome at the start of the fifth century, by an Ecumenical Council in the middle of the sixth century, and the fact that his books were ordered to be burned by the Emperor Justinian.

Regardless of the varying opinions of those who study Origen and his works, his influence on later authors and the emerging monastic movement means he cannot simply be ignored.
Course Outline
This course will provide an overview of Origen's life and work, as well as his approach to key topics such as the interpretation of Scripture and the doctrine of free will. Mention will also be made of his positive contribution to Christian spirituality as well as some of his more controversial ideas.
The course will be divided into three sessions with short refreshment breaks in between. The first two sessions will be delivered in a traditional teaching format, but the format of the third session will be slightly different. Rather than merely learning about Origen, the third session will provide an opportunity for us to engage with some of his (orthodox!) ideas, and approach to the spiritual life, on a more personal level.
A number of selected passages from his works (along with suitable handouts) will be suggested as potential “catalysts” for your own spiritual journey. Time and space will be given for you to chew over these extracts on the day.
Please note: Tea & coffee (and nice biscuits) will be provided during the breaks, but you will need to make your own arrangements for lunch.
Who is the course aimed at?
Anyone who's read this far and is still interested!
Do I need to know any history/theology?
Absolutely not! The course assumes a complete lack of previous knowledge, experience or study. Although naturally this wouldn’t do any harm.
Speaker
Russell Jefford has been fascinated with the Early Church period for a number of years - an interest which led to him recently taking an MA in Patristics (Early Church history) at King’s College London.
He sees much in the writings of the Early Church Fathers (especially the Eastern Fathers) which is inspirational and of relevance to contemporary Christianity. This course is one of a series attempting to spread that inspiration further afield.

This course is currently scheduled for the following dates/locations:
None! Sorry, this course is not in the calendar for the immediate future. If you'd like to lobby for it to be repeated, please use the Get in Touch form.

Suggestions for further reading
See the Reading Room section of the website for:

Inspirational extracts from some of Origen's works
Books about Origen
Books containing his work in English translation