The writings of Origen, Vol. 1 (of 2)

This volume gathers some of the most influential early Christian treatises of Origen, a towering thinker of the third century. Readers encounter his systematic exploration of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, followed by probing essays on free will, the nature of the soul, and the destiny of the world. The selections also include fragments on angels, the material cosmos, and the mechanics of divine judgment. Together they reveal Origen’s method of reading Scripture through allegory and reason.

Accompanying these theological essays are a few of Origen’s letters, notably his correspondence with Africanus on the disputed story of Susanna, and a polemic against the critic Celsus. The editor’s introductory notes provide context for the controversies that later generations attached to Origen’s speculative ideas, such as pre‑existence of souls and universal restoration. Listeners can hear how the ancient translator’s choices shape the text, offering a glimpse into the vibrant debates of the early church. The collection is an invitation to engage with a mind that blended philosophy, scripture, and a profound sense of wonder.