Tag Archive for ‘Origen’
How Brave Are We?
Let me tell you a true, but humorous and slightly scandalous story that comes out of the early days of the church. When the father of Origen, a third century theologian, was arrested for being a Christian, Origen, then only 17, was aflame with the desire to follow his Dad and share in glorious martyrdom. [...]
Give Primary Attention to Scriptures
You then, my true son, give primary attention to reading the divine Scriptures. Be attentive: for we must be attentive when reading the things of God, so that we not say or think anything too reckless about them. . . . Being attentive to divine reading, seek correctly and with unwavering faith in God the [...]
Our Nature is not the Cause of Evil
Our nature is not the cause of evil; instead, evil is caused by a free will that is voluntarily inclined toward evil. By the same token, our nature is not the cause of righteousness, as if it were incapable of unrighteousness, but the word that we receive [cf. Mark 4:20] makes us righteous. Origen Commentary [...]
Free Will and God’s Grace are Necessary for Spiritual Progress
Neither that which lies within our own power apart from the knowledge of God, nor mere knowledge of God — if we have not also brought something to the good — compels us to make progress. We do not become vessels for honor or dishonor solely through that which lies within our power apart from [...]
Every Rational Soul has Free Will and Choice
This also is defined in the preaching of the church: every rational soul has free will and choice. The soul is in a battle against the devil, his angels, and opposing powers, because they endeavor to oppress our souls with sins. If we live rightly and prudently, we should make every effort to rid ourselves [...]
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