Why was the work of Origen of Alexandria important?

Origen of Alexandria, one of the greatest Christian theologians, is famous for composing the seminal work of Christian Neoplatonism, his treatise On First Principles. Origen lived through a turbulent period of the Christian Church, when persecution was wide-spread and little or no doctrinal consensus existed among the various regional churches.

How did Origen come into conflict with Demetrius?

He came into conflict with Demetrius, the bishop of Alexandria, in 231 after he was ordained as a presbyter by his friend, the bishop of Caesarea, while on a journey to Athens through Palestine.

What did Origen of Alexandria quote from the Bible?

His Intellectual Heritage: Pagan, Jewish and Christian Origen’s debt to Holy Scripture is obvious; he quotes the bible at great length, often drawing together seemingly disparate passages to make a profound theological point.

Why was the Bishop of Alexandria unfriendly to Origen?

If Eusebius (VI, viii) is to be believed, he was envious of the increasing influence of his catechist. So, on his return to Alexandria, Origen soon perceived that his bishop was rather unfriendly towards him.

Where did Origen live after he was expelled from Alexandria?

Jerome declares expressly that he was not condemned on a point of doctrine . Expelled from Alexandria, Origen fixed his abode at Caesarea in Palestine (232), with his protector and friend Theoctistus, founded a new school there, and resumed his “Commentary on St. John” at the point where it had been interrupted.

Who was the first Christian theologian in Alexandria?

Origen is often seen as the first major Christian theologian. Though his orthodoxy had been questioned in Alexandria while he was alive, Origen’s torture during the Decian persecution led Pope Dionysius of Alexandria to rehabilitate Origen’s memory there, hailing him as a martyr for the faith.