Selected Works of Origen

Born in Alexandria (Egypt), Origen [185-254] is one of the most eminent and original theologians of Christian antiquity, whose fame transcended the geographical and temporal barriers of his day, and whose final sufferings as a martyr earned him well-deserved recognition in moral and theological authority.

A staunch defender of free will or freedom of choice for all creatures, he was subjected to harsh criticism in his time by those in a still dogmatically undefined Christian community who disagreed with his conclusions and his methods of biblical interpretation. Today, with a broader historical perspective, we understand that despite some peculiarities in his way of understanding certain theological points, the only thing Origen sought was to contribute to a greater understanding of Sacred Scripture, to whose judgment he submitted at all times. And that above his reputation as a "speculative theologian," Origen was above all a believer faithful to Scripture.

Of his immense literary production—more than six thousand titles—only a meager part has been preserved, and among them, his magnificent treatise On First Principles stands out; that is, a compilation and debate of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity; probably the first known outline of a systematic theology. It is where the depth and audacity of the allegorical and speculative school of Alexandria are best manifested, and it is what we present complete and in an updated version in this volume of the PATRÍSTICA collection.