Personal and Cosmic Salvation in Origen
1984; Brill; Volume: 38; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1163/157007284x00240
ISSN1570-0720
Autores Tópico(s)Classical Antiquity Studies
ResumoThe apocatastasis is one of the most controversial concepts Origen uses. Attempts to determine the cyclical or linear nature of Origen's concept of time have most been based on his speculation about the apocatastasis. In trying to put forth conclusive results, however, scholars may have missed a very important aspect of Origen's thought. The connnection between the apocatastasis and the achievement of salvation has not been sufficiently studied and clarified. An examination of the relationship between the two concepts, or spiritual events, reveals that there are two separate currents of thought in Origen's eschatological speculation. The two currents sometimes are mixed together giving the impression that Origen was inconsistent. I propose that the two currents of thought co-exist and reflect different levels of theological speculation just as Origen postulates various levels of exegetical understanding. The salvation of the cosmos and of each individual in it is the basis of the doctrine of the apocatastasis. This salvation will occur at the end of time, although we know that Origen's insistence on free will leaves open the possibility for the relapse of any individual intelligible nature at any time. We also find passages in Origen's writings which refer to the possibility of certain individuals achieving salvation or consummation before the apocatastasis. These are the two currents, (1) future/cosmic salvation achieved at the apocatastasis, and (2) present/individual salvation. Throughout our examination of Origen's eschatological and soteriological speculation, it will be very important to keep in mind that many of the treatises to be discussed were not intended by Origen to be any more than speculation. Origen warns his readers in several places that his discussions are just that-discussions and not dogma. Any idea put forth, therefore, should always be regarded as subject to sharp scrutiny and modification if necessary, ... the reader must carefully
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