What is the source of the quote attributed to Origen, that "the soul has neither beginning nor end"?
score:6
I believe the second part of this quote is original to Hatch, Edwin, and A M. Fairbairn. The Influence of Greek Ideas and Usages Upon the Christian Church. London: Williams and Norgate, 1891, as follows:
Every soul has existed from the beginning; it has therefore passed through some worlds already, and will pass through others before it reaches final consummation. It comes into this world strengthened by its victories or weakened by the defeats of its previous life. Its place in this world as a vessel appointed to honor or to dishonour is determined by its previous merits or demerits. Its work in this world determines its place in the world which is to follow. (page 235f)
Hatch and Fairbairn were presenting a summary and pastiche of various Origen texts in such a way that it was not apparent to readers that it was not entirely a direct quote. In this passage, I believe they refer at least to the following passages from Origen's own work, De Principiis:
there were certain causes of prior existence, in consequence of which the souls, before their birth in the body, contracted a certain amount of guilt in their sensitive nature, or in their movements, on account of which they have been judged worthy by Divine Providence of being placed in this condition. ... And it is probable that these movements furnish grounds for merit even before they do anything in this world. (De Principiis III.iii.5)
the cause of each one's actions is a pre-existing one; and then every one, according to his deserts, is made by God either a vessel unto honour or dishonour. (De Principiis III.i.20)
we are of opinion that, seeing the soul, as we have frequently said, is immortal and eternal, it is possible that, in the many and endless periods of duration in the immeasurable and different worlds, it may descend from the highest good to the lowest evil, or be restored from the lowest evil to the highest good. (De Principiis III.i.21)
I am, indeed, of opinion that, as the end and consummation of the saints will be in those (ages) which are not seen, and are eternal, we must conclude (as frequently pointed out in the preceding pages), from a contemplation of that very end, that rational creatures had also a similar beginning. And if they had a beginning such as the end for which they hope, they existed undoubtedly from the very beginning in those (ages) which are not seen, and are eternal. (De Principiis III.v.4)
we are to suppose that at the consummation and restoration of all things, those who make a gradual advance, and who ascend (in the scale of improvement), will arrive in due measure and order at that land. (De Principiis III.vi.9)
Regarding the editorial practices of Hatch and Fairbairn, Cruttwell writes regarding this section:
Dr. Hatch has ably pieced it together from several of Origen's works in his own words.
Cruttwell, Charles Thomas. The heretical sects: Volume 2 of A Literary History of Early Christianity. Scribner, 1893, p. 505
The first part of this quote ("The soul has neither beginning nor end.") is known from Eastern philosophy. (eg. The BrahmavaΜdin. Madras: Brahmavadin Press, 1895, page 8), but I don't know when or how it became attributed to Origen.
More post
- π Why doesn't faith heal like it did when Jesus was alive? Aka, "yes-no-wait"
- π After Ministeria Quaedem, who may be a Subdeacon for a Missa Solemnis?
- π In Reformed Covenant Theology, why does the covenant sign of circumcision pass away but the Abrahamic covenant of which it was the sign of does not?
- π How did the author of Jonah know about this conversation?
- π Why are days like "Sunday" or "Monday" not mentioned in the Bible?
- π Can an Orthodox Christian of one diocese receive sacraments at a coterminous one, e.g. a Greek Orthodox at an OCA parish?
- π Is there modern evidence that the Sun stood still?
- π Are parents responsible/accountable for the sins of their children?
- π What is the Roman Catholic view of Christian perfection or entire sanctification?
- π How do Protestants in general respond to these points concerning them?
- π Is the Tetragrammaton YHWV or YHVH
- π If Satan is unable to become incarnate will he possess and control the Antichrist
- π Is the Church a business?
- π What is the basis for baptism being the new circumcision?
- π HOW good will our joy be when we reach the ressurection? Infinite, transfinite or finite?
- π Did the coins at the time of Jesus have distinct images and inscriptions?
- π Why did Martin Luther change his surname from βLuderβ to βLuther' very early in his career?
- π Why sleep next to an open Bible?
- π A question on Cohabitation
- π What is the biblical basis for denying the Lord's Supper to those in mortal sin?
- π What is the difference between an Apostle and an Evangelist according to Charismatic Christianity?
- π What does Paul mean when he says "rather we uphold the law"
- π Are there any Christian denominations that do not believe in Exorcisms?
- π Can we be united in prayer?
- π Are white lies sometime justified?
- π Have Jehovah's Witnesses cancelled the 2020 Memorial on April 7?
- π Could Jesus Christ hate something or someone?
- π How did the Holy Spirit come into existence?
- π If we're not specifically instructed to do something, can we?
- π How do Trinitarians respond to syllogistic arguments against the divinity of Jesus?
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π What is the source of the quote attributed to Origen, that "the soul has neither beginning nor end"?
- π What is the source of the belief that the deceased become angels?
- π What is significant about the title of "Son of David" that was attributed to Jesus?
- π Does the Catholic Church teach that it has the authority to change what is morally right and wrong?
- π What is the source for Martin Luther's quote against the use of pipe organ music?
- π What is the basis for arguing that the gospel has already been preached to "all nations"?
- π What is the source of this quote from St. Augustine?
- π What are all the different species of intelligent beings that God has created?
- π What is the source of this quote testifying Mary's assumption?
- π According to full preterists, what is the historical basis for viewing the last trumpet call as a historical fact that has already been fulfilled?
- π What verses from the Bible claim that Jesus has justified and redeemed man by his sacrifice on a cross?
- π What is the Catholic Church's answer to a woman/women claiming that God has called them to the Priesthood?
- π Given that Mormons believe the father has a physical body, what is the significance of the incarnation?
- π What is the source of this quote from Augustine about thanking heretics?
- π What is the source of the idea that there will be a window in heaven to watch your enemies burn in hell?
- π What Scriptural basis has been used in Christianity to support the idea that a fetus posseses the soul?
- π What is the source of the tradition that animals can speak on Christmas Eve?
- π What is the Biblical basis of the idea that a deceased person has "entered into eternal rest"?
- π Reference for this "New is in the Old Concealed" quote that is attributed to Augustine?
- π To the Calvinist, what does it mean that in the beginning God already has His object of wrath?
- π What is the biblical basis for NOT believing that everyone has a fair chance to be saved?
- π Is there a Bible-verse, what says that one must not quote the bible all the time?
- π What is the Biblical basis that through the covenants God has promised to bless his people materially?
- π What is the biblical basis for the claim that abortion is immoral?
- π What is the biblical basis to claim that masturbation is a sin?
- π What is the Biblical basis for the concept that Jesus spent time in Hell?
- π What was it about the death of Jesus that allows God to forgive us?
- π What are the biblical arguments that the Bible canon is closed?
- π What is the oldest hymn (with music) that is still sung in churches today?
- π What denominations, besides JWs, hold that the Star of Bethlehem was sent by Satan?