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On First Principles: Modern, Updated Translation
On First Principles (De Principiis, c. 220-230 AD) stands as Origen of Alexandria's groundbreaking attempt to create the first systematic exposition of Christian theology, integrating biblical interpretation with philosophical concepts. Written while Origen taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria, this ambitious work establishes fundamental theological principles on God, creation, freedom, and salvation, while exploring the relationship between faith and reason.
We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated English translation that is easy to read and understand!
The treatise is organized into four books addressing core theological Book I examines God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; Book II explores creation, incarnation, and resurrection; Book III discusses human freedom, sin, and salvation; and Book IV focuses on biblical interpretation. Throughout, Origen develops a comprehensive theological framework incorporating both literal and allegorical scriptural exegesis while engaging with Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism.
What distinguishes this work is Origen's intellectual boldness in addressing speculative theological questions left unresolved by earlier Christian writers. His treatment is especially valuable for demonstrating how Christian thought could engage with sophisticated philosophical concepts while maintaining fidelity to apostolic tradition. Origen presents Christianity not merely as revealed religion but as the true philosophy, capable of addressing the deepest metaphysical and ethical questions.
Several controversial speculations mark the text, including the pre-existence of souls, the potential restoration of all beings (apokatastasis), and the hierarchical understanding of the Trinity that would later contribute to Origen's ambiguous legacy. However, the work also contains profound insights on divine providence, human freedom, and the spiritual interpretation of scripture that influenced subsequent theological development.
Only fragments of the original Greek text survive, with most of the work known through Rufinus's Latin translation, which likely softened some of Origen's more controversial positions. Despite later controversies surrounding aspects of his thought, "On First Principles" represents a watershed moment in Christian intellectual history—the first systematic attempt to present Christianity as a coherent theological system addressing fundamental questions about God, humanity, and the cosmos.
The influence of this work extends throughout Christian theological history, with figures as diverse as the Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine, and medieval mystics drawing upon Origen's insights while often modifying his more speculative positions. Modern readers continue to find in Origen's work a remarkable example of creative theological thinking that respects both revealed truth and philosophical inquiry.
About the AuthorOrigen of Alexandria (c. 185-254 AD) was one of Christianity's earliest and most brilliant scholars, whose prolific writings and innovative theological approach profoundly influenced Christian thought. Born to Christian parents in Alexandria, he received extensive education in biblical studies and Greek philosophy. Following his father's martyrdom, Origen became head of Alexandria's Catechetical School at age 18, where he developed a reputation for exceptional scholarship and austere asceticism. Later ordained in Palestine, his career included teaching, preaching, and producing numerous biblical commentaries and theological works before dying from injuries sustained during persecution under Emperor Decius.
We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated English translation that is easy to read and understand!
The treatise is organized into four books addressing core theological Book I examines God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; Book II explores creation, incarnation, and resurrection; Book III discusses human freedom, sin, and salvation; and Book IV focuses on biblical interpretation. Throughout, Origen develops a comprehensive theological framework incorporating both literal and allegorical scriptural exegesis while engaging with Greek philosophical traditions, particularly Platonism.
What distinguishes this work is Origen's intellectual boldness in addressing speculative theological questions left unresolved by earlier Christian writers. His treatment is especially valuable for demonstrating how Christian thought could engage with sophisticated philosophical concepts while maintaining fidelity to apostolic tradition. Origen presents Christianity not merely as revealed religion but as the true philosophy, capable of addressing the deepest metaphysical and ethical questions.
Several controversial speculations mark the text, including the pre-existence of souls, the potential restoration of all beings (apokatastasis), and the hierarchical understanding of the Trinity that would later contribute to Origen's ambiguous legacy. However, the work also contains profound insights on divine providence, human freedom, and the spiritual interpretation of scripture that influenced subsequent theological development.
Only fragments of the original Greek text survive, with most of the work known through Rufinus's Latin translation, which likely softened some of Origen's more controversial positions. Despite later controversies surrounding aspects of his thought, "On First Principles" represents a watershed moment in Christian intellectual history—the first systematic attempt to present Christianity as a coherent theological system addressing fundamental questions about God, humanity, and the cosmos.
The influence of this work extends throughout Christian theological history, with figures as diverse as the Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine, and medieval mystics drawing upon Origen's insights while often modifying his more speculative positions. Modern readers continue to find in Origen's work a remarkable example of creative theological thinking that respects both revealed truth and philosophical inquiry.
About the AuthorOrigen of Alexandria (c. 185-254 AD) was one of Christianity's earliest and most brilliant scholars, whose prolific writings and innovative theological approach profoundly influenced Christian thought. Born to Christian parents in Alexandria, he received extensive education in biblical studies and Greek philosophy. Following his father's martyrdom, Origen became head of Alexandria's Catechetical School at age 18, where he developed a reputation for exceptional scholarship and austere asceticism. Later ordained in Palestine, his career included teaching, preaching, and producing numerous biblical commentaries and theological works before dying from injuries sustained during persecution under Emperor Decius.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2025
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About the author
Origen
465 books110 followersOrigen of Alexandria (c. 184 – c. 253), also known as Origen Adamantius, was an early Christian scholar, ascetic, and theologian who was born and spent the first half of his career in Alexandria. He was a prolific writer who wrote roughly 2,000 treatises in multiple branches of theology, including textual criticism, biblical exegesis and biblical hermeneutics, homiletics, and spirituality. He was one of the most influential figures in early Christian theology, apologetics, and asceticism. He has been described as "the greatest genius the early church ever produced".
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