Allegory and Event: A Study of the Sources and Significance of Origen's Interpretation of Scripture

by R.P.C. Hanson

In this classic work in patristic studies, R. P. C. Hanson elucidates the views of the third-century theologian Origen on the nature and interpretaion of Scripture. The introduction by a leading Origen scholar sets Hanson's work in its context and explores its significance to Origen scholarship.

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Richard Patrick Crosland Hanson, Bishop of Clogher, Church of Ireland.

Reviews

[Joshua Rodning McIntyre]

This is an essential read in English for Origen studies. Although it is a classic in that sense, Hanson has several shortfalls. These include: 1) His view that the historical-critical method is the ONLY valid way of knowing what "the Bible means," 2) An anachronistic understanding of the historical meaning of the Bible, 3) and his method of proof texting Origen's work without context to make his point and buttressing it with secondary sources. Yet, it is a well written book in its style and should be read along with de Lubac's work for a good introduction to Origen scholarship. If you're interested in Origen, it is a must read.