The Unchanging Mind: Origen’s Lifetime Argument and The Dissolution of the Devil
Author
Domeracki, Michael Stefan
Date
2011Abstract
Typically, scholars have concluded that Origen advocated a universal salvation model
where the devil is saved. Many scholars today maintain this position and typically cite Peri
Archon, composed very early Origen’s writing career. There are some scholars, however, who
cite Contra Celsum to demonstrate that Origen does in fact hold the devil will not be saved, and
therefore does not propose universal salvation. But many scholars, lie somewhere in between
arguing that Origen is simply inconsistent on the matter. It is the intent of this paper to show that
Origen never held the devil would be saved, but was rather misunderstood and misrepresented in
his own life and forced to clarify his own position. In tracing Origen’s writings and social
conflicts, I will show that Origen proposed a universal salvation system, but never believed the
devil would actually choose to repent and be saved. His later writings do not belie an
inconsistent theology, but rather demonstrate a response to misinterpretations regarding his own
theology. The paper will begin outlining Origen’s salvation model evident in Peri Archon, then
discuss the social conflicts of Origen, and conclude with a study of his later writings. By
following his life and writings chronologically, I will show that Origen did not change his mind,
but rather wrote in reaction to his opponents to clarify and further explain his salvation theology.
Description
Honorable Mention winner of the Friends of Fondren Library Graduate Research Awards, 2011.