tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15178007.post4868102521995260618..comments2024-02-25T16:56:47.627-05:00Comments on Magdalene's Egg: "New" Sermons by OrigenFather Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18170260624474428623noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15178007.post-26651048789066600972012-06-14T06:13:54.906-04:002012-06-14T06:13:54.906-04:00Ah, yes -- "Origen's rash act," the ...Ah, yes -- "Origen's rash act," the only thing most non-theologians know about him. It does indeed appear that, as a young man, he castrated himself -- although the evidence isn't conclusive. According to Eusebius, the idea was to put himself above suspicion when he taught women as well as men. <br /><br />We today might think that, as an interpretation of "eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom," it cast some doubt on his exegetical expertise. Perceptions were different then, but even in his own time, it appears to have been regarded as a pretty stupid idea.<br /><br />Despite the best efforts of a jealous bishop, though, this act did not put Origen "out of bounds." He was condemned in Alexandria for reasons which are now unknown, but appear not have been doctrinal; otherwise, though, the controversy over "Origenism" is basically about doctrine. <br /><br />In any case, he has never been regarded as a saint by anybody. Just a theologian -- but a controversial and influential one, which is why new works are so exciting.Father Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18170260624474428623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15178007.post-2548734283999214322012-06-13T16:57:47.799-04:002012-06-13T16:57:47.799-04:00Didn't he castrate himself? Wouldn't that...Didn't he castrate himself? Wouldn't that be enough to get him considered out of bounds-unless he's viewed as an early transgendered saint?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com