The writings of Origen, Vol. 2 (of 2) — John Shaqi
The writings of Origen, Vol. 2 (of 2)Origen
Religion
The writings of Origen, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Origen
Apologetics -- History -- Early church, ca. 30-600; Celsus (Platonic philosopher), active 180; Theology -- History -- Early Church, ca. 30-600
Celsus, after his question regarding the worship of demons, proceeds to
represent us as saying that it is impossible to serve many masters, and
remarks that this is the language of sedition, and used only by those
who stand aloof from all human society, etc. Consideration of the true
language of Scripture upon this and kindred points, in answer to this
statement—chaps. ii.-viii. Reckless language of Celsus, who would have
us believe that we are led by our worship of God to that of other things
which belong to God, without injury to ourselves, and who yet adds, “We
may honour none except those to whom that right has been given by God:”
Remarks—chap. ix. Nature of the honour which Christians pay to the Son
of God—chap. x. Celsus asserts that those who uphold the unity of God
are guilty of impiety: Answer—chap. xi. That if Christians worshipped
one God alone, they would have valid arguments against the worship of
others, but they pay excessive reverence to one who is the servant of
God: Refutation—chaps. xii.-xiv. Celsus quotes from the opinions of some
obscure heretical sect, contained in what is called a _Heavenly
Dialogue_, to the effect that we suppose another God, who is above the
heavens, to be the father of Him whom we honour, in order that we may
honour the Son of Man alone; whom also we assert to be stronger than
God, who rules the world and who rules over them: Answers—chaps.
xv.-xvi. Celsus goes on to say, that our shrinking from raising altars,
statues, and temples, has been agreed upon among us as the badge of a
secret society: Answer—chaps. xvii.-xx. Assertion of Celsus, that those
devoted to the service of God may take part in public feasts or idol
offerings: Answer—chap. xxi. Answer to objection that Christians
themselves observe certain days, as the Preparation, the Passover, and
Pentecost—chaps. xxii., xxiii. Reasons urged by Celsus why Christians
may make use of idol offerings and public sacrifices at public feasts;
examination of these—chaps. xxiv.-xxvii. Celsus proceeds to state that
if Christians abstain from idol offerings, they ought, in consistency,
to abstain from all animal food, like the Pythagoreans: Answer—chaps.
xxviii.-xxxii. Celsus alleges that if we come into the world at all, we
must give thanks, and first-fruits, and prayers to demons, that they may
prove good and kind: Answer—chaps. xxxiii., xxxiv. Celsus remarks that
the satraps of a Persian or Roman monarch could do great injury to those
who despised them, and asks, will the satraps and ministers of air and
earth be insulted with impunity? Answer—chaps. xxxv., xxxvi. Asserts
that if Christians invoke those whom they address by barbarous names
they will have power, but not if invoked in Latin and Greek; falsity and
absurdity of this statement—chap. xxxvii. Misrepresents the language
addressed by Christians to the Grecian statues—chap. xxxviii. Scoffing
language of Celsus to the Christians on the rejection of Jesus, whom he
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