A couple of illuminating quotations from Robert Letham’s fine new book, The Holy Trinity (P&R):
Letham defends Origen against charges of heresy and proto-Arianism (while duly noting some of the troubling statements in Origen’s writings), and adds: “Origen is a research theologian, advancing ideas for consideration and discussion as well as for official teaching.” One is left wondering whether there is a place for this kind of theology within the Reformed churches.
Also this regarding the post-Nicean controversies with Arianiam (quoting from RPC Hanson): “people holding different views were using the same words as those who opposed them, but, unawares, giving them different meanings from those applied to them by their opponents.” Sounds rather familiar, apart from the “unawares” bit.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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