Comprehension of the historical process in the theological heritage of Origen of Alexandria

Introduction. Origen of Alexandria is a large Christian thinker who worked in line with the philosophy of Platonism, Neoplatonism and the emerging Christian tradition. He is a significant figure, both in Christian theology and in the history of philosophy, who especially strongly influenced the medieval period of the development of philosophical thought. Although the theologian did not leave an integral historical concept, he constantly addressed the problem of history in his numerous works. A special feature of Origen’s theological ideas about history is the combination of literal and allegorical approaches to it. Theoretical analysis. The author attempts to recreate a holistic picture of Origen’s ideas about the world-historical process on the basis of preserved works. The providential action of God in history is described. The central role of the Divine Logos – Christ is highlighted. Origen’s eschatology is considered separately as the doctrine of the end of world history. The role of the doctrine of universal salvation as the restoration of the original world order and the meaning of the entire world historical process is revealed. Conclusion. The author concludes that human history, according to Origen, is a part of the world cosmological process and the reflection of it on the Earth. It is the result of a global catastrophe and should contribute to the restoration of the original order.

philosophy of history, theology of history, Origen, medieval philosophy, providentialism, Platonism, theodicy, eschatology