This book presents a cogent account of monarchianism, a core context for the development of trinitarian theology at the beginning of the third century, before situating Origen’s early trinitarian theology as formulated in response to monarchianism.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preliminary Material / Stephen E. Waers -- Copyright Page / Stephen E. Waers -- Abbreviations / Stephen E. Waers -- Introduction / Stephen E. Waers -- Chapter 1 On the Origins of Monarchianism / Stephen E. Waers -- Chapter 2 Eusebius, Contra Noetum, and Adversus Praxean / Stephen E. Waers -- Chapter 3 The Refutatio Omnium Haeresium and Novatian’s De Trinitate / Stephen E. Waers -- Chapter 4 Monarchianism, Origen’s Commentary on John, and Wisdom Christology / Stephen E. Waers -- Chapter 5 Origen the Subordinationist: Subordination as a Means of Distinguishing the Father and Son / Stephen E. Waers -- Conclusion / Stephen E. Waers -- Bibliography / Stephen E. Waers -- Indexes / Stephen E. Waers.

This book argues that Origen’s early Trinitarian theology cannot be understood apart from his engagement with monarchianism. After providing a detailed, synthetic account of monarchianism in the early third century, the book considers Origen’s response to monarchianism alongside the responses of his rough contemporaries. Specifically, the final chapters address the question of Origen’s subordinationism. When viewed in his contemporary context and not through the anachronistic lens of Nicene theology, this study argues that Origen’s so-called subordinationism was an intentional anti-monarchian polemic strategy.

Description based on print version record.