Origen was arguably the most influential theologian of the first three centuries.
In his 1981 book on the Arian Controversy, RPC Hanson wrote:
“Marcellus of Ancyra, in attacking Asterius and Narcissus of Neronias, Eusebius of Caesarea and Paulinus of Tyre (certain leading Arians), had accused them of being under the baleful influence of Origen” (p61).
“Epiphanius directly connects Origen with Arianism. He … declares that the Arians and Anhomoians learnt from Origen” (p61).
“Many scholars have regarded Arian ideas in a vague and wholesale way as an inheritance from Origen's doctrine” (p62).
Rowan Williams, in his 2001 book on Arius, also stated:
"From very early on, there were those who saw Origen as the ultimate source of Arius' heresy" (RW, 131).
Questions:
- On what specific doctrines did Origen and Arius agree and on which doctrines did they not agree?
- Considering these, may we describe Arius as an Originist?
See my draft 'answer' below for a list of the topics I would like to see covered.