Spirit and Fire: A Thematic Anthology of His Writings [Paperback]

Origen (Author), Hans Urs Von Balthasar (Editor), Robert J. Daly (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0813210224 | ISBN-13: 978-0813210223 | Publication Date: April 2001

Originally published in German in 1938, this highly acclaimed volume presents more than one thousand selections from the various extant writings of Origen, the great Alexandrian theologian. Robert J. Daly has retranslated the majority of these texts from the original Greek and Latin, added the scriptural references in the translated texts and an index, and included updated bibliographical information. Hans Ur von Balthasar said of this anthology that it gave him the greatest joy of all his many books: "In Origen I discovered that brilliant sense of what is Catholic, which I myself would like to attain."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This collection has been extremely well translated into English by Fr. Daly and to him a great debt of gratitude is due for having made available the thoughts of one of the greatest of ancient theologians as seen through the eyes of an almost equally prolific successor in the same central Christian enterprise." Heythrop Journal "A classically useful book, as fresh and vital as Origen himself... The thematic arrangement, with its pithy introductions and excellent selection, makes Origen easy to read, and clearly relevant to the human and religious project." Patristics "This book can be highly recommended to anyone who is interested in Origen and in a view of Christian life which stems from an ancient scholar who was first of all a devout Christian and who wished to be, in his own words, 'a man of the Church'. The experience will be a rewarding one, and the reader's appreciation of Origen should be enhanced." Theological Studies" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Hans Urs von Balthasar was the author of many theological works. He was also the spiritual leader of a religious community in Basel, Switzerland Robert J Daly, SJ, is Professor Emeritus in the Theoogy Department of Boston College --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Catholic University of America Press (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813210224
• ISBN-13: 978-0813210223
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,151 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirit & Fire, March 13, 2003

By 

Joseph B. Howard (Hendersonville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spirit and Fire: A Thematic Anthology of His Writings (Paperback)

As usual, Von Balthasar did a wonderful job in the compilation of this collection. The thematic organization is very helpful, as is the entirety of the book, in allowing the reader to get quickly to the meat so to speak. This book is a very good prompt for further study and research into Origen and other early Christian thinkers. Robert Daly should also be commended for a very smooth translation that reads extremely well. In addition, the introduction does a good job in highlighting Origen's thought and importance. One of the most powerful comments I've ever read regarding Origen is included therein:

"The voice of the Alexandrian [Origen] is more like that glowing, rainless desert wind that sometimes sweeps over the Nile delta, with a thoroughly unromantic passion: pure, fiery gusts. Two names come to mind in comparison: Heraclitus and Nietzsche. For their work too is, externally, ashes and contradiction, and makes sense only because of the fire of their souls which forces their unmanageable material into a unity and, with a massive consumption of fuel, leaves behind a fiery track straight across the earth. Their passion, however, stems only from the Dionysian mystery of the world. But here, in Origen, the flame shoots out and darts upward to the mystery of the super-worldly Logos-WORD [. . .]"

But the best comments are reserved for Origen himself, as in the Epigraph where he says:

"I want to be a man of the Church. I do not want to be called by the name of some founder of a heresy, but by the name of Christ, and to bear that name which is blessed on the earth. It is my desire, in deed as in spirit, both to be and to be called a Christian.

If I, who seem to be your right hand and am called Presbyter and seem to preach the Word of God, If I do something against the discipline of the Church and the Rule of the Gospel so that I become a scandal to you, The Church, then may the whole Church, in unanimous resolve, cut me, its right hand, off, and throw me away."

Truly a man of steel, too many have thrown Origen away and he needs to be reclaimed by many, many more. This book is a step in the right direction. TBTG.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Origen + Balthasar = Masterpiece, November 7, 2008

By 

Stephen Long (Seattle) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spirit and Fire: A Thematic Anthology of His Writings (Paperback)

This book really takes you deep in to Origen's contemplative genius in a superbly organized manner. Balthasar's introductions are very helpful and Origen's wisdom shines forth brilliantly. I personally think this book provides a better introduction to Origen's thought than 'First Principles', mainly because it contains many selections from Origen's biblical commentaries which reflect his thought more fully that his speculative philosophy. This book is certainly a great resource for anyone interested in patristic theology, early Christian mysticism, and early interpretations of scripture. In my own experience, I would also add that this book will help kindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in your own heart if you are open to the Word. Blessings