SS Outline 9.21.25

September 21, 2025, Church History
Title: The Teachers of the Church

Subject Matter: Early theologians and their contributions


I. Introduction: Foundations for the Future

• Ephesians 4:11-14 — “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints...”
• Early theologians were pastors, preachers, martyrs, and missionaries.
• Theological clarity is essential for spiritual maturity and faithfulness in every generation.

II. Origen of Alexandria: A Brilliant and Complex Figure

• Quote: “When reading Scripture, we must seek not only what lies on the surface, but also the spiritual meaning beneath.
• Origen was not only a scholar but a devout Christian who sought to bring all knowledge into submission to Christ.

III. Origen’s Contributions to Christian Thought

• Emphasized the threefold sense of Scripture:
  • Literal (what happened)
  • Moral (what it teaches us to do)
  • Spiritual/Allegorical (how it points to Christ)
• Theological Development:
  • Argued for the eternity of the Son (foundational for Trinitarian thought).
  • Defended the preexistence of souls and the ultimate restoration of all things (apokatastasis), though the latter was later condemned.
  • Stressed the freedom of the will
• While Origen had many insightful ideas, not all of his concepts were accepted as orthodox. The Church later rejected some of his speculative teachings at the 5th Ecumenical Council (553).

IV. The Rise of the Theological Tradition

• Why did theological reflection become so necessary?
  • Growing heresies (e.g., Gnosticism, Monarchianism, Sabellianism)
  • The need to teach and disciple a growing Church
  • The importance of preserving apostolic teaching in an intellectual world

V. Lessons for the Church Today

• Theology is not just for academics; it’s for every believer. (Titus 1:9)
• Origen reminds us that Scripture is rich, but interpretation must stay anchored in Christ and the apostles.
• We are called to love God with heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37).