Editing Origen (section)

===''On the First Principles''===
Origen's ''[[On the First Principles]]'' was the first ever systematic exposition of Christian theology.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}}{{sfn|Grant|1967|p=551}} He composed it as a young man between 220 and 230 while he was still living in Alexandria.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}} Fragments from Books 3.1 and 4.1–3 of Origen's Greek original are preserved in Origen's {{translit|grc|[[Philokalia (Origen)|Philokalia]]}}.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}} A few smaller quotations of the original Greek are preserved in Justinian's ''Letter to Mennas''.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}} The vast majority of the text has only survived in a heavily abridged Latin translation produced by Tyrannius Rufinus in 397.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}} ''On the First Principles'' begins with an essay explaining the nature of theology.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}} Book One describes the heavenly world{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=36}}{{sfn|Grant|1967|p=551}} and includes descriptions of the oneness of God, the relationship between the three persons of the Trinity, the nature of the divine spirit, reason, and angels.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|pp=36–37}} Book Two describes the world of man, including the incarnation of the Logos, the soul, free will, and eschatology.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=37}}{{sfn|Grant|1967|p=551}} Book Three deals with cosmology, sin, and redemption.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=37}}{{sfn|Grant|1967|p=551}} Book Four deals with [[teleology]] and the interpretation of the scriptures.{{sfn|McGuckin|2004|p=37}}{{sfn|Grant|1967|p=551}}