CONCEPTUAL MATRIX OF ORIGEN'S ETERNAL UNIVERSE CONCEPT: PHILOSOPHICAL EXEGESIS
Abstract
The This article engages in a critical re-examination of foundational concepts within the spiritual culture of humanity, emphasizing their axiological implications, epistemological frameworks, and relevance for contemporary and future generations. The universality of these concepts is illustrated through an analysis of the theological discourses of second-century figures such as Origen and Lactantius. Central to this discourse is the notion of the eternal universe, articulated through a cyclical paradigm encompassing ideas such as pre- existence, the cyclical nature of souls and the cosmos, eternal life, and evolution. Origen, recognized as a seminal figure in Christian philosophy, posits a model of an eternal universe governed by divine principles and laws. These principles are manifested in the concepts of soul transmigration, pre-existence, and the cyclical reincarnation of both micro (individual human) and macro (divine or cosmic) entities. The texts of Origen further elucidate that the idea of eternal life and transmigration serves as a pivotal framework for reinterpreting the semantic depth of Scripture. This framework is posited as essential for the evolution of souls, facilitating their return to the divine source, thereby representing a fundamental aspect of theological consciousness.
The examination and elucidation of the core concepts of resurrection, as articulated by Origen and Lactantius, facilitated an exploration of the existential modes of significant themes within the Christian framework. This analysis enabled us to delineate a universal meta-territory of their meanings, tracing the continuity of religious thought from ancient Egyptian traditions and classical philosophy through to the theological developments of the 2nd century AD. We observed a flow of analogous significances, which, over time, manifest in varied linguistic expressions, terminological frameworks, and conceptualizations.
The interpretations presented enhance the comprehension of the foundational concepts of spiritual culture within the context of Western European civilization. Further reinterpretation offers compelling arguments for transcending conflicts at intercultural, interreligious, and interfaith levels. This approach fosters a framework for intellectual dialogue and the synergy of religious, philosophical, and scientific discourses, ultimately promoting tolerance and a comprehensive worldview. In the long term, this focus aims to facilitate the spiritual cohesion of diverse human communities.
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