Early Unitarians in Christianity 79Origen's teacher, Clement, finding his life to be in danger, fled
from Alexandria. With his father dead, and his teacher gone, Ori
gen felt obliged to step into the breach. As the new head of the
school, he soon acquired a reputation for learning and courage.
Owing to his piety and excessive zeal, he mutilated himself, fol
lowing the words of Matthew 19: 12:
There are sorne eunuchs, which were so born from their
mother's womb: and there are sorne eunuchs, which
were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs,
which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom
of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him
receive it.In 230 AD Origen was ordained a priest in Palestine, but Bishop
Demerius deposed and exiled him. He found refuge in Caesarea in
231 AD. Following the example of his father, he started a centre of
learning in Caesarea and this school also became highly renowned.
Jerome -not the Jerome who was the author of the famous Vul
gate Bible, the first Latin translation of the Greek Bible -supported
Origen to begin with, but then later began to believe in the doctrine
of Trinity and became his enemy. Jerome tried to have Origen con
demnedby the Church, butbecauseof Origen's popularity,Bishop
John did not dare do so. In fact, Jerome himself was exiled. How
ever, Jerome finally succeeded in 250 AD, when Origen was con
demned by the Council of Alexandria. He was put in prison and
subjected to prolonged torture, which eventually resulted in his
death in 254 AD.
The reason given for the imprisonment of Origen was that he
rejected the doctrine of Trinity and preached the Unity of God. He
believed that God was supreme and that Jesus was not equal to
Him, but was His slave.
Origen wrote about six hundred tracts and treatises. He has been
described as 'one of the most appealing characters in Church His
tory'. From the early days of his youth right up until ms last hour,
he showed an uncommon fearlessness, He was conscientious and
patient. He had all the qualities of a true teacher and those whom
he taught loved him. His power of discrimination, creative energy
and catholicity of knowledge were almost unparalleled among the
Chrîstians.