The Ecclesiology of the Alexandrian School: A Comparison of Origen and Athanasius

The Ecclesiology of the Alexandrian School: A Comparison of Origen and Athanasius

Nathan K. N.G.

Origen and Athanasius were two theological giants of the Alexandrian School. However, because of a difference in social background and personal concern, they adopted two distinct cosmologies. As a result, they developed their ecclesiologies in very different ways.

The Origenist ecclesiology is basically a dynamic model. Formerly composed of prelapsarian rational beings, the church originated early in the creation and is defined by its relationship with God. In the fall, it was divided into heavenly and earthly saints of various progressions. For Origen , the present worldly church is imperfect and needs to try her best to rise gradually back to God.

In contrast, the Athanasian ecclesiology is a static model. Being defined as Christian communities with orthodox faith transmitted from the apostles, the church began only after the incarnation and resurrection of Christ. By excluding all heresies and the unfaithful church goers as outsiders, Athanasius claims that the present church is perfect and not divided. It is relatively stable and does not have any advancement.

Ecclesiology may be said to be one of the doctrines where Origen and Athanasius diverge most.