November 2010: The „Cambridge Origenists“ – George Rust’s Letter of Resolution concerning Origen and the Chief of his Opinions (1661)

The time between 1658–1662 constitutes what might be termed “an Origenist moment in English theology” (Sarah Hutton), which, besides translations and editions of his works, produced entire systematic philosophies informed by Origen’s genius. Not only is the work by the Anglican bishop George Rust that was published anonymously in 1661 the first defence of key Origenian doctrines, but also a genuine manifesto of early modern Origenism. Critically taking stock both of the new philosophies of Hobbes and Descartes and Calvinistic theology, the author adopts basic insights of Origen’s theology, inventively elaborating upon them in the light of the crucial controversies and changes of his day.