Amazon.com description: Product Description: This book is a comprehensive critical reading of the extant works of Origen (A.D. 185-254) whose concept of man, and ascetic and mystical views, influenced the thought of many subsequent thinkers, both Eastern and occidental. It presents and analyzes the main aspects of Origen's thought as found in his extant writings--the known Greek texts and fragments and Latin versions or translations where they support the known Greek texts. In addition, the study examines Origen's views within the framework of the times in which he wrote. It does not attempt to discuss in detail or debate the controversies which continue to be waged over certain of his doctrines, but attempts rather to present a critical and impartial interpretation of Origin's works.