Anger arises from offences against oneself, enmity may arise even without that; we may hate people merely because of what we take to be their character. Anger is always concerned with individuals… whereas hatred is directed also against classes…Anger can be cured by time, but hatred cannot…the angry man wants his victims to feel; the hater does not mind whether they feel or not. ..[for] the greatest evils, injustice and […]
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Origen: An Ideal Scholar II
He would have us familiarized with all discourse about the Divinity, guarding sedulously against our being in any peril with respect to what is the most needful thing of all, namely, the knowledge of the Cause of all things. For he deemed it right for us to study philosophy in such wise, that we should read with utmost diligence all that has been written, both by the philosophers and by […]
Read moreLactantius on the Immortality of the Soul
Plato says that that which always moves by itself, and has no beginning of motion, also has no end; but that the soul of man always moves by itself, and because it is flexible for reflection, subtle for discovery, easy of perception, adapted to learning, and because it retains the past, comprehends the present, foresees the future, and embraces the knowledge of many subjects and arts, that it is immortal, […]
Read moreLactantius On the Spiritual Significance of the Works and Sufferings of Christ
The Works of Christ [Those divine works which He performed] had a figurative meaning and great significance, and power, which had weight both for the present, but also for the future. [Christ] opened the eyes of the blind, and gave light to those who did not see; and by this deed He signified that He would enlighten the foolish with the light of wisdom, and open the eyes of their […]
Read moreLactantius On the Incarnation
The Two Advents of Christ “I saw,” [Daniel] said, “in a vision of the night, and, behold, one like the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, and He came even to the Ancient of days. And they who stood by brought Him near before Him. And there was given unto Him a kingdom, and glory, and dominion; and all people, tribes, and languages shall serve Him: and […]
Read moreLactantius: The Divine Institutes
Critique of Plato’s Republic [Plato says] they must have nothing private or their own; but that they may be equal, as the method of justice requires, they must possess all things in common. Where, then, is the virtue of chastity? where conjugal fidelity? But what motive did he advance for this most degrading advice? The state will be in harmony, and bound together with the bonds of mutual love, if […]
Read moreCreatio Ex Nihilo
Man produces his works out of that which already exists, because through his mortality he is weak, and through his weakness his power is limited and moderate; but God produces His works out of that which has no existence, because through His eternity He is strong, and through His strength His power is immense, which has no end or limit, like the life of the Maker Himself. What wonder, then, […]
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