Anathematized by the Emperor Justinian in 543 AD, ratification at the Fifth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 553 AD.
While the writings presented were his remaining teachings and those of his students, his thinking was not separated from theirs, all no doubt heretical in particular on the trinity. However, his work on the Fundamental Doctrines, Against Celsus among others, contradicts the work presented supposedly by Origen’s hand on the Trinity which lead to the anathema.
The Latin version of Doctrines can be read in its entirety, but its altered by the translator Rufinus, the bias translation of Jerome disappeared altogether. Of the original Greek only fragments of the four books survived. Also in the Doctrines he is careful to distinguish between Catholic doctrine and his own speculation.
In his works can be read platonic influence, especially in the allegorical interpretation of scripture, yet it remains firm.
Obviously he wasn’t there to defend himself and centuries later at that. the works presented were altered in translation, and as mentioned not his, he also wrote a great deal outside of the Christian paradigm, Greek philosophy, mysticism and multiple areas of theology. He was a prolific writer. IMHO there still remains a need for a fresh and thorough re-investigation of his works. Its estimated he wrote between 2000 to 6000 books depending on who one believes, Jerome or Epiphanius. Though a small percentage remain.
One fact is certain which will not change, he deserves the title of the greatest scholar of Christian antiquity. I see no comparison.
Unfortunately he was one the last I read of the early church fathers due to this accepted theory of heresy. I’ve come to believe I was wrong. He was a genius and one would do well to read his work and tap into his mind.
