Incarnation and Transfiguration: Origen’s Theology of Descent Available to Purchase

This article explores the hermeneutical significance of the Incarnation for Origen’s interpretation of the transfiguration. I first present Origen’s theology of the Incarnation, arguing that his doctrines of the epinoiai and polymorphia of Christ, as manifestations of the divine condescension, suggest a divine relationality and dynamism. I will then illustrate how this understanding of the Incarnation informs Origen’s interpretation of the transfiguration, suggesting that his emphasis on spiritual ascent is balanced by his theology of divine condescension. Based on his kenotic interpretation of the transfiguration, I argue that Origen’s emphasis on divine condescension affirms physical existence as the necessary means by which every individual can attain spiritual union with God.