Erasmus of Rotterdam’s Reception of Origen’s Understanding of Human Freedom

Abstract

This article explores Erasmus of Rotterdam’s reception of Origen of Alexandria’s understanding of human freedom. While Erasmus is often associated with his debate with Martin Luther on the topic of free will, this article focuses on his incorporation of Origen’s ideas into his own works. Origen’s belief that human beings’ rationality and free will are a result of their participation in the divine Logos, or rationality itself, greatly influenced Erasmus’ understanding of human freedom. This article provides references to Origen’s works, including De principiis, and examines how Erasmus used and adapted these ideas in his own treatise on free will.