Origen and the Two Swords

[archierieus]

Years ago, I read a very interesting book on the development of Christian doctrine, entitled, 'Origen and the Two Swords.' I no longer have the book, due to divorce. However, I do recall reading the fascinating development of the concept of interrelation between the Church and the State, derived by Origen from one verse in the gospels in which Peter said, 'Lord, here are two swords,' and Jesus responded, 'That is enough.' From that rather obscure passage, apparently a whole doctrine was developed. Has anyone here done any study on the doctrine of the 'two swords,' which was used by the Post-Nicene Church to approve the support of the Church by the State?

Dave

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Subscribing......

 

[Christos Anesti]

I've enjoyed reading some of Origens Bible commentary and I've learned a lot form him. At times he can kind of go on really contrived allegorical interpretations of Scripture though.