The Contribution of Pierre Daniel Huet to the Modern Study of Origen

With his 'Origeniana', Pierre-Daniel Huet undoubtedly reached the peak of Origenian studies in the 17th century. This chapter, first of all, aims at tracing the sequence of events which led Huet to the publication of his 'Origenis in sacras Scripturas Commentaria' (1668), the first comprehensive corpus of the Greek Origen, containing the Greek exegetical writings of the Alexandrian scholar. It subsequently focuses on the critical analysis and interpretation of Origen's thought conducted by Huet in his 'Origeniana'. Furthermore, it explores and discusses some vexed questions which divided scholars at that time (such as the invocation of Angels, the Eucharist, the issues of freedom and grace, the Trinity). The purpose of this essay is to clarify Huet's role with reference to the 17th-century rediscovery of Origen Adamantius, by reconstructing the historical and theological background behind the composition of the 'Origeniana'.