University of California Press Politics and Exegesis: Origen and the Two Swords

Politics and Exegesis: Origen and the Two Swords delves into the interplay between biblical exegesis and political thought, using the allegory of the "two swords" in Luke 22:38 as a focal point. Widely cited in medieval debates over the balance of spiritual and temporal powers, this passage became a cornerstone for articulating the relationship between Church and state. This book argues that the foundations for the medieval interpretation of the two swords were laid by Origen of Alexandria, whose theological and exegetical innovations influenced centuries of political thought. While Origen may not have directly commented on the "two swords" passage, his broader exegetical framework and theological insights provided the intellectual basis for interpreting it as a metaphor for dual authority. The book situates Origen's contributions within his dual identity as a biblical scholar and a philosopher, exploring how his exegetical methods shaped his theology of politics. By analyzing Origen’s interpretation of warfare and his nuanced understanding of the relationship between literal and spiritual readings of scripture, the work demonstrates how his thought bridged scriptural exegesis and practical theology. The study ultimately positions Origen as a pivotal figure whose ideas informed the medieval Church's use of scripture to address political and institutional questions, particularly in debates over the division of powers between kings and the papacy. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1979.