The Fourteenth Gathering of the International Origen Colloquium
Origen and the Development of Christian Thought
Join us for the the Fourteenth Gathering of the International Origen Colloquium: Origen and the Development of Christian Thought. The gathering takes place at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA from 10-14 August 2026.
Registration is coming soon.
Questions?
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
Monday, August 10, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Opening LectureOne 45-minute lecture |
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Plenary LectureOne 45-minute lecture |
| 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Short Paper SessionFour 20-minute papers |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Workshop SessionFour 20-minute papers and discussion |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Short Paper SessionFour 20-minute papers |
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Plenary SessionTwo 30-minute lectures |
| 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Quaestiones disputatae*Two 30-minute papers and discussion |
| 12:30–6:00 p.m. | Cultural Activity |
Thursday, August 12, 2026 | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Plenary SessionTwo 30-minute lectures |
| 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Short Paper SessionFour 20-minute papers |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Workshop SessionFour 20-minute papers and discussion |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Digital HumanitiesPresentation and discussion |
Friday, August 14, 2026 | |
| 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Plenary LectureOne 45-minute lecture |
| 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Quaestiones disputatae*Two 30-minute papers and discussion |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Closing Panel |
*At the Origeniana XIV, we would like to experiment with the quaestio disputata format. Organizing these sessions presents certain challenges, but we will make the attempt. We propose several quaestiones disputatae related to Origen and his legacy. Those interested may submit their abstracts, which will be evaluated by the organizers.
When two proposals on the same topic but with different viewpoints are received, a quaestio disputata will be established. Otherwise, the proposal will be assigned to a Short Paper or Workshop session. The quaestiones we propose are the following (though we remain open to others):
- Is Origen a systematic thinker?
- Did Arianism emerge as a consequence of Origen’s theology?
- Is there a Political Theology in Origen’s work?
- After the resurrection, will the body be purified or annihilated?
- Did Origen actually hold the doctrine of the preexistence of souls?
The conference schedule will be adapted based on the proposals the organizers receive.
Dear Colleagues,
The link to submit paper proposals and proposals for pre-arranged thematic sessions at Origeniana XIV is now available. Please note that the proposal itself should be uploaded along with the form.
The deadline to submit proposals is February 1, 2026. Notification of acceptance of all papers and session proposals will be made by February 15, 2026.
As announced in the First Circular Letter, the theme of the conference is “Origen and the Development of Christian Thought.” Origen of Alexandria played a crucial role in the development of Christian thought. It is possible to distinguish two aspects of his role. On the one hand, many early Christian doctrines achieved definitive formulation in the writings of Origen. On the other hand, his teaching was the point of departure for further development. For example, many early intuitions about biblical interpretation acquired a coherent theory in Origen's writings; it is also possible to understand later theological controversies as struggles between competing versions of, or reactions against, Origen's theology. Therefore, the Colloquium Origenianum Quartum Decimum welcomes two categories of papers: those that examine the reception of earlier Christian thought in Origen, and those that study the influence of Origen on later Christian thought. Consequently, the Conference will not have a specific theme, but rather a general perspective, namely, the place of Origen in the dynamic processes involved in the formation of Christian thought.
Types of Sessions
In addition to the invited Plenary Lectures, there will be three kinds of sessions at the meeting. On the form you will be asked for what kind of session you wish your paper to be considered.
Individual Short Papers: These sessions will consist of four papers of 20 minutes each, plus discussion.
Workshop Sessions with a Common Theme: These will consist of four papers of 20 minutes each, plus discussion. Each paper proposal should be submitted separately by each speaker, but the proposal should state that it is intended for a workshop session and indicate the theme and other speakers involved.
Quaestiones disputatae: These sessions—an experimental innovation for Origeniana—will include two papers of 30 minutes each, approaching a controversial question in Origenian studies from different perspectives.
Are you a PhD student interested on discussing your project with senior professors? Please indicate the topic of your dissertation to the conference organizers (origenianaxiv@gmail.com).
Guidelines for Paper Proposals
Successful proposals will (1) offer a clear indication of the thesis to be argued; (2) indicate which primary sources will be discussed; (3) indicate the relevant methodological, historiographical, theological, and/or philosophical approach to be taken; (4) show that the sources considered (including archaeology and material culture) fall within the parameters of Origenian studies, including both Origen, his contemporaries, and his reception.
Eligibility
All presenters at the meeting must be registered for the meeting. Participants should submit no more than one proposal.
The AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle is offering a special group rate of $239 USD per night.
Last Day to Book: Friday, July 10, 2026
