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But God, who is the beginning of all things, is not to be…

“But God, who is the beginning of all things, is not to be regarded as a composite being, lest perchance there should be found to exist elements prior to the beginning itself, out of which everything is composed, whatever that be which is called composite.” quote by Origen
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“But God, who is the beginning of all things, is not to be regarded as a composite being, lest perchance there should be found to exist elements prior to the beginning itself, out of which everything is composed, whatever that be which is called composite.”

Origen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The ultimate source of everything cannot be a composite, because that would imply something existed before the beginning.

In simple terms: The first cause isn’t made of parts.

Key Takeaway

Seek the simplest explanation for origins.

Themes

philosophy theology cosmology

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • scientific inquiry
  • theological debate
  • philosophical study
  • educational lectures

Key Concepts

causality prime mover ontological argument

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can a simple cause account for all complexity?
  • What evidence supports a non-composite origin?
A Different Perspective

Complexity may be necessary to explain certain phenomena.

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