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The pre-existence of souls

Doctrine · On the last things · c. 230–553

Souls existed before their bodies and are joined to them in consequence of an earlier fall.

The companion proposition, and the one the sixth-century anathemas name first.

Refused it

  • 553 — The Second Council of Constantinople (Anathematizes). Anathematizes the pre-existence of souls and the monstrous restoration that follows from it. The Seven Ecumenical Councils (NPNF series 2 vol. 14) · Constantinople II (553), the anathemas against Origen, anathema 1

In the disputes

  • The Origenist dispute Three centuries after his death, propositions circulating under Origen's name — the pre-existence of souls, the restoration of all things — were anathematized by name at Constantinople.

First stated in this form after The Seven Ecumenical Councils (NPNF series 2 vol. 14) · Constantinople II (553), the anathemas against Origen, anathema 1.