Early Theologians
Symposium of the Ten Virgins & On the Resurrection
Methodius of Olympus · c. 290 – 311
Historical Context
Bishop in Lycia or Olympus and a martyr under Diocletian; the last significant Greek theologian before Nicaea.
Summary
The Symposium is a Christian reworking of Plato's dialogue in praise of virginity as anticipation of the resurrection life; On the Resurrection defends the bodily resurrection against Origen's more spiritualising account. Methodius bridges the age of the martyrs and the Nicene Church.
Major Themes
- Virginity and eschatology
- Bodily resurrection
- Response to Origen
- Christian Platonism
Important Quotations
“Virginity is a great thing, and admirable, and glorious.”— Symposium 1
Related Doctrines
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- L. G. Patterson, Methodius of Olympus: Divine Sovereignty, Human Freedom, and Life in Christ