Origen: Against Celsus, Books I–VIII

Chapter XXIX.

But Celsus perhaps has misunderstood certain of those whom he has termed “worms,” when they affirm that “God exists, and that we are next to Him.” And he acts like those who would find fault with an entire sect of philosophers, on account of certain words uttered by some rash youth who, after a three days’ attendance upon the lectures of a philosopher, should exalt himself above other people as inferior to himself, and devoid of philosophy. For we know that there are many creatures more honourable ^{Edition note 1} than man; and we have read that “God standeth in the congregation of gods,” ^{Edition note 2} but of gods who are not worshipped by the nations, “for all the gods of the nations are idols.” ^{Edition note 3} We have read also, that “God, standing in the congregation of the gods, judgeth among the gods.” ^{Edition note 4} We know, moreover, that

And we know that in this way the angels are superior to men; so that men, when made perfect, become like the angels. “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but the righteous are as the angels in heaven,” ^{Edition note 6} and also become “equal to the angels.” ^{Edition note 7} We know, too, that in the arrangement of the universe there are certain beings termed “thrones,” and others “dominions,” and others “powers,” and others “principalities;” and we see that we men, who are far inferior to these, may entertain the hope that by a virtuous life, and by acting in all things agreeably to reason, we may rise to a likeness with all these.

And, lastly, because “it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like God, and shall see Him as He is.” ^{Edition note 8} And if any one were to maintain what is asserted by some (either by those who possess intelligence or who do not, but have misconceived sound reason), that “God exists, and we are next to Him,” I would interpret the word “we,” by using in its stead, “We who act according to reason,” or rather, “We virtuous, who act according to reason.” ^{Edition note 9} For, in our opinion, the same virtue belongs to all the blessed, so that the virtue of man and of God is identical. ^{Edition note 10} And therefore we are taught to become “perfect,” as our Father in heaven is perfect. ^{Edition note 11} No good and virtuous man, then, is a “worm rolling in filth,” nor is a pious man an “ant,” nor a righteous man a “frog;” nor could one whose soul is enlightened with the bright light of truth be reasonably likened to a “bird of the night.”