Where do our temptations come from? Origen analyzes whether they arise from flesh, spirit, or hostile powers, concluding that while natural movements like hunger are not demonic, the devil exploits our excesses (1 Peter 5:8). Augustine counsels humility in interpretation, warning us not to claim Moses for our side but to love truth in common. Aquinas rejects wealth, honor, and power as happiness, for they are fragile and fleeting. Only God can satisfy the infinite longing of the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
Origen, De Principiis, Book 1, Chapter 4
Augustine, Confessions, Book 12, Chapter 25
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Q.3, Articles 5–6
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