“This rigorously argued, clearly written and path-breaking study offers Origen as a model for those who cannot accept everything the Bible says at face value but still consider it authoritative.” - Joseph Trigg, Independent Scholar

“Here is an utterly refreshing and surprising rediscovery of Origen’s contribution to thought and faith in the western world.” - Peter Ochs, University of Virginia

“In directing our attention to the logical substructure of Origen’s exegetical procedure, James has established a highly innovative approach that should direct the course of future research into the subject for years to come." - John Solheid, Church History

“James’ work accomplishes many things. At the level of patristic scholarship, it resituates Origen in linguistic and pragmatic terms. For biblical hermeneutics, it provides a helpful way of reconceiving the nature and authority of scripture as something that is enacted rather than simply assented to. And in the broadest terms of political and ethical Christian reflection, it reimagines what it means to relate to a living tradition as hospitable invitation into a developing craft. May there be many more such works.” - Nathan Herschberger, Modern Theology