Now the titles of these beings have to be explained, that we may know what they are of whom we have to speak. The name, then, of Devil, and Satan, and Wicked One, who is also described as Enemy of God, is mentioned in many passages of Scripture. Moreover, certain angels of the devil are mentioned, and also a prince of this world, who, whether the devil himself or some one else, is not yet clearly manifest. There are also certain princes of this world spoken of as possessing a kind of wisdom which will come to nought; but whether these are those princes who are also the principalities with whom we have to wrestle, or other beings, seems to me a point on which it is not easy for any one to pronounce. (Book I, Chapter 5, Part 1)

I have chosen to give scripture authority. The authority I grant it is as a source of ancient wisdom, poetic insight, and spiritual intelligence.

By engaging scripture as a source of these strengths, I try to step beyond my own limited experience and my intelligence.

Outside of scripture I do not give much attention to evil, my own or any external examples.

I see and hear dramatic examples of what must be called evil. I am inclined, however, to give more attention to the symptoms rather than the source of evil.

Origen is using scripture to try to help us better perceived the origin of evil.

The image is of hell by Hieronymus Bosch.