From Self-Mutilation to Church Controversy
Whether he actually cut himself or enemies made up the story later, it shows early Christians’ complex views about bodies and sex. Despite Origen’s brilliance, controversy followed him throughout life. He died from torture during Emperor Decius’ persecution. Church councils later banned self-made eunuchs from priesthood, perhaps because of Origen’s example. Unlike Eastern court eunuchs who filled recognized roles, Western religious eunuchs faced much different treatment.
