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This paper aims to be the first step toward accomplishing the program of the reconstruction of the argumentation in Origen's Contra Celsum. The first section treats some preliminary questions about the debate and about the interrelation between the logical, dialectical point of view and theory of argumentation, after which the author tries to identify and to classify the Origenian arguments. The Christian theologian sets a formal refutation against Celsus' informal criticism. Origen's charges aim at showing that his opponent's manifestations are inaccurate wordings, false factual propositions, ungrounded statements, self-contradictions and false reasoning which can be discovered only by a professional knowledge of dialectics. It cannot be affirmed that Origen wanted to refute every statement of Celsus, although the criticism of the Alexandrian master extends also to the refutation of the presuppositions or surmised presuppositions of Celsian statements and interrogations. In the course of the critics a common theoretical ground is outlined which is shared by both the Greek philosopher and the Christian theologian: the acceptance of the theistic idea [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]