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CH101 - The Third CenturyThe Expansion of the Church, 202 - 303 A.D.
Clement of Alexandria
Eagerly desiring, then, to perfect us by a gradation conducive to salvation, suited for efficacious discipline, a beautiful arrangement is observed by the all-benignant Word, who first exhorts, then trains, and finally teaches. Paidagogus I.1.1-3
In summary, Clement uses his three works to point the way for the spiritual journey: he "exhorts" the hearer to embrace the gospel; he "tutors" the young believer in foundational principles - his second work deals with sacraments and spiritual ethics; finally, he lays out teaching for the mature believer in the final work, "Miscellanies."
My Ph.D. research focused on Clement of Alexandria, specifically Stromateis: "Spiritual Contemplation in Clement of Alexandria's Stromateis: The Adaptation of the Philosophical Category Theoria," (Ph.D. Thesis, University of St Andrews - March 2001).
See a summary of my research on Stromateis and "Christian Spirituality."
Summary of Protrepticus
And his whole life is a holy festival. His sacrifices are prayers, and praises, and readings in the Scriptures before meals, and psalms and hymns during meals and before bed, and prayers also again during night. By these he unites himself to the divine choir...engaged in contemplation which has everlasting remembrance. Strom VII.7.46,4; 49,4-5
His whole life is prayer and converse with God. And if he be pure from sins, he will by all means obtain what he wishes. For God says to the righteous man, "Ask, and I will give thee; think, and I will do." Strom. VII.12.73,1; 13.81,4
Clement's influence was eclipsed by his successor, Origen of Alexandria.
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Severe Roman Persecution of Christians Third Century Christian Baptism Third Century Bishops Third Century Church Fathers 3rd Century Christianity Clement of Alexandria and Heresy Clement of Alexandria and The Instructor |
Origen of Alexandria Decian Persecutions Cyprian on The Lapsed Bishop Cyprian - Novatians Cyprian - Lapsed Christians Clement of Alexandria and Prayer Clement of Alexandria and Prayer |
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