Clement of Alexandria, Miscellanies (Stromata) Book VII

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INTRODUCTION.

CHAPTER I.

On the Title Stromateis.

Meaning of the term στρωματεύς (Stromateus) literally "patchwork" or "miscellany". Its use to denote a particular kind of composition. The Stromateis of Clement in their relation to his earlier writings. Why he made use of this form of composition. He had to clear away the prejudices of his hearers and prepare them to receive his more advanced teaching. pp. xi—xxi.

CHAPTER II.

Influence of Greek Philosophy on the Theology and Ethics of Clement.

Views of Harnack, Hatch, and Deissmann regarding the secularization of Christianity in the second and third centuries. Good and bad secularization. The former pervades the Bible from one end to the other. Spread of Hellenism among the Jews. Hellenism in the New Testament. Beneficial effect of Greek philosophy as brought to bear on the Judaizing morality of the Didache The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Ambrose's adaptation of Cicero's De Officiis On Duties becomes the textbook of Christian ethics. Clement is a representative of Hellenic culture. Harnack's judgment of him. He introduces Greek method into theology. Instances of definition and of syllogistic reasoning. The criterion of truth to be found in the general voice of Scripture as interpreted by the tradition of the Church and by our sense of what is in harmony with the character of God. The principle of allegorical interpretation is borrowed from the Stoics. Typical instances of right and wrong borrowing from philosophy on the part of Clement: (1) regarding the idea of God, (2) the identity of virtue in man and God, (3) the nature of punishment, (4) the introduction of a double standard by means of the distinction between the "gnostic" one who has attained higher spiritual knowledge and the ordinary believer. List of philosophical terms used in Stromateis VII. pp. xxii—xlix.