Clement of Alexandria – Scripture, Knowledge & Apologetics

Clement of Alexandria (c.150 – 214 AD) – not to be confused with Clement of Rome – lived and worked in one of the most important cultural, religious & trade centres of the ancient world.  His writings reflect this eclectic setting and address three distinct audiences of his day – unorthodox Christian sects (the “Gnostics”), simplistic Christian believers, and educated non-Christians.

Writing at the end of the second century, approximately 150+ years post-Resurrection, Clement was well versed in the “writings of the Church”. But the inspired texts with which he was familiar are not identical with those you’d find in a Bible today, as the process of the formation of the canon (agreed collection of texts) was still underway.

The eclectic religious and philosophical atmosphere of Alexandria had given rise to various unorthodox Christian sects (collectively often referred to as the “gnostics”), and Clement’s opposition to such groups form a major theme in his writings.  For Clement, Christ is the supreme Teacher, and his teachings (handed on by the apostles) are the true “gnosis” (knowledge), in opposition to the speculations of the gnostic sects.

A major theme in Clement’s work is his determination to show that Christianity is not alien to the highly prized Greek culture and philosophy of the day.  Instead, Clement presented the teachings of Christ to his educated audience as the supreme philosophy.  We’ll therefore also touch on his approach to “apologetics” (the defence/presentation of the Christian faith).

In short, Clement will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on these three key topics of Scripture, Knowledge and Apologetics.

This Study Day is the first in a series focussing on a number of important figures from the Early Church, spanning the late-second to mid-fifth centuries.  Each set will provide an introduction to the individual in question, covering their life, work and unique contribution to the issues of their day with the aim to provide inspiration and provoke reflection for us in our contemporary setting.

Do I need to have any previous knowledge?
Absolutely no previous knowledge of Church history or theology is assumed (although clergy or readers with some background knowledge will still find much of interest).  If you’ve read all the way down to this bit and are still interested, you’re sufficiently qualified to attend!

Location
This Study Day is being held in the Ursell Room at Pusey House, Oxford. The entrance for Pusey House is on St Giles’ – you can try the door, but may need to press the intercom buzzer to speak to someone to gain access.  Once inside, go up a few steps straight ahead of you and then turn right down the corridor.  Follow this corridor as far as it goes (you can’t go wrong!). Just before you arrive at some stairs, the Ursell Room is to your left.

Do I need to book?
Yes please, it helps to know who we’re expecting!

Cost
This day is being offered on a “Pay-what-you-Want” (or what you can afford) basis.  Feel free to choose the most suitable option when booking.