May 2016 – Page 14

Greek philosophy was separate fragments of truth

So, then, the barbarian and Hellenic philosophy has torn off a fragment of eternal truth not from the mythology of Dionysus, but from the theology of the ever-living Word. And He who brings again together the separate fragments, and makes them one, will without peril, be assured, contemplate the perfect Word, the truth. Therefore it is written in Ecclesiastes: “And I added wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem; and my heart saw many things; and besides, I knew wisdom and knowledge, parables and understanding. And this also is the choice of the spirit, because in abundance of wisdom is abundance of knowledge.”

Clement of Alexandria
The Stromata, Book I
Chapter XIII

The Spirit spoke through the prophets

For the prophets and disciples of the Spirit knew infallibly their mind. For they knew it by faith, in a way which others could not easily, as the Spirit has said.

Clement of Alexandria
The Stromata, Book I
Chapter IX

Good works have no advantage without faith

And now we must look also at this, that if ever those who know not how to do well, live well; for they have lighted on well-doing. Some, too, have aimed well at the word of truth through understanding. “But Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith.” It is therefore of no advantage to them after the end of life, even if they do good works now, if they have not faith.

…For the teaching of piety is a gift, but faith is grace. “For by doing the will of God we know the will of God.”

Clement of Alexandria
The Stromata, Book I
Chapter

Philosophy paved the way for Christ

Philosophy, therefore, was a preparation, paving the way for him who is perfected in Christ.

Clement of Alexandria
The Stromata, Book I
Chapter V

Heresies are judged against tradition

The dogmas taught by remarkable sects will be adduced; and to these will be opposed all that ought to be premised in accordance with the profoundest contemplation of the knowledge, which, as we proceed to the renowned and venerable canon of tradition, from the creation of the world, will advance to our view; setting before us what according to natural contemplation necessarily has to be treated of beforehand, and clearing off what stands in the way of this arrangement. So that we may have our ears ready for the reception of the tradition of true knowledge;