Ante-Nicene Fathers (Volume 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence 'The stromata or miscellanies' by beginning Book I and reading Chapters 1 to 19.
Today we begin another of Clement's works.
Clement encourages the reading of books, particularly philosophical works. He teaches us that although there are flaws within their writings, they are nevertheless useful. In fact philosophy can bring you to God: 'Philosophy, therefore, was a preparation, paving the way for him who is perfected in Christ.'
However, it is important to note what Clement means by philosophy: 'And philosophy—I do not mean the Stoic, or the Platonic, or the Epicurean, or the Aristotelian, but whatever has been well said by each of those sects, which teach righteousness along with a science pervaded by piety,—this eclectic whole I call philosophy.'
Thus the problem with philosophy is when certain philosophy 'abolishes providence and deifies pleasure, and whatever other philosophy honours the elements, but places not over them the efficient cause, nor apprehends the Creator.'
Clement also gives us a history of Grecian philosophers and shows us the influence of Barbarians on Greek philosophical thought.
I appreciated the reminder that God has given all creatures a sense of morality: 'Again, God has created us naturally social and just; whence justice must not be said to take its rise from implantation alone. But the good imparted by creation is to be conceived of as excited by the commandment; the soul being trained to be willing to select what is noblest. '
We all do have a knowledge of right and wrong, but sadly people do not recognise this as evidence of God's goodness toward us. Nor do they always choose to do what is right.
Conclude Book 1 of 'The stromata or miscellanies'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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