An Esoteric Reading of Clement of Alexandria's Stromatase

Clement of Alexandria employs esoteric hermeneutics in his writings, particularly in the Stromatase. He uses this method to interpret various ancient texts, including Hebrew Scriptures, Greek literature, Egyptian symbolism, and Pythagorean cryptic sayings. Clement adopts a strongly perennialist approach, considering a wide range of authorities and traditions as potential sources of esoteric wisdom. He also incorporates Christian scriptures and oral teachings into his overall esoteric framework. While the specific esoteric doctrines of Clement are not explicitly stated, his approach suggests the presence of teachings related to matters such as the nature of creation, the apocatastasis (universal salvation), and cosmological principles of ascent and deification. These esoteric teachings are contrasted with incorrect interpretations made by other Gnostic groups and are presented as accessible only to the Gnostic elite guided by the Logos.