Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Recognising the Real in the Forgery: The Pseudo-Clementine Literature
Jan 18, 2023
Explore the complicated textual story of the pseudo-clementines, their relationship to authenticity and forgery, and the power struggles within early Christianity. Discover the significance of Clement of Rome and the complications arising from different factions seeking authority from a prestigious text. Delve into the complex textual history of the pseudo-Clementine writings, their origins, variations, and lost originals. Examine Christianity as Jewish monarchy in the Grunshrift and recognitions, and the theme of recognitions in ancient novels. Analyze the esoteric nature of the Pseudo-Clementine literature and the tensions and authenticity within it, including the influence of Rufinus's Latin translation and its impact on medieval hagiographies.
50:02
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Quick takeaways
- The pseudo-clementines showcase the complexities of forgery, authenticity, and esoteric authority in Western Esotericism.
- The textual struggles within the pseudo-clementines reveal the power struggles and theological debates within early Christianity.
Deep dives
The Pseudo-Clementine Literature and its Relationship to Esoteric Authority
The podcast episode explores the complicated textual story of the literature known as the pseudo-clementines and its significance for the history of Western Esotericism. The main focus is on how the pseudo-clementines are interesting to historians due to their connection to ideas of authenticity, forgery, and the construction of esoteric authority and power. The episode delves into the complex history and composition of the pseudo-clementines, highlighting their relationship to ideas of authenticity and how different players with different theological agendas shaped and reinterpreted the texts over time.
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