Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) The Orthodox Gnostic: Introducing Clement of Alexandria
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May 1, 2020 Explore the life and thought of Clement of Alexandria, a prolific Christian philosopher who integrated Greek philosophy and Christianity. Discover the esoteric and Gnostic aspects of his beliefs, and his trilogy of teachings on conversion, understanding, and gnosis. Delve into his complex teachings and interpretation of Gnosis, bridging the gap between transcendental consciousness and human existence.
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Christianity As True Philosophy
- Clement portrays Christianity as the true philosophy that absorbs valuable elements of earlier thought.
- He argues the Logos grants partial truth to pre-Christian philosophers while reserving full revelation for Christians.
Clement's Philosophical Pilgrimage
- Clement recounts wandering the East until he found a teacher named Pantinos who guided his Christian education.
- This pilgrimage trope links him to philosophical figures like Pythagoras and Plato to legitimize his authority.
Two-Tier Salvation Model
- Clement blends Christian doctrine with Gnostic-style tiers of knowledge, distinguishing pistis (faith) and gnosis (deeper knowledge).
- He claims Gnostics can be elevated to angelic or divine statuses through transformational knowledge.