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Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Mystagogic Patchwork: Esoteric Writing in Clement’s Stromateis
May 30, 2020
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the esoteric writing methodologies in Clement's Stromateis, including the concept of 'public secrecy' and the reasons behind Clement's esotericism. They also explore topics such as the patchwork nature of the text, faith, asceticism, martyrdom, Gnostic Christianity, and esoteric themes. Additionally, they analyze different perspectives on interpreting Plato's Republic and discuss Straussian esoteric writing. The podcast concludes with an exploration of rhetorical paradox and mystic secrecy in Book Five of the Stromateis.
44:26
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Quick takeaways
- Clement employs esoteric writing to transmit Christian teachings and protect them from distortion by heretics.
- Clement's use of ineffable discourse and cultural notions of secrecy highlights the paradox of preserving mystic secrets while acknowledging their unsayable nature.
Deep dives
The Stromateis as the Most Esoteric Document from Antiquity
The Stromateis of Clement of Alexandria is considered the most esoteric document surviving from antiquity. Clement's intentional scattering of his teachings throughout the text follows a Straussian approach to writing, ensuring that the true teachings are discovered by the philosophic readers.
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