Against Nathan Porter: Strom.1.8.41 and the Case of the Misused Rhetorical Arts

In Strom.1.8.41, Clement of Alexandria makes a critical analogy that parallels the argument presented in Ep.366. This passage serves as a crucial hinge in his discourse, describing the dangers of false teaching and the diversion it causes, thereby imperiling the believer's spiritual ascent. Clement's critique is particularly focused on the misuse of rhetorical arts, which he perceives as a disease that distracts from the truth.

The Analogy in Strom.1.8.41

Clement uses the phrase "ουτοι οι τα καταρτια κατασπωντες και μηθεν υφαινοντες, φησιν η γραφη"—translated as "these are those who 'drag down the masts and weave nothing', as the text has it." This line is a metaphorical critique of those who engage in deceptive rhetoric and sophistry. By dragging down the masts, they essentially destroy the means of progress and navigation, leaving the vessel (the soul) directionless and unproductive.

Sophistry as a Disease

Clement elaborates on the harmful nature of sophistry, comparing it to a disease:

"But the art of sophistry, which the Greeks cultivated, is a fantastic power, which makes false opinions like true by means of words... These arts, therefore, if not conjoined with philosophy, will be injurious to everyone... But truth is not in these at all."

He continues by referencing the apostle Paul, who condemns such misleading teachings:

"With reason, therefore, the noble apostle, deprecating these superfluous arts occupied about words, says, 'If any man do not give heed to healthful words, but is puffed up by a kind of teaching, knowing nothing, but being diseased [νοσων] about questions and strifes of words...'"

Euripides' Tragic Insight

Clement supports his argument with a quote from Euripides' Phoenician Women:

"Very beautifully, therefore, the tragic poet Euripides says in the Phoenician Women, 'But a wrongful speech is diseased [νοσων] in itself, and needs skilful medicines.'"

This citation underscores the idea that false rhetoric is inherently harmful and requires correction through truthful teaching—the "healthful Logos."

False Teachers as Deceptive Weavers

Clement then returns to his nautical metaphor:

"These are they who 'drag down the masts and weave nothing', as the text has it; prosecuting a futile task, which the apostle has called 'cunning craftiness of men whereby they lie in wait to deceive'..."

This metaphor illustrates the futility and destructiveness of false teaching. Those who engage in such practices are likened to weavers who produce nothing of value, effectively sabotaging the spiritual journey of believers.

The Involuntary Deprivation of Good

Clement concludes by discussing how individuals are led astray:

"Men are deprived of what is good unwillingly. Nevertheless they are deprived either by being deceived or beguiled, or by being compelled and not believing... Above all, men are beguiled who are either bewitched by pleasure [ηδονης] or terrified by fear."

This involuntary deprivation results from various forms of deception and compulsion, but ultimately, it prevents the attainment of true knowledge.

Conclusion

Nathan Porter's argument that Ep.366 is a C4/C5 forgery fails to account for the intricate and consistent use of specific vocabulary and metaphors that are distinctly Clementine. The use of κατασπαω in both Strom.1.8.41 and Ep.366 is not merely coincidental but reflects Clement's broader theological framework, emphasizing the catastrophic nature of moral and intellectual failure. This consistent thematic and linguistic usage strengthens the case for Clementine authorship of Ep.366, revealing his characteristic style and preoccupations.