Clement and the Riddle of Nakedness: A Solution from Gnostic Thought

Clement of Alexandria, a prominent early Christian theologian, often delved into complex allegorical interpretations of scripture, weaving together elements from Jewish and Greek thought. One particularly intriguing aspect of his writings is his exploration of the concept of nakedness in relation to the gnostic soul, which he discusses in his work, Stromateis. This blog post aims to shed light on Clement's interpretation and its deeper significance.

The Allegory of Sacrifice and Nakedness

In Stromateis 5.11.68, Clement draws upon Leviticus and Philo of Alexandria to illustrate the process of spiritual purification and enlightenment. He references the commandment to skin holocausts and divide them into parts, interpreting this as a metaphor for the gnostic soul’s journey. For Clement, the gnostic soul must be stripped of material concerns and passions, akin to the burnt offering being skinned and divided. This process symbolizes the soul being laid bare, free from the distractions and impurities of the physical world, and consecrated to the divine light.

Clement's use of the term “gnostic soul” (γνωστική ψυχή) signifies a soul that has attained a higher level of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment. This soul, he argues, must be devoid of the frivolities and passions associated with the body, reflecting a deeper Platonic influence where the material world is seen as inferior to the realm of forms or ideas.

Philo's Influence and the Division of the Soul

Clement’s interpretation is heavily influenced by Philo of Alexandria, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who also engaged in allegorical readings of the Hebrew Bible. Philo, in his work Sacrifices of Cain and Abel, interprets the commandment in Leviticus to skin and divide the burnt offering as a metaphor for the soul being stripped of false opinions and divided according to its virtues. For Philo, this process allows the soul to achieve clarity and order, free from the confusion and deception of erroneous beliefs.

Clement adopts Philo’s framework but focuses more on the ethical implications. He emphasizes the need for the soul to be purified from material desires and passions, aligning with his broader theological agenda of advocating for a life of virtue and asceticism.

The Significance of Nakedness in Secret Mark

The concept of nakedness takes on additional layers of meaning when examined in the context of the so-called Secret Gospel of Mark, a controversial and debated text attributed to Clement. In this text, a youth comes to Jesus, “wearing a linen cloth over his naked body,” symbolizing the soul that has been stripped of its material coverings and is prepared for divine enlightenment.

Clement’s interpretation of this scene aligns with his broader allegorical approach. The youth represents the gnostic soul, which, having shed its material and passionate integuments, is ready to receive the divine light. This idea is further reinforced by the parallels drawn between the youth and the sacrificial offerings discussed by Philo and Clement. Just as the burnt offering is skinned and divided, the gnostic soul must be laid bare and purified to achieve true spiritual knowledge.

The Role of Sacrifice and Imitation

In Stromateis 7.3, Clement expands on the theme of sacrifice, emphasizing the role of the gnostic in imitating Christ’s sacrifice. He speaks of the gnostic soul being consecrated to God, much like the sacrificial offerings in the Hebrew Bible. This consecration involves not just a physical act, but a profound spiritual transformation where the individual’s soul is aligned with divine will.

Clement’s allegorical interpretation suggests that the true sacrifice is not the physical act of offering burnt offerings, but the spiritual act of purifying the soul and dedicating it to God. This process involves a metaphorical death and rebirth, where the old, passion-driven self is put to death, and the new, enlightened self is born.

Conclusion: Solving the Riddle

Clement’s exploration of nakedness and sacrifice provides a rich tapestry of allegorical thought, drawing on Jewish and Hellenistic traditions to convey his vision of spiritual enlightenment. The riddle of nakedness, as solved by Clement, reveals the journey of the gnostic soul as it sheds its material coverings and passions, undergoing a profound transformation that prepares it for union with the divine.

In this framework, the youth in the Secret Gospel of Mark epitomizes the gnostic soul, stripped of its material distractions and ready to receive divine wisdom. Clement’s interpretation underscores the importance of inner purity and spiritual dedication, highlighting the transformative power of true gnosis in the journey toward enlightenment.