Clement’s Celestial Temple: Cosmology and Salvation
The Celestial Temple and Its Sanctuaries
Clement’s cosmology, much like Philo’s, presents the universe as a grand celestial temple with two main sanctuaries. The earth and the lower seven heavens, known as the Hebdomad, form the outer sanctuary or "holy place." Clement symbolically represents the earth as "the altar of incense, the symbol of the earth placed in the middle of this universe" (Strom. V.6.33.1). The seven heavens correspond to the planetary spheres— the moon, the sun, and the five known planets—symbolized by the seven lights on the menorah branches housed in the holy place (Strom. V.6.34.8–9).
Above these planetary spheres lie the stars, revolving in unison as a fixed sphere. This sphere marks the boundary of the visible and material cosmos, forming a veil between the outer sanctuary and the inner sanctuary.
The Inner Sanctuary: The Ogdoad
Beyond this celestial veil lies the Ogdoad, the inner sanctuary or "holy of holies." This represents the noetic world, an ideational heaven and earth existing before time and creation, serving as the blueprint for the visible cosmos (Strom. V.6.35.5; VI.8.68.1). Following Philo, Clement interprets the creation narrative in Genesis 1:2–5 as describing this invisible and immaterial cosmos. He sees the "invisible and formless" earth and the light created before the sun and stars as indicative of this noetic realm.
The noetic world contains the forms of all living creatures, which were later created in the material cosmos "according to their kinds"—a phrase from Genesis that Clement understands to mean "according to the intelligible patterns" (Strom. V.14.90.1, 93.4–94.2).
The Hierarchy Above the Noetic World
Clement sometimes refers to regions or realities above the noetic world as "pneumatic" or "spiritual" (τὰ πνευματικά or τὰ πνευματικώτερα). Within these spiritual realms, he envisions a hierarchy of angels, archangels, and the first-created angels, known as protoctists, with Christ, the Logos, at the summit. This hierarchical structure underscores the intricate and multi-layered nature of Clement’s cosmology, blending Platonic and Christian elements to describe the ultimate spiritual ascent.
Scott Brown's Insights
Scott Brown's analysis brings clarity to the complex cosmological and soteriological ideas in Clement’s writings. By interpreting the universe as a celestial temple and detailing the soul’s progression through various stages of purification and enlightenment, Brown reveals the deep spiritual significance embedded in Clement’s thought. His work highlights how Clement integrates Platonic and Christian concepts to depict a comprehensive journey of the soul toward ultimate perfection and divine union.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, Scott Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark is an essential resource. Brown meticulously examines Clement’s cosmology and conception of salvation, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.
Conclusion
Clement of Alexandria’s vision of the cosmos as a celestial temple offers a rich and intricate framework for understanding the soul’s journey toward divine truth. His depiction of the outer and inner sanctuaries, the process of purification, and the ultimate ascent to the noetic world reflect a profound blend of Platonic philosophy and Christian theology. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of Clement’s mystical cosmology, shedding light on the great mysteries that define early Christian spirituality. For a deeper dive into these fascinating ideas, Brown’s paper is a must-read, providing a comprehensive understanding of Clement’s theological and cosmological vision.
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