Clement’s Cosmology and Conception of Salvation

The mysteries of the heavens and the soul’s progression through them are central to the cosmology and soteriology of Clement of Alexandria. In his profound examination of these themes, Scott Brown offers valuable insights in his paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark. Brown’s detailed analysis helps illuminate Clement’s complex vision of the universe and the path to salvation.

Clement’s Celestial Temple

For Clement, the cosmos is envisioned as a vast celestial temple, with the earth and the heavens forming a unified structure. Each tier of this cosmic temple represents an increase in holiness, analogous to the sequence of courts in an earthly temple (Strom. VI.14.114.1–4). The Christian mysteries serve as stages of purification, enabling the soul’s advancement through this celestial temple. The level of initiation attained within the church directly influences the soul’s initial heavenly abode upon death. Thereafter, the soul continues its journey of perfection from the stage where it left off.

The Soul’s Ascension

In Clement’s cosmology, the soul’s ascent is a process of gradual purification and enlightenment. Souls that attain the lower heavenly spheres upon death are subjected to torment and punishment for sins committed after baptism (Strom. VI.14.109.3; VII.2.12.5). As the soul progresses through the higher heavens of the material cosmos, it acquires virtue and purifies itself of remaining passions and material attachments (Strom. VI.14.109.1). This process results in the soul’s spiritual body becoming progressively lighter and more radiant (Exc. 27.1; Strom. IV.18.116.2–117.2).

Clement suggests that the perfection of the human condition is achieved in the sixth heaven, paralleling God’s creation of humans on the sixth day. The soul then enters a state of repose in the seventh heaven, reflecting God’s rest on the seventh day (Strom. VI.16.141.3). The gnostic soul subsequently leaves the material cosmos for the noetic world (Strom. VI.14.108.1), where it sheds its spiritual body (Exc. 27.1–2) and becomes an angel. This angelic soul continues to ascend through six additional stages, learning the great mysteries of the immaterial cosmos (Ecl. 57.5). The highest state of repose is attained thereafter.

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown’s scholarly work underscores the intricate and layered nature of Clement’s cosmology and soteriology. By interpreting the cosmos as a celestial temple and detailing the soul’s progression through various stages of purification and enlightenment, Brown highlights the deep spiritual significance embedded in Clement’s thought. Brown’s analysis reveals how Clement integrates Platonic and Christian ideas to depict a comprehensive journey of the soul towards ultimate perfection and divine union.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of these complex themes, Scott Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark is an essential read. Brown meticulously explores 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 and the soul’s journey through it is a profound blend of Platonic philosophy and Christian theology. His depiction of the celestial temple and the stages of purification offer a rich framework for understanding the path to salvation. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis brings clarity to these intricate ideas, highlighting the depth of Clement’s mystical theology. For anyone interested in the spiritual and intellectual traditions of early Christianity, Brown’s work is an invaluable resource, shedding light on the great mysteries that lie at the heart of Clement’s teachings.