Decoding Clement's Letter to Theodore

In the intriguing debate over the Letter to Theodore, purportedly authored by Clement of Alexandria, the phrase "Therefore, indeed, true and according to true philosophy is the explanation” offers a significant clue. This phrase harks back to the letter's opening lines, where Clement speaks of many kinds of truth but accepts only the true truth, as well as “the exegesis … which leads the hearers into the innermost sanctuary of truth hidden by seven veils.” This deliberate recapitulation of earlier themes suggests that the letter is drawing to a close. Theodore, familiar with the rules, would understand that Clement is forced to refute the Carpocratian γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ through an “exegesis-less exegesis.”

The Significance of Exegesis

Clement’s letter is notable for its lack of direct commentary on the cited pericope from the secret Gospel of Mark. Exegesis, which literally means "to lead out" or "to guide out," refers to the process of drawing meaning from a text. In this case, Clement presents the text without commentary, a method he uses to make his point subtly and indirectly.

The plain reading of the passage suggests that there are only two men in the gospel, with only one’s nakedness explicitly mentioned. Clement can’t explicitly state “there are only two” because it would constitute an exegesis. Instead, he presents the text verbatim, allowing the plain meaning to refute the Carpocratian interpretation without direct commentary. This method aligns with Clement’s philosophy that exegesis is more sacred than the gospel itself.

The Strategy of Exegesis-less Exegesis

Clement’s strategic non-exegesis is reflected in his writings elsewhere. For instance, in his Stromateis, he speaks of the danger of revealing true philosophy to those who might misuse it. He writes:

I am silent because the Stromateis, forming a body of broad erudition, hope to skillfully hide the seeds of knowledge … Why, then, does it seem fitting to arrange these memoranda thus? Because there is great danger in expelling the secret word of true philosophy to those who wastefully desire to contradict everything unjustly, and who shout forth all kinds of names and words indecorously, deceiving themselves and beguiling those who adhere to them.

Here, Clement emphasizes the importance of concealing true philosophy from those unworthy or unprepared to understand it. This concept of true philosophy being hidden is echoed in the Letter to Theodore. The letter’s abrupt ending with “Therefore, indeed, true and according to true philosophy is the explanation” serves as a conclusion to Clement’s indirect refutation of the Carpocratians. He effectively says, "I am refuting these heretics without giving them the satisfaction of a direct explanation."

The Carpocratian Context

The Carpocratians' slogan γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ (naked with naked) is subtly addressed by Clement without direct confrontation. He references their misinterpretation of the secret gospel, summarizing their entire exegesis with two words. Clement’s method involves acknowledging their claims cryptically and then presenting the text that, in his view, refutes their interpretation.

The Subtlety of Clement’s Argument

Clement’s subtlety is evident in his grammatical play on the Carpocratian slogan. He juxtaposes their phrase with his own, emphasizing the difference between multiple perceived truths and a single ultimate truth. He writes:

Such men are to be opposed in all ways and altogether. For, even if they should say something true, one who loves the truth should not, even so, agree with them. For not all true things are the truth (πάντα τἀληθῆ ἀλήθεια), nor should that truth which merely seems true according to human opinions be preferred to the true truth, that according to the faith.

This sentence structure mirrors the Carpocratian phrase γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ, contrasting multiple truths with a single truth, highlighting Clement’s central argument: the secret gospel doesn’t depict “lots of naked people” interacting with a naked Jesus.

Conclusion

Clement’s Letter to Theodore employs a sophisticated strategy of non-exegesis to refute Carpocratian interpretations. By presenting the text without direct commentary, he allows the plain reading to counter their claims. The phrase "Therefore, indeed, true and according to true philosophy is the explanation” signifies the conclusion of his argument, emphasizing that true understanding is reserved for those initiated into the deeper mysteries of faith. Through this method, Clement underscores the sacredness of exegesis and the importance of preserving true philosophy from misinterpretation.