Entering the Inner Sanctuary: Clement of Alexandria’s Mystical Symbolism

Clement of Alexandria’s mystical teachings offer a profound exploration of spiritual ascent, drawing heavily on allegorical interpretations of sacred texts and traditions. Scott Brown, in his paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, delves into these intricate ideas, particularly focusing on Clement’s descriptions of entering the inner sanctuary. Brown's analysis provides a deeper understanding of Clement's symbolic use of the tabernacle and its significance in his mystical theology.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle

In Stromateis V.6, Clement discusses the symbolism of the various objects within the sanctuaries of the wilderness tabernacle and the clothing of the high priest. Clement treats the tabernacle as a microcosm of the heavens and the earth, drawing from the descriptions in Exodus 26–27. He differentiates between the outer courtyard and the two sanctuaries of the tabernacle proper. The holy place, according to some, is considered “the middlemost point between heaven and earth,” and others see it as “the symbol of the world of mind and of sense” (Strom. V.6.33.2).

Human Position in Relation to the Sanctuary

Annewies van den Hoek notes that Clement’s elaboration focuses more on human position rather than cosmological position, emphasizing the relationship of people to that middle point as insiders and outsiders. Furthest from divinity and truth are the ordinary Jews in the courtyard, representing unbelievers (33.2–3). Closest to divinity and truth is the high priest, who alone may enter the holy of holies on the Day of Atonement (33.2; 34.5). The high priest symbolizes both Christ (40.3) and the true gnostic (39.3–4).

The Role of Ordinary Members of the Church

Inside the holy place, situated between complete insiders and complete outsiders, are the ordinary members of the church. Clement associates these individuals with the ordinary temple priests (35.3–4), who can approach the divine as near as the veil before the holy of holies but no closer. This represents a significant modification of the concept in Hebrews, where all Christians can enter the holy of holies through the veil of Christ’s flesh.

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown’s research highlights how Clement uses these allegorical interpretations to convey the spiritual hierarchy and the stages of ascent towards divine truth. Brown points out that Clement’s symbolism of the tabernacle and its sanctuaries reflects the gradations of spiritual understanding and closeness to God, from the unbelievers in the outer courtyard to the true gnostics who enter the holy of holies.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of these themes, Scott Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark provides an essential resource. Brown meticulously examines Clement’s cosmology and soteriology, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s descriptions of entering the inner sanctuary offer a rich and complex vision of spiritual ascent, deeply rooted in symbolic interpretations of sacred texts. By understanding the tabernacle as a microcosm of the universe and the various human positions within it, Clement provides a framework for understanding the stages of spiritual development. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth of Clement’s mystical teachings, offering a valuable lens through which to view the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these profound ideas, Brown’s paper is an invaluable guide.