Entering the Innermost Sanctuary: The Mystical Imagery of Clement of Alexandria

The mystical language and imagery employed by Clement of Alexandria in his works reveal a rich tapestry of Hellenic and Jewish-Christian influences. Scott Brown, in his insightful paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, delves into these themes, providing a nuanced understanding of how Clement integrates these diverse traditions to articulate the spiritual journey of the soul.

The Mixed Metaphor of the Innermost Sanctuary

The Letter to Theodore’s metaphor of entering the innermost sanctuary is a blend of Greek mystery initiation language and Jewish mystical reflections on the veils and sanctuaries of the Jerusalem temple. This mixed metaphor draws on the imagery of a mystagogue leading initiates, reminiscent of the practices at Eleusis. In these Greek mysteries, individuals who had already undergone the initiation acted as sponsors, guiding new initiates into the Telesterion, the sacred temple where the mysteries were revealed. The letter’s reference to “the hierophantic teaching of the Lord” further enhances this metaphor, alluding to the hierophant who unveils the sacred symbols during the Eleusinian rites (I.23–24).

The letter also speaks of “the things not to be uttered” (τὰ ἀπόῤῥητα, I.22), echoing the Greek mystery tradition where initiates were forbidden from disclosing the sacred secrets they had learned. The mystic Gospel of Mark is said not to contain these secrets because they are too sacred to be written down (I.22). This intentional use of Eleusinian imagery underscores the highest grade of a secret initiation.

Jewish and Christian Influences

While the image of the mystagogue is drawn from Greek mystery religions, the notion of an ordinary person entering the innermost sanctuary of a temple is rooted in Jewish and Christian traditions. In reality, ordinary Jews were not permitted to enter the holy of holies in Jerusalem, just as initiates in the Telesterion could not enter its innermost sanctuary, the Anaktoron. This innermost shrine was typically the throne room of the god, accessible only to authorized priests.

The author of the Letter to the Hebrews employs the metaphor of entering the holy of holies as a symbol of salvation, describing Christ as the high priest in the heavenly temple. Through Christ’s sacrifice, Christians are given the confidence to enter the sanctuary “by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Clement expands on this metaphor, utilizing Philo’s allegories about the wilderness tabernacle and the high priest as foundational sources.

Clement’s Exegesis and Allegorical Interpretation

Clement’s works, particularly the Stromateis and Excerpta ex Theodoto, elaborate on who may enter the inner sanctuary and what penetrating the veils entails. Clement integrates Philo’s philosophical allegories with the metaphorical language found in the Letter to the Hebrews, offering a detailed vision of the spiritual ascent and the profound mysteries that lie beyond the veils.

Scott Brown’s analysis highlights how Clement’s metaphors serve to illustrate the soul’s progression towards divine truth, combining elements from both Hellenic and Jewish-Christian traditions. This synthesis not only enriches our understanding of Clement’s mystical theology but also situates his teachings within the broader context of early Christian thought.

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 provides a comprehensive analysis. Brown meticulously examines the interplay of Greek and Jewish-Christian influences in Clement’s writings, offering readers a deeper insight into the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s use of the metaphor of entering the innermost sanctuary reveals a complex and profound understanding of the spiritual journey. By integrating Hellenic mystery initiation language with Jewish and Christian mystical traditions, Clement offers a rich and detailed vision of the soul’s ascent towards divine truth. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth of Clement’s mystical teachings, providing a valuable framework for understanding the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these fascinating ideas, Brown’s paper is an essential resource.