Irenaeus’s Confrontation with Clement’s Stromata

A Reassessment of Apostolic Traditions

The scholarly reluctance to identify Clement of Alexandria as a Valentinian mirrors the protracted acceptance of Morton Smith’s letter, which took over sixty years to overcome academic resistance. The fundamental issue lies in the perceived infallibility of Church Fathers; they are traditionally seen as pillars of orthodoxy, incapable of heretical practices. Apostolic traditions are supposed to uphold and propagate truth, not deny or distort it. However, the historical reality is more complex. Apostolic traditions have engaged in practices and beliefs later deemed heretical, challenging the myths crafted by figures like Irenaeus to establish Roman Christian hegemony. What Irenaeus deemed apostolic was not the entirety of apostolicity.

Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Thin Line

Irenaeus’s Adversus Haereses was written not just against heretical figures but also against certain orthodox individuals. This conclusion aligns with the findings of the late Jesuit scholar Antonio Orbe, who dedicated substantial efforts to disentangling the fifth book of Adversus Haereses. Orbe, like myself, identified Alexandrian orthodoxy as the true opponent of Irenaeus. Irenaeus mentions anonymous “orthodox” figures who interpret scripture allegorically, appeal to heretical books and Greek philosophy, and deny the judgment of the dead and the resurrection of the flesh. Orbe traced Irenaeus’s initial attack against “Origenists before Origen” and observed how Alexandrian theologians accused Irenaeans of intellectual inadequacy regarding the resurrection of the body.

The Secret Baptism of Alexandria

As discussed in this series, the redemption baptism was a secret baptismal rite within an Alexandrian Christian community, overseen by a bishop with apostolic authority. These Marcosians considered themselves part of the “orthodox community” and sought acceptance within the broader Church. The tension arose because Irenaeus refused to acknowledge Mark as an apostle. This rejection persists today, with the Copts of Egypt venerating “Mark the Apostle” amid polite silence from their orthodox counterparts, all rooted in Irenaeus’s declaration.

Apostolic Authenticity: Rome vs. Alexandria

Examining the broader historical context, Irenaeus advised Victor not to excommunicate the churches of Asia Minor. Adversus Haereses presents Rome and Ephesus as governed by an “apostolic” episcopal line. Yet, the apostolicity of John, traditionally seen as “John the Elder” rather than “the Apostle John,” raises questions. Why were Alexandrian claims about their “Apostle Mark” considered inferior? Tertullian names a certain “Gaius” among the followers of Mark, suggesting internal support within the Roman Church for Victor’s initial excommunication efforts. The diverse opinions on these matters were ultimately overshadowed by Irenaeus’s authoritative perspective, which shaped the historical narrative.

The Aftermath of Irenaeus’s Writings

The conclusion is evident: Irenaeus composed Adversus Haereses after reading Clement’s Stromata. His work aimed to “uncover” the purportedly heretical nature of Mark’s teachings, portraying them as modern Valentinian innovations. The truthfulness of these claims was secondary to their utility in asserting Roman dominance. The conflict between Rome and Alexandria persisted through subsequent controversies, from Origen to Arius. The labels “Origenists,” “Arians,” and “Semi-Arians” became almost meaningless as Rome continued its efforts to subordinate Egypt.

Reclaiming Clement’s Legacy

Judith Kovacs has extensively explored Clement’s possible association with Valentinianism. What has not been highlighted before is how Adversus Haereses was crafted by Irenaeus to subordinate Egyptian Christianity to Roman authority. By reinterpreting apostolic mystery rites as recent heretical innovations, Irenaeus established a framework that persists in scholarly study today. My identification of Clement’s original “fingerprints” within his writings aims to contribute to the recognition of the African origins of organized Christianity, challenging the long-standing Roman-centric narrative.

Moving Forward

This series has uncovered the subtle yet profound influence of Clement’s Stromata on Irenaeus’s Adversus Haereses. By acknowledging these influences, we can better appreciate the complexity of early Christian theological debates and the dynamic interactions between different Christian traditions. The struggle for dominance between Rome and Alexandria shaped the development of Christian orthodoxy, and recognizing this helps us understand the multifaceted nature of early Christian history. Through continued scholarly exploration, we can further uncover the rich and diverse heritage of early Christianity, giving due credit to the contributions of all its traditions.

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