Marcionites and Clement's Alexandrian Community: A Complex Intersection of Critiques and Defenses
Clement of Alexandria on Manliness and Forbearance
Clement's Stromata (Book IV, Chapter 7) delves into the notion of manliness, urging men to exhibit confidence and forbearance. He references the teaching of turning the other cheek and yielding one's coat to emphasize the strength in restraining anger. However, Clement distinguishes Christian peaceableness from the martial valor of Amazonian women, contrasting it with the warrior ethos of various barbarian tribes:
"Further, manliness is to be assumed in order to produce confidence and forbearance, so as 'to him that strikes on the one cheek, to give to him the other; and to him that takes away the cloak, to yield to him the coat also,' strongly, restraining anger. For we do not train our women like Amazons to manliness in war; since we wish the men even to be peaceable."
Clement cites the Sarmatian, Sacae, and Iberian women who engage in war and toil, highlighting their unusual gender roles that blur traditional lines of masculine and feminine responsibilities.
Tertullian's Critique in Against Marcion
Tertullian's Against Marcion begins with a vivid depiction of the barbarism and harshness of the Pontic region, where Marcion originated. He uses this cultural critique to undermine Marcion's credibility, painting him and his followers as antithetical to civilized and orthodox Christian values. Tertullian writes:
"Even so, the most barbarous and melancholy thing about Pontus is that Marcion was born there, more uncouth than a Scythian, more unsettled than a Wagon-dweller, more uncivilized than a Massagete, with more effrontery than an Amazon, darker than fog, colder than winter, more brittle than ice, more treacherous than the Danube, more precipitous than Caucasus. Evidently so, when by him the true Prometheus, God Almighty, is torn to bits with blasphemies."
Common Cultural References
Both Clement and Tertullian draw on similar cultural references to illustrate their points. Clement uses these references to defend the masculine virtue of Christian forbearance, while Tertullian employs them to castigate Marcion and his supposed barbarity. This shared cultural imagery underscores the tension between different Christian communities and their efforts to define orthodoxy.
The Role of Women
A notable aspect of both discussions is the role of women. Clement observes that in some barbarian cultures, women undertake traditionally male roles, such as warfare and strenuous labor. This contrasts with the Christian ideal he promotes, where even men are encouraged to be peaceable. Tertullian, on the other hand, criticizes the inversion of gender roles among the Pontic barbarians to further disparage Marcion's background.
Implications for Early Christian Identity
The intersection of these texts highlights how early Christian writers used cultural critiques to define their identity against perceived heresies. Clement's defense of Christian virtues and Tertullian's polemic against Marcion reflect a broader struggle within early Christianity to establish moral and theological boundaries.
Conclusion
The interplay between Clement of Alexandria's Stromata and Tertullian's Against Marcion reveals a rich tapestry of cultural and theological discourse. Clement's nuanced discussion of gender roles and forbearance provides a stark contrast to Tertullian's scathing critique of Marcion's origins. Together, these texts offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of early Christian communities and their efforts to navigate and define orthodoxy in a diverse and contentious religious landscape.
Comments
Post a Comment