Scott Brown's Twelve Enduring Misconceptions About "To Theodore" Misconception #3: The Mystical Gospel of Mark Was a Secret Gospel
At the heart of this misconception lies Clement's terminology and the way it has been translated and interpreted. Clement describes the gospel produced by Mark in Alexandria as a mystikon euangelion and "a more spiritual gospel," emphasizing that its essential teachings were concealed within symbols and allegorical figures. For Clement, these hidden truths were transmitted mystically and allegorically, a method of teaching consistent with Alexandrian theological traditions (Stromateis I.1.13.4; Paedagogus II.1.17.1).
However, Scott Brown critiques Morton Smith's translation of mystikon euangelion as "secret gospel," arguing that this translation has led to misunderstandings. Instead of implying secrecy about the text itself, Clement's use of mystikon refers to the hidden meanings within the gospel's unique contents. The gospel was "most carefully kept" within the Alexandrian church, not in terms of physical secrecy but in terms of its restricted use—being read and expounded only to the most advanced Christians (Letter to Theodore II.1).
Contrary to popular belief, Clement does not instruct Theodore to deny the existence of this gospel with an oath but advises him to deny its apostolic authorship to refute the Carpocratians' misuse of its contents (II.11–12). The Carpocratians, who were aware of the gospel's existence, used it to support their blasphemous theology, prompting Clement's caution in discussing its details outside the Alexandrian church.
Brown underscores the importance of translating and interpreting Clement's terms, such as mystikon and pneumatikōteron, accurately within their theological and historical contexts. This nuanced approach clarifies that the gospel was known to a wider circle within the Alexandrian church but reserved for allegorical and mystical interpretation among the initiated.
In conclusion, Scott Brown's critique challenges the misconception that the mystical Gospel of Mark was a "secret gospel" in the sense of being concealed from knowledge. Rather, it highlights its use as a text containing hidden theological truths, expounded allegorically to convey deeper spiritual insights to the advanced members of the Alexandrian Christian community.
For further exploration of Scott Brown's insights into early Christian texts and their interpretations, you can refer to his detailed analysis here: Scott Brown's Paper on "To Theodore".
Stay tuned for more insights into Scott Brown's critique of misconceptions surrounding the Letter to Theodore in subsequent posts.
Join us as we delve deeper into Scott Brown's critique of enduring misconceptions surrounding the Letter to Theodore attributed to Clement of Alexandria. Explore more about early Christian texts and their interpretations in our ongoing series.
Comments
Post a Comment