The Afterlife and the Soul’s Ascent in Clement of Alexandria’s Thought

Clement of Alexandria’s mystical teachings offer a profound exploration of the soul’s journey towards divine truth, both within earthly life and beyond. Building on the themes discussed in the previous blog post, this piece delves into Clement’s perspectives on the afterlife and the final stages of spiritual ascent. Scott Brown, in his insightful paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, provides a comprehensive analysis of these intricate concepts, highlighting the consonance between Clement’s thought and his sources.

A Fuller Description of the Soul’s Ascent

While some scholars attribute Excerpta ex Theodoto 27 to Clement’s Valentinian source, its overall alignment with Clement’s thought is evident. This passage provides a fuller, less exoteric description of the soul’s ascent, focusing on the afterlife rather than progress within the earthly church. It revolves around a different metaphor for the soul’s separation from materiality.

Day of Atonement Ritual and Human Perfection

Clement’s meditations on the Day of Atonement ritual, discussed in Stromateis V.6 and Excerpta ex Theodoto 27, emphasize that the human condition must be perfected—transcended as far as possible—before entering the innermost sanctuary. At this point, everything material and sense-perceptible, including the human spiritual body, the “engraved” teaching of scripture, and the visible revelation of Christ’s Incarnation (all represented by the golden plate), is left behind. The soul then exists among purely noetic and pneumatic realities, becoming one with them.

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown’s analysis emphasizes the depth and complexity of Clement’s mystical ascent. Brown highlights how Clement’s allegorical and symbolic language conveys a structured journey through various levels of spiritual and angelic development, both in life and after death. By understanding these dual dimensions of ascent, we gain a richer perspective on Clement’s mystical theology.

Afterlife Stages and Angelic Progression

Eclogae propheticae 57.5 describes the transition of perfected humans through an ages-long progression within the angelic ranks. This journey begins with a millennium-long stage where perfected humans are transformed into angels and brought to perfection through instruction by higher-ranking angels. In subsequent stages, these angelic instructors are promoted to the archangelic nature, and newly perfected angels take their place, instructing new arrivals. This step-by-step progression continues through the ranks of archangels and protoctists, culminating in the soul’s ultimate union with God.

The Seventh Stage: Ultimate Contemplation

The seventh stage, marking a significant transition, involves the soul retiring from all angelic service and attaining “the first abode,” described as “bordering upon the Lord.” Here, the soul devotes itself entirely “to the contemplation of God alone,” focusing on Christ as the face of God. This stage represents the culmination of the soul’s journey, where it becomes a “son” and “friend” of God.

Ineffable Inheritance and Epopteia

Clement describes these phases of angelic instruction as part of the “ineffable inheritance of that spiritual and perfect man, ‘which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which has not arisen in the heart of human beings’” (1 Cor 2:9). This description highlights the distinctively Christian aspects of the great mysteries taught in Clement’s school, culminating in epopteia—the ultimate mystical vision and consummate repose.

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 is an essential resource. Brown meticulously examines Clement’s cosmology and soteriology, offering readers a comprehensive perspective on the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on the afterlife and the soul’s ascent provide a rich and detailed vision of spiritual development. By blending allegorical language and complex theological ideas, Clement outlines a structured journey through various levels of purification and angelic progression, culminating in the ultimate union with God. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth of Clement’s mystical teachings, offering valuable insights into the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these profound ideas, Brown’s paper is an invaluable guide.