The Mystical Ascent in Clement of Alexandria’s Thought: Present and Postmortem Dimensions

Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on spiritual ascent offer a profound exploration of the journey towards divine truth, both during life and after death. Scott Brown, in his illuminating paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark, delves into these themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of Clement’s allegorical language and the stages of spiritual development.

The Dual Dimensions of Ascent

Clement’s description of entering the holy of holies encompasses both a present (before death) and a future (after death) dimension. The metaphorical ascent “to the entrance to the noetic (world)” achieved through virtue and knowledge within the church mirrors the literal ascent of the soul after death. While Clement often conflates these two ascents in his writings, he typically emphasizes either the present or the future dimension depending on the context.

The Living Gnostic’s Perspective

In Stromateis V.6, Clement uses the allegory of the Day of Atonement rite to describe the living gnostic’s spiritual journey. This perspective focuses on the moral and intellectual purification necessary to perceive the divine realities.

Postmortem Journey of the Soul

In Excerpta ex Theodoto 27, Clement interprets the same rite from the perspective of the soul’s journey after death. This passage reveals a deeper, otherworldly vision of the high priest’s actions and their symbolic meanings:

1. The high priest, upon entering the second veil, lays aside the golden plate at the altar of incense, symbolizing the purification of the soul and its lightness.
2. This purified body is left within the second veil, representing the soul's entry into the noetic world and its closeness to the Ministering Angels.
3. The soul, stripped of its earthly attachments, passes into the pneumatic realms and becomes rational and high priestly, animated directly by the Logos.
4. At this stage, the soul, having transcended angelic teachings, gains direct knowledge and apprehension of divine matters, transforming into a Logos.
5. The soul then relaxes alongside the bridegroom, having become a god-bearing vessel, intensely activated by the Lord.

An Otherwise Unknown Practice

This vision presupposes a unique Day of Atonement practice where the high priest removes a golden plate inscribed with the tetragrammaton from his turban upon entering the holy of holies. This practice highlights the deep mystical and symbolic nature of the ascent described by Clement.

Scott Brown's Insights

Scott Brown’s analysis emphasizes the depth and complexity of Clement’s allegorical interpretations. Brown explains that Clement’s metaphorical language serves to illustrate the stages of spiritual purification and the ultimate goal of unmediated divine vision, both in life and after death. By understanding these dual dimensions of ascent, we gain a richer perspective on Clement’s mystical theology.

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 nuanced perspective on the spiritual ascent envisioned by early Christian mystics.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on the ascent to the holy of holies reveal a profound understanding of spiritual development, encompassing both present and postmortem dimensions. By using rich allegorical language, Clement provides a framework for understanding the stages of purification and the ultimate goal of divine union. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth of Clement’s mystical teachings, offering a valuable perspective on the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these profound ideas, Brown’s paper is an invaluable guide.