The Seven Temple Circuits and Phases of Salvation in Clement of Alexandria’s Thought

Clement of Alexandria’s mystical teachings offer a profound understanding of spiritual ascent, blending allegorical language with deep theological insights. Building on previous explorations, this post delves into Clement’s association of the seven temple circuits with the Hebdomad and the phases of salvation, drawing on insights from Scott Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark.

The Seven Temple Circuits and the Hebdomad

Clement’s reference to the seven temple circuits as part of the old temple includes the two sanctuaries, such as the holy place, which he associates with the Hebdomad. These circuits extend the outer courtyard, which, in Clement’s tabernacle allegory, symbolizes the place of unbelievers. Initially, this might seem peculiar when considering these circuits as phases of salvation.

Reconceptualizing Spiritual Progression

It might appear that Clement is suggesting seven phases of disbelief preceding conversion and the seven phases of salvation within the church. However, this interpretation does not align with the implied connection between these circuits and the planetary spheres. The difficulties arise only when we model spiritual progression on an earthly temple, where movement toward the divine goes from the periphery (the least holy precinct) inward.

The Celestial Temple Model

Clement’s juxtaposition of the seven circuits with the planetary spheres suggests that he envisions the old temple as a model of the celestial temple and thus as an image of the universe. In this celestial temple, the movement toward the divine is reversed, going from the center (the least holy precinct) to the periphery (the most holy).

Viewed this way, the earth at the center of the universe corresponds to the courtyard, the least holy precinct within the celestial temple. The seven planetary spheres comprise the holy place of the celestial temple, while the fixed sphere and the noetic world correspond to the inner veil and the holy of holies, respectively. Above the noetic world, in the part of the Ogdoad that Clement calls τὰ πνευματικά, the universe has seven clearly defined spheres. These spheres form another, immaterial Hebdomad, explaining Clement’s association between the seven circuits and the seven planetary spheres.

Phases of Salvation and Angelic Existence

As phases of salvation, these seven circuits correspond to the seven stages of angelic existence. This alignment illustrates a structured journey where the soul ascends through various levels of spiritual development, ultimately achieving divine union.

Conclusion

Clement of Alexandria’s teachings on the seven temple circuits and the phases of salvation offer a rich and detailed vision of spiritual ascent. By connecting the physical cosmos with divine truths and the phases of salvation, Clement provides a framework for understanding the soul’s journey toward divine union. Scott Brown’s insightful analysis helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of Clement’s mystical theology, offering valuable insights into the hidden mysteries of early Christian spirituality. For a thorough exploration of these profound ideas, Brown’s paper Behind the Seven Veils, I: The Gnostic Life Setting of the Mystic Gospel of Mark is an invaluable guide.