New "Deep Dive" Podcast Episode 6: A Stromateis of What? (Part 2) Is Pseudo-Basil Epistle 366 Another Lost Letter of Clement of Alexandria

Podcast 6 

Summary 

The provided text is an excerpt from a scholarly article that argues that the "Letter to Theodore," a document attributed to Clement of Alexandria, was likely written by Clement himself. The author, Stephan Huller, analyzes word play and thematic similarities between the letter and Clement's writings, specifically the Stromateis. Huller also challenges the notion that the letter is a Valentinian forgery by comparing its contents with Plotinus's writings, arguing that the letter’s use of certain philosophical concepts is more consistent with Clement's own philosophy. By examining the stylistic and conceptual overlap between the letter and Clement's known works, Huller presents a compelling case for Clement's authorship. 

The wordplay in Letter 366, specifically using the Greek terms and its cognates, is a distinctive feature of Clement of Alexandria's writing and theological thought. This wordplay is found throughout his work, the Stromateis, further supporting his authorship of Letter 366. Here's how the wordplay connects to Clement's theology: 

● Distinction between Divine and Natural: Clement uses the wordplay to highlight the difference between the divine and natural states. He argues that God, unlike Adam, is not dependent on or "infusion" for existence. This distinction emphasizes the transcendence and self-sufficiency of God in Clement's theology. 

● Connection to : The wordplay also links to Clement's understanding of or self-control as a crucial virtue. In Letter 366 and the Stromateis, Clement repeatedly uses the wordplay to emphasize the importance of for spiritual growth and attaining a state of divinization. He connects to the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true self-control comes from aligning oneself with the divine. 

● Influence of Ammonius Saccas: The use of this wordplay in Letter 366 also points to the influence of the philosophical school of Ammonius Saccas on Clement's thought. This suggests that Clement was engaging with contemporary philosophical ideas in developing his theology. 

Therefore, the wordplay in Letter 366 is not merely a stylistic element but a significant component of Clement's theological framework, highlighting key concepts like divine transcendence, the importance of self-control, and the influence of contemporary philosophical thought.