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The writings of Clement of Alexandria, Vol. 2 (of 2) cover

The writings of Clement of Alexandria, Vol. 2 (of 2)

Chapter 34: CAPUT VIII. LOCA S. SCRIPTURÆ AB HÆRETICIS IN VITUPERIUM MATRIMONII ADDUCTA EXPLICAT; ET PRIMO VERBA APOSTOLI ROM. VI. 14, AB HÆRETICORUM PERVERSA INTERPRETATIONE VINDICAT.
By Saint of Alexandria Clement
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A collection of theological and ethical essays argues that true knowledge of God is attained through faith and that Christian teaching undergirds moral principles attributed by some to pagan philosophy. It analyzes virtues such as repentance, temperance, charity, patience, and fear of God, and distinguishes voluntary and involuntary actions while outlining a twofold notion of faith. Several chapters refute contemporary heterodox sects, challenging both ascetic and libertine errors and offering fresh readings of scriptural passages invoked against marriage. The author also examines free will and providence, critiques astrology and superstition, and recommends a curriculum aimed at moral formation rather than rhetorical display.

CAPUT VIII.
LOCA S. SCRIPTURÆ AB HÆRETICIS IN VITUPERIUM MATRIMONII ADDUCTA EXPLICAT; ET PRIMO VERBA APOSTOLI ROM. VI. 14, AB HÆRETICORUM PERVERSA INTERPRETATIONE VINDICAT.

Quoniam autem qui introducunt indifferentiam, paucas quasdam Scripturas detorquentes, titillanti suæ voluptati eas suffragari existimant; tum præcipue illam quoque: “Peccatum enim vestri non dominabitur; non estis enim sub lege, sed sub gratia;”[350] et aliquas alias hujusmodi, quarum post hæc non est rationi consentaneum ut faciam mentionem (non enim navem instruo piraticam), age paucis eorum argumentum perfringamus. Ipse enim egregius Apostolus in verbis, quæ prædictæ dictioni subjungit, intentati criminis afferet solutionem: “Quid ergo? peccabimus, quia non sumus sub lege, sed sub gratia? Absit.”[351] Adeo divine et prophetice e vestigio dissolvit artem voluptatis sophisticam. Non intelligunt ergo, ut videtur, quod “omnes nos oportet manifestari ante tribunal Christi, ut referat unusquisque per corpus ea quæ fecit, sive bonum, sive malum:”[352] ut quæ per corpus fecit aliquis, recipiat. “Quare si quis est in Christo, nova creatura est,” nec amplius peccatis dedita: “Vetera præterierunt,” vitam antiquam exuimus: “Ecce enim nova facta sunt,”[353] castitas ex fornicatione, et continentia ex incontinentia, justitia ex injustitia. “Quæ est enim participatio justitiæ et injustitiæ? aut quæ luci cum tenebris societas? quæ est autem conventio Christo cum Belial? quæ pars est fideli cum infideli? quæ est autem consensio templo Dei cum idolis?[354] Has ergo habentes promissiones, mundemus nos ipsos ab omni inquinamento carnis et spiritus, perficientes sanctitatem in timore Dei.”[355]