
audiobook
by Saint of Alexandria Clement
ANTE-NICENE
CHAPTER I. EXHORTATION TO ABANDON THE IMPIOUS MYSTERIES OF IDOLATRY FOR THE ADORATION OF THE DIVINE WORD AND GOD THE FATHER.
CHAPTER II. THE ABSURDITY AND IMPIETY OF THE HEATHEN MYSTERIES AND FABLES ABOUT THE BIRTH AND DEATH OF THEIR GODS.
CHAPTER III. THE CRUELTY OF THE SACRIFICES TO THE GODS.
CHAPTER IV. THE ABSURDITY AND SHAMEFULNESS OF THE IMAGES BY WHICH THE GODS ARE WORSHIPPED.
CHAPTER V. THE OPINIONS OF THE PHILOSOPHERS RESPECTING GOD.
CHAPTER VI. BY DIVINE INSPIRATION PHILOSOPHERS SOMETIMES HIT ON THE TRUTH.
CHAPTER VII. THE POETS ALSO BEAR TESTIMONY TO THE TRUTH.
CHAPTER VIII. THE TRUE DOCTRINE IS TO BE SOUGHT IN THE PROPHETS.
CHAPTER IX. “THAT THOSE GRIEVOUSLY SIN WHO DESPISE OR NEGLECT GOD’S GRACIOUS CALLING.”
This collection brings listeners into the mind of one of early Christianity’s most influential teachers, offering a window onto the faith’s first centuries. Clement’s writings weave together theological reflection, philosophical dialogue, and practical counsel, presenting a vision of Christian life that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply devotional. The text serves as a guide for believers seeking to understand how ancient doctrine intersected with everyday conduct.
The work opens with a forceful critique of pagan rituals and idolatry, then moves to a systematic presentation of moral instruction—covering topics such as diet, modest dress, speech, and communal living. Clement also explores the role of the “Instructor,” portraying Christ as the ultimate teacher whose wisdom surpasses human philosophy while still engaging with the insights of Greek thinkers. Throughout, he argues that philosophy can be a useful handmaid to theology, helping believers discern truth amid cultural influences.
Listeners will encounter vivid analogies, scriptural references, and a compassionate tone that encourages a disciplined yet gracious way of life. The translation preserves the original eloquence, making the ancient counsel accessible without sacrificing its depth. Whether you are curious about early Christian ethics or the interplay between faith and reason, this volume offers a rich, thought‑provoking experience.
Language
en
Duration
~14 hours (832K characters)
Series
Ante-Nicene Christian Library
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1867.
Credits
Wouter Franssen, Karin Spence and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2023-10-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

An early Christian thinker from Alexandria, he tried to show that faith and philosophy could speak to each other. His surviving works still stand out for their curiosity, range, and effort to connect Greek learning with Christian teaching.
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