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Reincarnation in Clement of Alexandria
Salvific Cycles and Steps of Progress
Series: - Vigiliae Christianae, Supplements, Volume: 189
Author:
International scholarly consensus holds that despite his obvious Platonic affinities, Clement of Alexandria (ca. 150–215 CE) rejected the doctrine of reincarnation. This study finds that this consensus does not do justice to what Clement actually writes. In his most explicit statement, Clement singles out reincarnation as
the example he wants to give of the finest doctrines of the best philosophers. Though most of Clement’s other writing is more subtle than that, endorsement is still the most plausible explanation of what he says. The tenet – clearly esoteric for Clement – is in harmony with his anthropology, ethics, and his synergistic soteriology that includes the crucial role of Jesus.
Sami Yli-Karjanmaa, Th.D. (2013), is docent of early Jewish and Christian literature at the University of Helsinki. He has published articles on Philo, Josephus and patristics and is the author of
Reincarnation in Philo of Alexandria (SBL Press, 2015).
Scholars and post-graduate students of early Christianity, patristics and Platonism.