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The Stromata, or Miscellanies

Clement of Alexandria

Book 8 · Chapter 1

About this work

A wide-ranging collection on faith, knowledge, philosophy, Scripture, ethics, and Christian maturity that intentionally mixes subjects while portraying the ideal Christian knower formed through disciplined inquiry.

Author: Clement of Alexandria
Date: c. AD 195–215
Origin: Alexandria
Genre: Theological Treatise

Chapter I.—The Object of Philosophical and Theological Inquiry—The Discovery of Truth.

But the most ancient of the philosophers were

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not

carried

away

to

disputing

and

doubting

,

much

less

are

we

,

who

are

attached

to

the

really

true

philosophy

,

on

whom

the

Scripture

enjoins

examination

and

investigation

.

For

it

is

the

more

recent

of

the

Hellenic

philosophers

who

,

by

empty

and

futile

love

of

fame

,

are

led

into

useless

babbling

in

refuting

and

wrangling

.

But

,

on

the

contrary

,

the

Barbarian

philosophy

,

expelling

all

contention

,

said

,

“

Seek

,

and

ye

shall

find

;

knock

,

and

it

shall

be

opened

unto

you

;

ask

,

and

it

shall

be

given

you

.

”

Accordingly, by investigation, the point proposed for inquiry and answer knocks at the door of truth, according to what appears. And on an opening being made through the obstacle in the process of investigation, there results scientific contemplation. To those who thus knock, according to my view, the subject under investigation is opened.

And to those who thus ask questions, in the Scriptures, there is given from God (that at which they aim) the gift of the God-given knowledge, by way of comprehension, through the true illumination of logical investigation. For it is impossible to find, without having sought; or to have sought, without having examined; or to have examined, without having unfolded and opened up the question by interrogation, to produce distinctness; or again, to have gone through the whole investigation, without thereafter receiving as the prize the knowledge of the point in question.

But it belongs to him who has sought, to find; and to him to seek, who thinks previously that he does not know. Hence drawn by desire to the discovery of what is good, he seeks thoughtfully, without love of strife or glory, asking, answering, and besides considering the statements made. For it is incumbent, in applying ourselves not only to the divine Scriptures, but also to common notions, to institute investigations, the discovery ceasing at some useful end.

For another place and crowd await turbulent people, and forensic sophistries. But it is suitable for him, who is at once a lover and disciple of the truth, to be pacific even in investigations, advancing by scientific demonstration, without love of self, but with love of truth, to comprehensive knowledge.

Notes

2
Matt. vii. 7.; Luke xi. 9. [Elucidation I.]