The One Who Knows God [Paperback]

Clement of Alexandria (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1990

Clement of Alexandria provides keen insights on what it really means to know God. Among other topics, Clement discusses prayer, the proper use of wealth, marriage, love, separation from the world, and women of wisdom. Translated into fresh, contemporary English.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

From the Back Cover

If you could have sat at the feet of a respected Christian teacher in the second century, what would you have learned? What insights would he have had on the Christian life?

Clement of Alexandria was one of the outstanding teachers of the second century church. After his conversion, Clement traveled throughout the ancient world to lean Christianity firsthand from the most respected teachers of his age men who taught by deeds, not just by words. Clement eventually settled in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was made an elder. In recognition of Clement's gift of teaching, the church of Alexandria appointed him as the instructor of new Christians. Some of Clement's written instructions have been preserved through the centuries.

The One Who Knows God is a collection of Clement's godly insights on what it really means to know God. In these writings, Clement discusses prayer, the proper use of wealth, the life of holiness, separation from the world, marriage, love, women of wisdom, and the secret of tapping into God's power.

This rendition of these works of Clement is quite unlike anything that has ever been done before. While faithfully preserving Clement's meaning, it brings his writings to life by using contemporary language, familiar words, and short sentences. This enables the modern reader to sit, in effect, at Clement's feet and to hear his spiritual insights that transcend the boundaries of time.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Scroll Pub Co (July 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0924722029
• ISBN-13: 978-0924722028
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,183,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The One Who Knows God., October 23, 2005

By 

Wesley L. Janssen (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The One Who Knows God (Paperback)

Clement of Alexandria (Titius Flavius Clemens) was born c. 150AD, most probably in Athens, and later moved to Alexandria, where he taught and wrote, first as a student of Pantaenus and later as his successor (c. 190) at the catechetical school. The Roman persecution of Christians under the emperor Severus, affected his move to Jerusalem, where he died between 211 and 215. His most noted student, and successor as presbyter in Alexandria, was Origen. Born probably of pagan parents, Clement had a voracious appetite for knowledge, which fueled his extensive travels. It is apparent, though not necessarily in the passages selected for this small volume, that he was extremely well studied in Greek literature, in all schools of classical philosophy, in the tenants of pagan religion, in ideas considered 'Eastern', in the Hebrew scriptures, the New Testament and myriad other orthodox, Gnostic, and apocryphal writings. As an adult he whole-heartedly became a Christian and is remembered as a missionary theologian to Hellenic culture and as an apologist.

All of which is impressive, but not what this collection of selected writings is about. Editor David Bercot chooses texts, first Clement's best known sermon, 'Who is the Rich Man that shall be Saved?', and secondly texts from his 'Miscellanies', which explore a common theme -- what it is to live as one who knows God. This is basic Christianity. For those who are serious about the Christian's walk in this world, the meditations of the early church fathers are invaluable. This small work is not "challenging" in the sense that, say, Augustine's or Origen's works are, but if you're interested in early Christian writings, this book is an excellent entry.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading for all Christians, May 29, 2002

By 

Patrick Walsh "feofil, fool for christ" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The One Who Knows God (Paperback)

First of all, I love the last section of the Introduction by the Translator--"Neither Catholic nor Protestant." As an Orthodox Christian, it made complete sense to me, but I had to laugh at the translator's ignorance of the Orthodox fairh, ro which Clement subscribed to. This book is very helpful to those who wish to lead a Christian life the way our Lord mapped it out for us.

It is full of exegetical insights and more importantly, challenges to the reader to live according to the example of Christ, as passed onto us by the Apostles. The translation is faithful to the Greek, and the translator did an excellent job of presenting the material much as Clement originally did. So I feel very comfortable suggesting and giving this book to my friends who want to better understand what Christianity is all about.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TRUE CHRISTIANITY TAUGHT IN THIS LITTLE BOOK, October 5, 1999

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[e-mail] (Las Vegas, Nv) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The One Who Knows God (Paperback)

I love this little book. I go to it often. It brings me back to the basic teaching of the bible. This book seems like it uncomplicates things for me, in what is real and seems real about christianity. I read the bible a lot and belong to a church that teaches like Clement. It is exciting to see how close we are to the 2nd century teacher here, in our church. Because that is what we strive for. Clement teaches the truth and it is very easy to understand. I recomend it for anyone who already has a good knowledge of the scriptures, because you will see the scriptures come alive in his lessons.