Customer Reviews

The One Who Knows God

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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.

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.

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.

This book was written by a guy who lived the Bible's teachings! His writings are fascinating and are explained in a clear, concise manner. The book basically contains excerpts from some of Clement's writings (mostly the Rich Man's Salvation and the Miscellanies book 7) put into modern language. I have highlighted virtually every line in my copy!

A fantastic, down-to-earth, real-life portrayal of early Christian life before all of the schisms within the church. If you want to know what Christianity is supposed to be like without getting a picture clouded by doctrine, this is the way to go. This book does not accept any excuses.