Clement of Alexandria
150 – 215
Titus Flavius Clemens, known as Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 – c. 215 AD), was a Christian theologian and philosopher who taught at the Catechetical School of Alexandria. A convert to Christianity, he was an educated man who was familiar with classical Greek philosophy and literature.
As a writer and teacher, Clement sought to demonstrate the harmony between faith and reason, and between Christian doctrine and Greek philosophy. He is best known for his trilogy of works: the Protrepticus (Exhortation), the Paedagogus (Tutor), and the Stromata (Miscellanies).
Clement’s theology emphasized the role of the Logos in the creation of the world and the enlightenment of humanity. He taught that the goal of the Christian life is deification (theosis)—becoming like God through the pursuit of knowledge (gnosis) and the practice of virtue.