Exhortation to the Heathen (Protrepticus)

Clement of Alexandria · c. 195 AD

Ante-Nicene Fathers (Roberts–Donaldson), Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe (eds.), Ante-Nicene Fathers, Buffalo: Christian Literature Publishing, 1885–1887; digitized by CCEL.

Titus Flavius Clemens; head of the catechetical school of Alexandria after Pantaenus; teacher of Origen. His Protrepticus, Paedagogus, and Stromata together form a deliberate ascent from the call to conversion, through Christian formation, to the contemplation of divine things. Highly esteemed as a teacher in the Orthodox tradition (commemorated 4/5 December in some local synaxaria).

Contents

1. Chapter I.—Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the Adoration of the Divine Word and God the Father.
2. Chapter II.—The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables About the Birth and Death of Their Gods.
3. Chapter III.—The Cruelty of the Sacrifices to the Gods.
4. Chapter IV.—The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by Which the Gods are Worshipped.
5. Chapter V.—The Opinions of the Philosophers Respecting God.
6. Chapter VI.—By Divine Inspiration Philosophers Sometimes Hit on the Truth.
7. Chapter VII.—The Poets Also Bear Testimony to the Truth.
8. Chapter VIII.—The True Doctrine is to Be Sought in the Prophets.
9. Chapter IX.—“That Those Grievously Sin Who Despise or Neglect God’s Gracious Calling.”
10. Chapter X.—Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that It Was Not Right to Abandon the Customs of Their Fathers.
11. Chapter XI.—How Great are the Benefits Conferred on Man Through the Advent of Christ.
12. Chapter XII.—Exhortation to Abandon Their Old Errors and Listen to the Instructions of Christ.