Stromateis

work by Clement of Alexandria

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Stromateis (Miscellanies) is a significant work by Clement of Alexandria, a Christian theologian and teacher of the School of Alexandria in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE. This work is part of a trilogy, alongside the Protreptikos (Exhortation) and the Paidagogos (Instructor).1

The Stromateis aimed to present a more advanced understanding of Christian faith, suitable for those with a philosophical background. Clement sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine, viewing philosophy as a preparatory discipline leading to Christian truth. He explored complex theological ideas, including the concept of Christian gnosis (knowledge), which he distinguished from heretical Gnostic beliefs. The work also touches upon social issues, wealth, and the role of Christians in society.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

St. Clement of Alexandria
Early life and career
…but from another place” (Strōmateis), prepared the way for the curriculum of the catechetical school under Origen that became the basis of the medieval quadrivium and trivium (i.e., the liberal arts). This view, however, did not find ready acceptance by the uneducated orthodox Christians of Alexandria, who looked askance…
Read More
…but from another place” (Strōmateis), prepared the way for the curriculum of the catechetical school under Origen that became the basis of the medieval quadrivium and trivium (i.e., the liberal arts). This view, however, did not find ready acceptance by the uneducated orthodox Christians of Alexandria, who looked askance…
Read More

patristic literature
Late 2nd to early 4th century
His major work, the Strōmateis (“Miscellanies”), untidy and deliberately unsystematic, brings together the inheritance of Jewish Christianity and Middle Platonism in what aspires to be a summary of Christian gnosis (knowledge). All his reasoning is dominated by the idea of the Logos who created the universe and who manifests…
Read More
His major work, the Strōmateis (“Miscellanies”), untidy and deliberately unsystematic, brings together the inheritance of Jewish Christianity and Middle Platonism in what aspires to be a summary of Christian gnosis (knowledge). All his reasoning is dominated by the idea of the Logos who created the universe and who manifests…
Read More