Clement and the Resurrection

Having mentioned the return of Christ in chapter 23, Clement wishes to guide his readers into a greater trust in the future resurrection in Chapter 24.

Clement's first argument is quite sound, that one can trust in the future resurrection based on Christ's resurrection, "the first-fruits" of what is to come. However, he does seek to back this up with natural examples, which end up being much more metaphors for the resurrection, rather than evidence.

Clement's second argument rings strange in modern ears, as he provides the example of the phoenix as an analogy for the resurrection. It seems to be that he really believed that the phoenix existed, possibly influenced by sources such as Herodutus and Pliny.

In Chapter 26 Clement moves unto firmer ground using OT passages to back up his belief in the resurrection. His argument may not pass the author-centred canons of the historical critical method, but a more reader sensitive approach will appreciate the thrust of his argument.

Finally in chapter 27 he emphasises that our hope in the resurrection should be strengthened focusing on the omnipotence and omniscience of God. For those who are interested in philosophical hair-splitting, Clement, whilst referring to God as omnipotent, is still able to say that it is impossible for God to lie.