The Second Epistle of Clement - Essay Example

The Second Epistle of Clement is without a doubt one of the text from early Christian era that is written directly as a sermon. The voice evident in it is more appropriately that of a homily than otherwise. In the context of the modern Christian, it presents many of the fundamental teachings in the religion. It is a call for genuine deference as what is taught as one of the main virtues in the catholic religion. Unlike that of the other Apostolic Fathers, Clement II did not contain as much of anti-Semitic voice in its content. This characteristic is known to be apparent in such early Christian writings. While the other texts contained many that will pertain to the subsequent tagged anti-Semitism in the faith, Clement II was undeviating in its message.1 The major tone of it was salvation and the steps necessary to obtain it. It contains teachings such as we shall regard him with importance as it may translate to diminutive degrees if we consider him small. Demeaning Jesus Christ will lead to suffering and those who worship him will be compensated and deemed worthy of his grace. He is the savior of all mankind and with his kindness we will be void of our sins.2 These early writings that have contributed so much in our understanding and teaching of the religion today are virtually unknown to many who follow the religion. They have shaped and cultivated what can be considered the biggest religion in the globe today. Professor Bart Ehrman, a prominent figure and scholar provides for many of the recent explanations associated with these writings. He pronounced that in many times these writings are treated in various ways. The epistle of Clement II for instance is in so many levels a misnomer. It was neither written by Pope Clement, which is the letter’s namesake, nor was it transcribed by the same person who was responsible for Clement I.3 The erroneously attributed manuscript was considered to be a homily by an unknown writer. This is what Professor Ehrman refers to as a product of an inspired reading of the Book of Isaiah that is found in the Old Testament. This he adds demonstrates the varied figurative elucidation to shape it in such a way that the text from were it was adapted from can be rendered in a manner that it can move the congregation though it may be drastically diverse compared to the past.4 The sermon also made use of the book of Matthew and Luke extensively. Two of the most prominent books included in the new testament of the bible. Excerpts from the book of Matthew can be found on chapter 2 verses 5, 10 and 12 and chapter 3 verse 5. Passages from Luke are included in chapter 2 verse 15, chapter 3 verses 2, 5 and 17. There was also one that was extracted from Ezekiel in chapter 3 verse 8. While at the last part is an obtained passage from Galatians. Those from Matthew and Luke are used in parallel a number of times since both books are intermittently intertwined. The passages were used in such a way as to show proof of the argument that the homily persists upon as evident in the entirety of the text intended for the Corinthians. A “presentist” analysis that was not as common then presents itself in the modern day through the explanations of apparent authorities. This actually became an issue, as religious figures realized that when these texts are used not according to their direct meaning and value then they can be employed to back what an otherwise is misleading ideas and factual ones simultaneously.5 One has to be conscious on the evolution of these teachings and the current and historical background of how they came to be practiced in these days as Ehrman suggests. He provides for an interesting concept and critical evaluation of the history and progression of the Christian religion. 6 If it is to be based on the text, and taken from the assumption that this was a sermon to the people rather than a letter sent to the Corinthians, then one can surmise that the author is one who is from Corinth. Chapter 1 verse 6 can attest to this as the writer speaks in the first person. Appearing that he is one of the people and therefore from the same place that they themselves hailed from.7 One must be willing and wholeheartedly serve God and the desire to be virtuous is one of the pre-requisites He asks of people. Always there should be the faith of the promise he has given, otherwise one will live in desolation. The followers should not be hesitant or doubtful of their conviction as the promise of the kingdom of heaven is anticipated and will be delivered to those who are true believers.8 All throughout the paper it could be perceived that the author is reaching out to those who are suffering from the hardships of life. It is with integrity to say that this is one of the early texts in the history of the church that has contributed a lot to the way people perceive the religion to be today. It was attempting to promise a life far better than the one that the people during those times lived in. It was promising a place that they can only dream of. It described of a place where they will be provided for and not be regarded for their means or for their current circumstance they face. It held a promise that the people will be willing to follow the speaker and hope he will guide them to their salvation. In chapter 4 verse 12 he introduced the analogy between the people and the vine. Wherein it should first releases its leaves then the fresh buds will flourish followed by its rather sour fruits before it ripens. This correlation supposed by the author equates to the repentance that is asked of the person and of his eradication of previous sins and transgressions before he will be able to reap his fruits.9 The messages of the early Christian church have been known to be passed of verbally. These ideas have been preached in front of the public as most of the population is illiterate. Preachers would deliver their sermons in front of a cumulative crowd. But what was being taught became essential as those who listened will proceed to live by what they have heard from people considered as authoritative figures. The center of the church in those days was the communities. The messages were proliferated in such a way that the people become eyewitnesses to the propagation of the faith.10 Clement II also included many a stand on common iconographies and a desire to focus on men rather than the rituals of the faith. In criticized the worshipping of those considered to be works of men in different materials. Of the deprived life that men are faced with death on a regular basis. That this factors has put a hindrance that the people has been unable see beyond what surrounds him. He gives an image of God that is filled with compassion and unconditional love that will ultimately save the people. It seemed like a call for the salvation of the souls as long as they are willing to repent their sins. That everyone has a hope for salvation and the way is through Him.11 The basic teaching of the sermon which its writer is trying to impart is how we should attach importance to salvation. This can only be achieved by an ultimate giving and show of our obedience to God. This idea of salvation is one of the things that is palpable in the faith. Passages such as ‘the meek shall inherit the earth’ are one of the principles that guide its followers in their actions and how they connect with people. These are the teachings of Jesus Christ that have endeared many to follow Him. The very foundation of the catholic tradition is in how Christ suffered in the cross to save the people from their sins because they are not capable of doing it themselves. This is why the cross stands as such a significant symbol in the faith. It represented for the sufferings that He endured so the people will be saved. This is why every time a person uses the sign of the cross he is reminded of the sacrifice of Christ at the same time he is prompt of the trinity and its meaning in the religion. In doing our part we should render service to compensate for his martyrdom. So that those who follow Him will be commendable of his promises. That in relation to His holiness the people is but diminutive. He has provided the light and salvation and considered the people His children and all of these that have been gifted upon them should be regarded with much reverence and thankfulness.12 The passage containing Matthew 9:13 is fortification upon the campaign of the church to call unto those who are not only the holy but those sinners and lead them into a path of righteousness. This is considered to be the praiseworthy among all the other faithful because they are given opportunity to redeem themselves. It is considered wonderful as in comparison to Christ saving something that was gone and then returning back to the earth to save it. This fortifies the importance of the mercy of the Lord and that everyone can join to attain what was promised and because of this people are still alive.13 The sermon is calling upon the people to recognize Christ and not deny Him because they are already knowledgeable of who He is. The people should leave their dead gods and refrain from worshipping them. The knowledge through the teachers of Christianity has brought them this knowledge and should therefore follow in earnest submission the teachings that were brought before them.14 The teaching found in Second Clement pertains to a number of the fundamental aspects of the religion that has survived time and its evolution. It contained some of the most submissive elements that is evident in the Catholic faith. As an early Christian text it is suffice to say that it is one that shaped the beliefs we have of Jesus Christ and the road to salvation that we know and practice in modern times. The previous paragraph showed the substance of confession that the sermon so utterly presented. Works Cited “After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers”(updated 2008), http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/coursedesclong2.aspx?cid=6537 Hewer, D. The Historical Reliability of the New Testament. (Creative Commons, 2008). Hooker, R. “Early Christianity” (updated 6 June 1999), http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/CHRIST/CHRIST.HTM Wake, Arch., Clement of Rome, Second Epistle. (updated 16 August 2006), http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/LostBooks/2clement.htm. Read More