Clement of Rome and GenCon 1

We are reading Early Christian Writings in Penguin Classics in my Thursday class this year. Because the group likes to get together, we will meet twice this month before we kick off the weekly classes in August. Last night I previewed and read the first section: a letter to the Corinthians from Clement of Rome. I really enjoyed hearing an ancient voice, especially one speaking so directly to current church problems...

Clement of Rome wrote his letter around 96AD. It probably predates some NT writings (like 2nd Peter) and it could be contemporary with The Apocalypse and writings of John (Gospel and letters). That alone makes it significant to me. Another reason why it matters is because it is written to the same church in Corinth to which Paul wrote. Two of his (four?) letters are found in the NT canon. Paul wrote them around 55AD, some forty years before Clement. That means Clement is writing to people who were probably not alive when Paul wrote, but are their children and grandchildren.

Clement is writing to a church which has lost its way. He begins by complementing their past history. They were a church known for hospitality. They were people who lived under authority and respected the Elders (Leadership). Quoting liberally from OT texts and the sayings of Jesus, Clement enhances his writing by appealing to Scripture. His use of the Bible, following Paul and other NT authors, reveals to us how the Sacred Writings were used. For one thing, Clement seems to quote from memory. He is not exact in following the Septuagint (Greek OT used by early church). One can imagine Bibles were rare and not always available. However, the example Clement provides is one which we must understand. Start with the Scripture. Learn it and know it and be shaped by it!

The emphasis on hospitality was also cultural. People relied on the kindness of strangers when they traveled. Motel 6 did not leave the light on in those days and no one felt smarter because they stayed at Holiday Inn! We must translate that virtue through the prism of our own culture and situation. However, the challenge is clear. In the first century, radical hospitality was a primary Christian virtue. As we reflect on our own ecclesial problems we do well to recall that something so basic as providing for the traveler is central to our mission and vocation.

Living in a world of such diverse Christian expression and with ongoing battles over issues (see General Convention) it is hard to remember that showing someone a kindness is also a big part of living the faith. But, as we will see tomorrow. Clement, shaped by the scriptures and the Christian rule of life, thought there was more to the story.