Clement of Alexandria (c 150 - c 230 CE) (born Titus Flavius Clemens) united philosophy and theology by using ideas from Greek philosophy (primarily Plato) to elucidate truths within Christian doctrine. His three main works (Protrepticus, Paedagogus and the unfinished Stromateis) were directed at knowing and practicing a moral, Christian life, by which human beings prepared for their ascent to God, the creator of all things. Clement departed from traditional Christianity by esteeming a true gnosis over and above the belief of ordinary Christians. True Gnostics were held in higher acclaim because they had access to a knowledge that allowed them to receive sacred truths regarding the Word of God. In so doing, Clement united knowledge with the act of faith, maintaining that both are necessary in order to truly understand how to live according to the will of God. Clement was the head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria from 199 to 202.
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Kirby, Peter. "Clement of Alexandria." Early Christian Writings. <http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/info/clement-ecole.html>.
