Essays

Retoriek en dialectiek in de Pseudo-Clementinen: De zoektocht naar de ware ‘sophia’ in de disputen met Appion

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Abstract

The Pseudo-Clementines is the traditional title of a unique, early Christian novel (3rd-4th century), transmitted in several versions. This contribution focuses on the Greek version, called the Homilies, and more specifically on a much discussed part of those Homilies, namely the discussions with Appion. The passage inwhich the main character Clemens enters into discussion with the pagan Appion, shows us how those characters claim truth and argue about the true culture, philosophy, education, etc. This passage is all too often considered as ‘separate’ and ‘strange’ in the source criticism of the Pseudo-Clementines, making it underexposed territory in rhetorical and literary research, but also in philosophical research. This contribution offers a rhetorical and narrative analysis of those disputes with Appion including some philosophical insights and a discussion of the dynamics of fictionalization. This analysis also serves as a case study for the overall reading experience and the general interpretation of the Pseudo-Clementine Homilies.

How to Cite:

De Vos, B., (2016) “Retoriek en dialectiek in de Pseudo-Clementinen: De zoektocht naar de ware ‘sophia’ in de disputen met Appion”, Tetradio 25(1): 9, 203–229. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tetradio.91857