Boyhood Questions
Clement reflects on his early life, his habit of reasoning about death and existence, and the philosophical questions that have shaped his understanding of the world and his place in it.
Clement of Rome reflects on the nature of existence, contemplating the idea of life after death and the eternal nature of the world. He grapples with questions about the purpose of life, the concept of eternity, and the possibility of existence beyond the physical realm. Through his introspective thoughts, Clement seeks to understand the mysteries of life, death, and the unknown future.
Text
I Clement, being a Roman citizen, even from my earliest youth was able to live chastely, my mind from my boyhood drawing away the lust that was in me to dejection and distress. For I had a habit of reasoning--how originating I know not--making frequent cogitations concerning death: When I die, shall I neither exist, nor shall any one ever have any remembrance of me, while boundless time bears all things of all men into forgetfulness? And shall I then be without being, or acquaintance with those who are; neither knowing nor being known, neither having been nor being?
And has the world ever been made? And was there anything before it was made? For if it has been always, it shall also continue to be; but if it has been made, it shall also be dissolved.
And after its dissolution, shall there ever be anything again, unless, perhaps, silence and forgetfulness? Or perhaps something shall be which is not possible now to conceive.
Sermon Outline
- The Early Life of Clement
- Philosophical Questions
- The origin and fate of the world
- The nature of time and existence
- The possibility of a future state
Key Quotes
“When I die, shall I neither exist, nor shall any one ever have any remembrance of me, while boundless time bears all things of all men into forgetfulness?” — Clement of Rome
“And shall I then be without being, or acquaintance with those who are; neither knowing nor being known, neither having been nor being?” — Clement of Rome
“Or perhaps something shall be which is not possible now to conceive.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- Cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly desires by contemplating the eternal and infinite.
- Reflect on the nature of time and existence to gain a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it.
- Ponder the possibility of a future state to cultivate hope and faith in the unknown.