Pamela Reaves: Multiple Martyrdoms and Christian Identity in Clement of Alexandria's Stromateis

In the fourth book of his Stromateis, Clement of Alexandria distinguishes between simple martyrdom, by death, and “gnostic” martyrdom, by which a Christian’s life bears witness. Though he finds value in both approaches, Clement presents the latter as the superior form of testimony. In this paper, I demonstrate how this tiered conception of martyrdom, with its preference for life, aligns with Clement’s emphasis on individual, rather than communal, expressions of Christian identity. Toward this end, I highlight how even in his treatment of martyrdom by death Clement stresses that individual intention and preparation matter more than the public act of suffering. I also consider Clement’s program for his ideal Christian, the “gnostic,” which advocates care of one’s body as well as individual progress; these philosophical practices inform his assessment of martyrdom. In addition, I employ insights from social identity theory to better understand how Clement negotiates and prioritizes multiple, and at times competing, expressions of Christian identity.