Stoic Indifferents and Christian Indifference in Clement of Alexandria

Throughout the Paedagogos, the Stromata, and the Quis dives salvetur? Clement of Alexandria uses the term ‘indifferent’ (ἀδιάφοϱος) or one of its derivatives. In all of these instances except three, the term is found in the moral sense redolent of Stoic usage. The present study attempts to treat by a comprehensive analysis of the term the meaning of ‘indifferent’ in Clement, its significance for his moral ascesis, and certain problems that arise from its use. Because of the marked similarity between Clement's usage of this term and that of the Stoics a brief discussion of the Stoic notions of indifference is necessary as a background to Clement's teachlng. It is hoped that such a study will provide a concrete example of the adaptation of Stoic morality to practical Christian asceticism.