[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fUw7cpZxa4_RDYRcdWyf5tBgWlzP4Ip29Kqu5t9Sqxdw":3,"$fB7oU0ZXnWiEPmEyyjLrJBw58Qo0_lGxPUO7PH3Kh7N0":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},21834,"Clement of Alexandria","C",76,null,"clement-of-alexandria",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":77},[14,23,29,35,41,47,53,59,65,71],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":22},2940624,"Prayer that runs its course till the last day of life needs a strong and tranquil soul.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nClement of Alexandria, a prominent Christian theologian and philosopher, wrote these words in his treatise \"The Instructor\" (also known as \"Paedagogus\") around 200 CE. During this time, Clement was facing challenges in his own spiritual journey, grappling with the complexities of Christian doctrine and the growing influence of Gnosticism. As a scholar and teacher, he was deeply concerned with the spiritual development of his students and the broader Christian community.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nOn the surface, Clement's statement appears to emphasize the importance of a stable and peaceful spirit for effective prayer. However, the hidden insight lies in the implicit acknowledgment that prayer can be a long and arduous process, requiring sustained effort and dedication. This paradox suggests that prayer is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process that demands a strong and tranquil soul to endure the trials and uncertainties of life.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, recognize that prayer and spiritual growth are not linear processes, but rather iterative journeys that require consistent effort and resilience. By acknowledging the potential for struggles and setbacks, you can cultivate a strong and tranquil soul, allowing you to persevere in your spiritual practice and maintain a deep connection with your faith.",{"id":24,"quote_text":25,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":26,"source":27,"quote_tag":28,"commentary":9},2940623,"It is absolutely impossible at the same time to be a man of understanding and not to be ashamed to gratify the body.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":30,"quote_text":31,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":32,"source":33,"quote_tag":34,"commentary":9},2940622,"Now the images and temples constructed by mechanics are made of inert matter, so that they too are inert, material, and profane. Even if you perfect the art, it partakes of mechanical coarseness. Works of art cannot then be sacred and divine.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":36,"quote_text":37,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":38,"source":39,"quote_tag":40,"commentary":9},2940621,"The purified righteous man has become a coin of the Lord, and has the impress of his King stamped upon him.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":42,"quote_text":43,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":44,"source":45,"quote_tag":46,"commentary":9},2940620,"He alone can remit sins who is appointed our Master by the Father of all; He only is able to discern obedience from disobedience.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":48,"quote_text":49,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":50,"source":51,"quote_tag":52,"commentary":9},2940619,"When the two shall be one, the outside as the inside, and the male and the female neither male nor female.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":54,"quote_text":55,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":56,"source":57,"quote_tag":58,"commentary":9},2940617,"The law itself exhibits justice and teaches wisdom by abstinence from sensible images and by calling out to the Maker and Father of the universe.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":60,"quote_text":61,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":62,"source":63,"quote_tag":64,"commentary":9},2940615,"But true philosophic demonstration will contribute to the profit not of the listeners’ tongues, but of their minds. And, in my opinion, he who is solicitous about truth ought not to frame his language with artfulness and care, but only to try to express his meaning as he best can.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":66,"quote_text":67,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":68,"source":69,"quote_tag":70,"commentary":9},2940613,"For why should not the wine of their own country satisfy men’s desires, unless they were to import water also, like the foolish Persian kings?",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":72,"quote_text":73,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":74,"source":75,"quote_tag":76,"commentary":9},2940609,"What does God think of spurious beauty, rejecting utterly as He does all falsehood?",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":78,"totalPages":79,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":80},1,8,10]