Harmony of the New Song: Musical Overtones in the Christology of Clement of Alexandria

Abstract

This article examines the use of musical imagery in early Christian thought, particularly in the writings of Clement of Alexandria, who applied the ancient Greek concept of musical harmony to his Christological vision. Clement presents Christ, the Logos incarnate, as the "New Song," sung by God the Father, symbolizing divine love and purifying both humanity and the cosmos. Christ is portrayed as the principle of harmony between God and humans, as well as between humans and the universe. The concept of musical harmony transcends art, influencing disciplines like anthropology, cosmology, and politics, and offering a model for restoring the disrupted harmony of creation. This theological perspective calls for a renewal of our commitment to divine harmony and responsibility toward the wellbeing of all creation.