This study is an exploration into the concept of Autarchy in Clement of Alexandria towards establishing a greed line for Indian Context.
The economic and financial breakdowns, bankrupt nations and alarming ecological degradation have all constantly raised concerns for linking Poverty, Wealth, Ecology and its legitimacy. Rising Governmental policies and checks against unethical financial gains, unaccounted income by individuals or corporate all directs towards a more subtle, ethical and social change. Greed and legitimate use of wealth seemingly a spiritual and moral imperative, now seeks discussion even for structural changes in national or transnational policies.
The religious fabric of Christianity owes an unprecedented responsible attitude to the concerns of Greed, poverty and wealth. This concern is a responsibility of diakonia not of any exclusivist superior claims in a Pluralistic context. World Council of Churches has extended discussions focusing on poverty, wealth and ecology since its 8th Assembly at Harare, 1998 directly with AGAPE (Alternative Globalization Addressing People and Earth) process. Also, the WCC’s motto of preferential option for people in poverty remains relevant today.
However, the Early Christian wealth of Social sensitivity and Philosophical tradition of Patristics remain unexplored in contemporary discussions. Christian Church possesses in its literature an abundant and incomparable treasure. But it is an inheritance that must be reclaimed by each generation. The concept of “Autarchy” (Autarkia) in Clement of Alexandria catalyzes thought towards a new ethical and moral paradigm to counter greed. In the Indian context of widespread poverty, economic disparity and unrestrained exploitation, Autarchy as in Clement would enable a culture of enough and help constructing a Greed line.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Title
Statement of Problem
Elaboration of the Problem
Importance of the Problem
Purpose of the Research
Method of Study
Hypothesis
Division into Chapters
Scope and Limitation
Previous Research
CHAPTER – 1 CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: LIFE, INFLUENCES AND THOUGHT
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Alexandria
1.3 Clement of Alexandria: Theologian Par excellence
1.3.1 Birth and early years
1.3.2 Philosophy and Influences
1.3.3 Biblical Hermeneutics
1.4 The Trilogy and other writings
1.4.1 Kerygma: The Divine movement and economy of salvation
1.5 Critical evaluation
1.5.1 Photios’ Bibliotheca: Critique
1.6. Conclusion
Chapter 2 Autarkia: in Context
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Philosophy: Handmaid of Christianity
2.3 Autarkia: in Greek Philosophical context
2.4 The Christian context: A Project of Perfection
2.5 Trajectory of Autarchy in Clement
2.5.1 Autarchy and Theosis
2.5.2 The Attainment of Likeness
2.5.3 Christian Perfection: In God
2.6 Social Sensitivity: An essential requisite
Conclusion
Chapter 3 Greed Line and Autarchy in Indian Thought
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The Global Crisis
3.3 Poverty, Wealth and Ecology Project of the WCC
3.4 Greed Line
3.5 A Framework: Towards multidimensional greed indicators
3.6 Indian Economic Context
3.7 Indian Philosophical wealth
3.7.1 Principle Thoughts
3.8 Indian Economic Perspectives
3.9 Buddhism: The Philosophical aspiration
3.8.1 Buddhism: The Greaco-Indian connect
3.10 Gandhian Thought
3.10.1 Selected Gandhian Economic and Ethical features
3.10.1.1 Non-stealing
Evaluation
Conclusion
CHAPTER- 4 CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis explores the concept of "Autarchy" (self-sufficiency) in the writings of Clement of Alexandria as an ethical and moral paradigm to address contemporary economic disparities, particularly in the Indian context. The research aims to bridge Patristic thought with modern economic concerns to establish a "greed line" based on principles of sufficiency and social responsibility.
- The role of "Autarchy" in the theological and ethical framework of Clement of Alexandria.
- Linking Patristic teachings on wealth, poverty, and stewardship to modern economic crises.
- Integrating Indian philosophical traditions—such as Gandhian economics and Buddhist concepts—with Christian thought.
- Developing a moral "greed line" to define an upper limit of legitimate consumption.
- Promoting a culture of "enough" to combat structural greed and economic inequality.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3 Autarkia: in Greek Philosophical context
Autarkia as a Greek philosophical concept was widely regarded as a mark of the human good, happiness (eudaimonia). The word Autarchy comes from Greek autarkia, derived from autos meaning ‘self’ and arkeo which in its passive form means ‘be satisfied, content’ or rather can be paraphrased as “out of my own power”. A life is self-sufficient when it is worthy of choice and still lacks nothing in itself. However, what makes a life self-sufficient – and thereby happy – was a matter of controversy since ages. For instance, the Stoics believed that the mere possession of virtue would suffice; The majority of the Fathers spoke for a state of autarky, or the modest self-sufficiency of man, characterized by the consumption only of necessary goods.
The celebrated Stoic Epictetus (XXXIII, 7) wrote: Take only what is absolutely necessary for your body, that is food, drink, clothes, a house and slaves. Anything else, which is for show or for pleasure, you should relinquish. The remarkably consistent, but little known, writings of the Fathers on this subject also deserve examination at some length. For example, Clement of Alexandria in his Paedagogus (2, I, 132) denned this state by saying:
Just as the measure for the shoe is the foot, so is property related to the needs of the body. God created the world in order for us to use it, however, we earn material goods so as to achieve autarky. Autarky breeds good men for society, especially when it is accompanied by love.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the global economic and financial crises, identifying "greed" as a root cause and proposing the concept of a "greed line" to establish limits for wealth accumulation.
CHAPTER – 1 CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: LIFE, INFLUENCES AND THOUGHT: Examines the biography, philosophical context, and literary work of Clement, highlighting his synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian faith.
Chapter 2 Autarkia: in Context: Analyzes the concept of "Autarkia" in Greek philosophy and its development into a project of Christian perfection, focusing on inner detachment and stewardship.
Chapter 3 Greed Line and Autarchy in Indian Thought: Explores the application of these concepts within the Indian socio-economic framework, drawing parallels between Patristic thought, Gandhian economics, and Buddhist philosophy.
CHAPTER- 4 CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the research findings, emphasizing the need for an ethical, contextual approach to wealth that promotes social sensitivity and communal well-being.
Keywords
Clement of Alexandria, Autarchy, Autarkia, Greed Line, Indian Economic Context, Gandhian Thought, Poverty, Wealth, Christian Theology, Theosis, Social Sensitivity, Stewardship, Koinonia, Patristics, Self-sufficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of this research?
The research aims to explore the concept of "Autarchy" in the works of Clement of Alexandria to develop an ethical paradigm for establishing a "greed line" within the Indian socio-economic context.
What is the core meaning of the "greed line"?
The greed line is a moral and ethical concept representing the upper limit of legitimate consumption, intended to counter unbounded accumulation and structural inequality.
Which philosophical and theological traditions are synthesized in this work?
The study synthesizes early Christian Patristic thought, specifically that of Clement of Alexandria, with Indian philosophical concepts like Gandhian non-stealing, Buddhist views on desire, and the general Indian ethic of sharing.
What methodology does the researcher use?
The research is primarily analytical and reflective, examining historical texts to extract concepts that can be reinterpreted to address modern crises of wealth and ecology.
How does Clement of Alexandria define wealth?
Clement views wealth as a neutral gift from God, meant to be used for the benefit of the community and the needy rather than for personal luxury or display.
What is the role of "Autarchy" in modern society according to the author?
Autarchy serves as a counter-cultural approach to modern consumerism, encouraging a "culture of enough" that prioritizes spiritual and communal integrity over the rat race of accumulation.
How does this thesis connect Gandhian thought to Christian Patristics?
It draws parallels between Gandhian concepts of "trusteeship" and "non-possession" and the Christian call for social responsibility and detachment, finding both to be convergent models for social and moral regeneration.
What is the relationship between "Autarchy" and "Theosis"?
Theosis (deification) is the ultimate goal of the Christian life, and Autarchy functions as a necessary, en-route discipline of detachment and contentment that enables the soul's journey toward God.
- Quote paper
- Anish John (Author), 2016, “Autarchy” in the thought of Clement of Alexandria. A paradigm for establishing a “greed line” in the Indian context, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/353103
