Philo of Alexandria and the Construction of Jewishness in Early Christian Writings

By Jennifer Otto

Book Description

This scholarly exploration reveals how early Christian thinkers navigated the complex relationship between emerging Christianity and established Jewish traditions through their treatment of one pivotal figure. Jennifer Otto examines how three influential Christian writers—Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and Eusebius—portrayed Philo of Alexandria, the renowned first-century Jewish philosopher and biblical interpreter.

The study uncovers a fascinating pattern: none of these early Christian authors clearly identified Philo as Jewish. Instead, Clement called him a Pythagorean, Origen often referenced him anonymously as "one who came before us," and Eusebius typically described him as Hebrew. These careful word choices created a unique category for Philo as a "near-other"—neither fully Christian nor fully Jewish in their presentations.

Otto demonstrates how these portrayals served a deeper purpose than simply claiming a respected intellectual for Christianity. They reveal the ongoing work of defining what made Christian beliefs and practices distinct while still maintaining connections to Jewish wisdom and tradition. Through their treatment of Philo, these writers engaged in complex processes of drawing boundaries and building bridges between communities.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions develop their identities in relationship to others, this work offers valuable insights into the delicate balance between honoring influences and establishing distinctiveness. The book illuminates how religious communities construct both their sense of self and their understanding of others through careful interpretation and presentation of shared intellectual heritage.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)

📄 Length: 256 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Strengthen your faith journey
✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
✓ Explore Philo, of alexandria
✓ Explore Influence
✓ Explore Clement, of alexandria, saint, approximately 150-approximately 215
✓ Explore Christianity
✓ Explore Eusebius, of caesarea, bishop of caesarea, approximately 260-approximately 340
✓ Explore timeless philosophical wisdom

Topics Covered

Interfaith relations Christianity and other religions Philo, of alexandria Influence Clement, of alexandria, saint, approximately 150-approximately 215 Christianity Eusebius, of caesarea, bishop of caesarea, approximately 260-approximately 340 Jewish philosophy Judaism Jews, identity Origen