Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Clement of Alexandria interprets “hate” in Luke 14:26 as refusing to “reverence a father more than Christ,” and even “dissolve the fleshly relationships” when relatives hinder salvation; what would it actually look like in a modern family system to “love enemies” and still “hate” family in this sense without excusing bitterness, harshness, or neglect?
Another way to ask: Clement says “hate” in Luke 14:26 means not loving family more than Christ, especially if they block your salvation. In a modern family, what would that look like while still loving them well and not becoming bitter, harsh, or neglectful?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, “hate” would look like refusing to give family higher loyalty than Christ, and separating from family influence when it blocks faith—while still avoiding revenge, harm, or sinful hatred. It is a priority shift (Christ first) expressed with love, but with real boundaries when “detrimental to salvation.”
- Clement rejects literal malice: “the God of peace… does not introduce hatred… from those that are dearest.”
- He argues there’s no contradiction with loving enemies: if we love enemies, Jesus isn’t teaching harm toward family.
- Clement defines it as not “reverenc[ing] a father more than Christ,” and removing “shamefacedness towards one’s relations, if… detrimental to salvation.”
- He states that if relatives are “godless and become a hindrance to faith… let him… dissolve the fleshly relationships.”
- The speaker applies this personally: he “literally had to put the calling of Christ… before the will of my wife… parents… family,” clarifying, “not… evil or harm… or harsh.”