Catechetical School of Alexandria
The Catechetical School of Alexandria represents a tradition forming around the late 2nd to early 3rd centuries. Alexandria was an important cultural center of the time, influenced by both Christianity and Hellenism. The need for schooling was originally to prepare catechumens for baptism, although a school did not exist as such until Bishop Demetrius assigned Origen (c. 185-253) to direct a school around 202. Subsequent directors were Heraclas and Dionysius. Before this school was established, the earliest known teachers in Alexandria were the Gnostics. More orthodox thinkers like Pantaenus and Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215) later taught in Alexandria.
Alexandrian teachings moved toward speculation, philosophical discourse, and an allegorical interpretation of the Bible, differing from the Antiochene's literal exegesis. During the Arian controversy, the school faded from view because of attacks on Origen's philosophy.
Elise Bender
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