Written in the late second century, Clement of Alexandria’s Exhortation to the Heathen (Protrepticus) is one of the earliest full-scale Christian appeals to the pagan world. A former philosopher turned Christian teacher, Clement writes with both the elegance of a classicist and the passion of a pastor, calling his cultured readers to leave behind the false gods of Greece and Rome and embrace the truth of Christ.
In this work, Clement dismantles the myths of the pagan deities, exposing their immorality and absurdity, while highlighting the emptiness of idol worship. Against this backdrop, he presents Christ as the divine Logos—the Word of God who enlightens humanity, fulfills the deepest longings of philosophy, and offers salvation to the world. With rich imagery, he portrays Christ as the “New Song,” a hymn of truth and beauty that heals and restores the soul.
 
Exhortation to the Heathen is more than an apologetic; it is a heartfelt invitation to conversion, urging readers to step from shadows into light. For students of early Christianity, this text provides a vivid picture of how the Church engaged Greco-Roman culture with courage, learning, and grace.