Christian Texts and History • Re: An intriguing quote by Clement of Alexandria, Stromata 1:11

for the philosophy which is in accordance with divine tradition establishes and confirms providence, which, being done away with, the economy of the Saviour appears a myth, while we are influenced "after the elements of the world, and not after Christ" [Colossians 2:8],

But seeking ends in finding, driving out the empty trifling, and approving of the contemplation which confirms our faith. "And this I say, lest any man beguile you with enticing words," says the apostle [in Colossians 2:4], evidently as having learned to distinguish what was said by him, and as being taught to meet objections. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith" [Colossians 2:6-7].

Now persuasion is being established in the faith. Beware lest any man spoil you of faith in Christ by philosophy and vain deceit, which does away with providence, after the tradition of men [Colossians 2:8a&b]; for the philosophy which is in accordance with divine tradition establishes and confirms providence, which, being done away with, the economy of the Saviour appears a myth, while we are influenced "after the elements of the world, and not after Christ" [Colossians 2:8c].

• κατὰ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου, καὶ οὐ κατὰ Χριστόν
  according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ

For the teaching which is agreeable to Christ deifies the Creator,* and traces providence in particular events, and knows the nature of the elements to be capable of change and production; and teaches that we ought to aim at rising up to the power which assimilates to God, and to prefer the dispensation as holding the first rank and superior to all training.