Title: Jesus as a Stoic: Parallels Between Stoicism and the Teachings of Christ
Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium, emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. At its core, Stoicism teaches that virtue is the only good and that external events cannot be controlled, but we can control our responses to them. Interestingly, many of the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Bible, reflect Stoic principles. This blog post explores the parallels between Jesus’ teachings and Stoic philosophy, providing biblical references to illustrate these connections.
**1. Inner Peace and Control over Emotions
Stoicism teaches that true peace comes from within and that we must control our emotions rather than being controlled by them. Jesus echoed this sentiment in several of his teachings. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, ESV)
Here, Jesus highlights the importance of inner peace and reconciliation, which aligns with the Stoic ideal of maintaining tranquility despite external circumstances.
**2. Acceptance of Fate and God’s Will
A central tenet of Stoicism is the acceptance of fate and the recognition that we must align our will with the natural order. Jesus demonstrated this principle profoundly in the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing the suffering he was about to endure, Jesus prayed:
“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39, ESV)
Jesus’ acceptance of God’s will, even in the face of immense personal suffering, mirrors the Stoic belief in accepting one’s fate and maintaining virtue through adversity.
**3. Indifference to External Goods and Status
Stoics believe that external goods, such as wealth and status, are indifferent and should not dictate one’s happiness. Jesus taught a similar lesson when he said:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Jesus emphasized the impermanence of earthly possessions and the importance of focusing on spiritual wealth, which aligns with the Stoic view that virtue, not material wealth, leads to true fulfillment.
**4. Forgiveness and Compassion
While Stoicism values rationality and emotional control, it also emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness are among the most profound in the Bible. He said:
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, ESV)
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34, ESV)
These teachings demonstrate a level of emotional mastery and compassion that aligns with Stoic ideals, advocating for forgiveness and understanding rather than retaliation and anger.
**5. The Impermanence of Life and Preparation for Death
Stoics often reflected on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death, encouraging a life lived in accordance with virtue to prepare for the end. Jesus, too, spoke of the transient nature of life and the importance of spiritual readiness:
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42, ESV)
Jesus’ call to be vigilant and prepared reflects the Stoic practice of memento mori, the meditation on mortality, to live a life of virtue and readiness for whatever comes next.
Conclusion
While Jesus and Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius lived in different times and cultural contexts, the similarities in their teachings are striking. Both emphasized the importance of inner peace, acceptance of fate, indifference to external goods, forgiveness, and the impermanence of life. These parallels suggest that the wisdom of Stoicism can complement and enrich our understanding of Jesus’ teachings, providing a holistic approach to living a virtuous and fulfilling life.
As we delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus and the Stoic philosophers, we discover timeless wisdom that continues to resonate in our modern lives. By embracing these principles, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace, resilience, and compassion that transcends the challenges of our daily existence. Visit my website for a free 30 day devotional to learn more. CHRISTOIC | VIVO VIRTUS
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