In this episode, we explore the ancient philosophy of Stoicism that was popular during the early church. The Stoics sought inner peace through rigorous self-control, virtue, and detachment from emotions. We'll see how Stoic ethics aligned with Christianity in some ways yet differed significantly in its worldview.
Episode Overview
- Stoicism founded by Zeno of Citium in ancient Athens
- Virtue and self-mastery seen as the supreme good
- Calmness cultivated by controlling passions and accepting circumstances
- Aligned with Christian ethics in valuing justice and service
- Yet fundamentally different worldview than Christianity
- Paul encountered Stoic philosophy in Athens
Discussion Questions
- What Stoic practices or virtues may be worth emulating for Christians? How so?
- How can Christians process emotions in a healthy, biblical way compared to the Stoic suppression of feelings?
- Where do you see elements of Stoic thought in our culture today? How should Christians engage these ideas?
- How can we thoughtfully dialogue with non-Christian philosophies as Paul did in Athens to point to the truth?
- What stood out to you most from this episode and discussion of Stoicism? How does it impact your worldview and walk with Christ?
For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at thechurchhistoryproject@gmail.com. For more content, visit the podcast website or wherever you find your podcasts.
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