In this tumultuous and unpredictable world, perhaps we need both the Stoa and the cross. Jesus & Stoicism: The Parallel Sayings, offers the perennial wisdom of both traditions side by side, highlighting the many intriguing similarities between them.
I've been waiting for this lovely new book by Brittany Polat to arrive for a couple of months, and it's finally here. I'm so pleased to finally be able to read it and offer you all a review:
I've been waiting for this lovely new book by Brittany Polat to arrive for a couple of months, and it's finally here. I'm so pleased to finally be able to read it and offer you all a review:
Overview:
The book doesn't present complex histories or philosophical arguments; instead its simplicity invites contemplation and reflection by placing verses from the Gospels alongside similar passages from the writings of Epictetus, Seneca, Musonius Rufus, and Marcus Aurelius.
Polat notes that the similar ethical systems developed by both the Stoic school and Christianity have influenced Western ideals at a fundamental level for 2000 years. The Apostle Paul was likely influenced by Stoicism and it is possible that pieces of Stoic ethics found their way into the New Testament. Christian intellectuals, including Clement of Alexandria and Origen, also were familiar with Stoic philosophy and drew inspiration from it. Indeed Stoic philosophy remained popular throughout late antiquity and the early Medieval period, even as the church became ascendant, and despite some prominent difference between the two philosophies.
Similarities between Stoicism and Christianity include:
Polat notes that the similar ethical systems developed by both the Stoic school and Christianity have influenced Western ideals at a fundamental level for 2000 years. The Apostle Paul was likely influenced by Stoicism and it is possible that pieces of Stoic ethics found their way into the New Testament. Christian intellectuals, including Clement of Alexandria and Origen, also were familiar with Stoic philosophy and drew inspiration from it. Indeed Stoic philosophy remained popular throughout late antiquity and the early Medieval period, even as the church became ascendant, and despite some prominent difference between the two philosophies.
Similarities between Stoicism and Christianity include:
- Success defined in terms of internal (spiritual/psychological) states rather than external or worldly goods
- Using virtuous role models
- Virtue leading to right action in the world
- Integrity between beliefs and actions
- Sacrifice and renunciation
- Fellowship, love, and goodwill towards others
- Joy and gratitude
- Letting go of what we can't control
- Following the right path
Themes and Verses for Contemplation
The parallel passages are organized around 10 chapters with different themes, including what is important (Treasure), Virtue and Righteousness, Social Harmony, Sincerity, Compassion and Mercy, Forgiveness and Reconciliation, Generosity, Love, Inner Peace, and Walking the Path.
Some of my favorite parallel verses come from the Walking the Path Chapter:
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many that enter in by it. How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14
-And-
"You can pass your life in a constant state of happiness if you walk the right path, and think and act in the right way." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.34
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"Jesus answered, 'Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the night isn't in him.'" John 11.9-10
-And-
"The light may begin to shine if we are willing. But such a result can only happen in one way-if we acquire knowledge of things divine and human." Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, 110.8
Overall, this is a small, accessible and engaging book that punches above its weight in terms of the wisdom it offers for how to live a good life. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in Stoicism, Christianity, or Perennialism.
~
Read Next:
Stoicism Today Volume 4: Book Review
Beauty in Philosophy, Ethics and Art: A Conversation with David Fideler
The Good Life at Home and at Work
*Post contains affiliate links
Some of my favorite parallel verses come from the Walking the Path Chapter:
"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many that enter in by it. How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it." - Matthew 7:13-14
-And-
"You can pass your life in a constant state of happiness if you walk the right path, and think and act in the right way." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.34
-
"Jesus answered, 'Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? If a man walks in the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because the night isn't in him.'" John 11.9-10
-And-
"The light may begin to shine if we are willing. But such a result can only happen in one way-if we acquire knowledge of things divine and human." Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius, 110.8
Overall, this is a small, accessible and engaging book that punches above its weight in terms of the wisdom it offers for how to live a good life. I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in Stoicism, Christianity, or Perennialism.
~
Read Next:
Stoicism Today Volume 4: Book Review
Beauty in Philosophy, Ethics and Art: A Conversation with David Fideler
The Good Life at Home and at Work
*Post contains affiliate links
