The Compatibility of Stoicism and Catholicism

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I have become rather interested in the philosophy of the Stoics lately, not so much that I would forsake Church teaching but an interest. I have read that basically Stoics believed in coming to manage their emotions to a masterful degree although I’m not sure if that is the proper interpretation. If any of you would be willing in explaining the main principles and teachings of the Stoics, I would grateful and to the degree to which Stoic philosophy can be compatible with Catholic teaching and doctrine.

Thank you. 👍
 
Austere said:
I have become rather interested in the philosophy of the Stoics lately, not so much that I would forsake Church teaching but an interest. I have read that basically Stoics believed in coming to manage their emotions to a masterful degree although I’m not sure if that is the proper interpretation. If any of you would be willing in explaining the main principles and teachings of the Stoics, I would grateful and to the degree to which Stoic philosophy can be compatible with Catholic teaching and doctrine.

Thank you. 👍
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It is not compatible. The best analogy to modern stoic philosophy are the Deists. They believe in non-personal deity that put everything in motion and let it go. Also they (the Stoics) were fatalists, denying free will. They have more in common with today’s Medical Science atheists who believe everything is determined by chemicals, genes, and whatnot.
 
AmbroseSJ is correct. Stoicism is not compatible with Catholicism. There are aspects of Stoicism that are not unique to Stoicism. For example, Stoics believed in ruling one’s emotions. Aquinas would agree, saying that our emotions shouldn’t overrule our reason, and add that our emotions should be present and proper to the situation.

God gave us both Reason and Emotions. They are both important, or else we wouldn’t have them. Do not give one up for the other. The interdependence of our faculties is something too many philosophies ignore.
 
Reverse the burden of proof. Why can’t someone seeking to control emotions believe in Jesus? Jesus, it appears, does very well at restraining himself and always models instructive affect and thinking.
 
Properly controlled and expressed emotions are different from no emotions. “Jesus wept,” and Jesus sweated blood. Jesus went to parties. But he saved all those things for the proper times and occasions, because there is a time for every purpose under heaven, as Scripture tells us.
 
Michael19682 said:
Reverse the burden of proof. Why can’t someone seeking to control emotions believe in Jesus? Jesus, it appears, does very well at restraining himself and always models instructive affect and thinking.
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Controlling negative passions like lust has always been part of Christian thinking and practice.
 
Mintaka said:
Properly controlled and expressed emotions are different from no emotions. “Jesus wept,” and Jesus sweated blood. Jesus went to parties. But he saved all those things for the proper times and occasions, because there is a time for every purpose under heaven, as Scripture tells us.
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This would imply that Jesus fulfills Stoic practice and teaching. Therefore, Stoicism is a possible gateway to His mission as expressed on earth, if not his very Personhood.
 
I believe they are compatible, up to a point.

The Roman stoics did believe in one God, and thought it best to rule one’s emotions, deal fairly and justly with others, and reflect upon the limited time one has on this earth.

I have recently finished reading the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. A worthy, well written book to read, if ever you find the time!
 
All that is true good and beautiful…belongs to us 🙂 (to borrow from St. Justin the Martyr and Philosopher)

Christians back in the early centuries yes made use of some of what the Stoics held. Sure. So yes there is that which is yes compatible with the Christian Faith.

And then there is that which is not.

Pope Benedict XVI w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20080702.html

Christians over the centuries have drawn from them.

St. Jerome referred to Seneca as “ours”.

(that of course would not be an endorsement of all he wrote! But it indicates that his writings were received in part.
 
HabemusFrancis said:
I believe they are compatible, up to a point.

The Roman stoics did believe in one God, and thought it best to rule one’s emotions, deal fairly and justly with others, and reflect upon the limited time one has on this earth.

I have recently finished reading the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. A worthy, well written book to read, if ever you find the time!
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That was exactly the book I was wondering would someone recommend; I hear it is rather insightful.
 
Bookcat said:
Keep in mind his bloody persecution of the Christians.
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Aye, that was why I was rather hesitant whether or not I should pick the book up. I know this is running opposite to my original question, but why did Marcus Aurelius target the Christians?
 
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