What is the definition of stoicism? What did the stoics believe?

TL;DR:

Stoicism is a philosophy focused on living in harmony with the logos (universal reason), emphasizing virtue and rational thinking over emotional reactions. While we are not to trust our hearts, the Bible does not ask us to ignore our emotions.

what does the bible say?

The Bible offers plentiful wisdom that can be compared and contrasted with Stoic philosophy. Scripture encourages believers to seek wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) and exercise self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), which align with some Stoic principles. However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of emotions, particularly love (1 Corinthians 13:13), and teaches that true wisdom comes from God (James 1:5), not just human reason. Unlike Stoicism's materialistic worldview, the Bible presents a God who is both transcendent and personally involved in human affairs (Isaiah 55:8–9; Psalm 139:1–18). While some Stoic practices may be compatible with Christian living, the Bible ultimately points to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as the source of true fulfillment and wisdom (John 14:6; Colossians 2:2–3).

from the old testament

Proverbs 16:32: "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." This aligns with Stoic emphasis on self-control and mastery over one's emotions.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." This verse reflects a Stoic-like acceptance of life's changing circumstances, though from a God-centered perspective.

from the new testament

Philippians 4:11-–13: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Paul's attitude here resembles Stoic contentment, but with a core difference: his strength comes from Christ.
James 1:19–20: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." This teaching on controlling one's reactions shares common ground with Stoic principles but maintains a focus on godliness.
Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Similar to Stoicism, rational thinking and discernment are encouraged, but with the goal of aligning with God's will, rather than an impersonal logos.

implications for today

The Stoic emphasis on aligning with the logos (universal reason) can be seen as a shadow of the Christian call to align with God's will. However, Christianity goes beyond Stoicism by presenting a personal God who loves us and invites us into relationship. This relationship transforms our approach to life's challenges: rather than merely accepting circumstances with detached rationality, we can engage with them through faith, hope, and love. The Christian perspective encourages us to balance rational thinking with heartfelt compassion, recognizing the value of both wisdom and emotion in our spiritual journey.

In Christianity, emotions are not seen as something to dismiss but as integral aspects of our humanity, intentionally created by God to enrich our experiences and relationships. Rather than suppressing or ignoring our feelings, we are encouraged to bring them before God, allowing Him to guide and shape our emotional responses in alignment with His will. We are called to bring our emotions, like joy, sorrow, and anger, to God and to process them authentically in prayer and reflection. By submitting our emotions to God, we cultivate humility and trust, recognizing that while feelings can be powerful, they do not have to dictate our actions. Thus, Christianity invites us to embrace our emotions as a means of connecting with God and others, enriching our understanding of His purpose in our lives.

understand

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that emphasizes self-control and virtue as the path to living in harmony with the logos (universal reason).
Stoics assert that virtue, including wisdom and temperance, is the highest good and advocate for emotional resilience through rational thinking.
While Stoicism encourages mastery over emotions, Christianity promotes managing, rather than suppressing them, emphasizing a balance between feeling and reason.

reflect

How do you personally balance rational thinking and emotional responses in your daily life, especially during challenging situations?
What do you learn about God in the way He invites us to process and submit, not ignore, our emotions?
Reflect on a time when your emotional response influenced your decision-making. How might aligning your feelings with God’s will have changed that outcome?

engage

How does the Stoic concept of living in harmony with the logos compare to the Christian understanding of aligning with God’s will?
How can emotions be detrimental to us, and how does submitting them to God change that?
How is Christianity not opposed to rationalism but also not only rationalistic?
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