A Stoic can be a Christian

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:7)

Especially during this Christmas season, we often think of Roman society as brutal, corrupt, and ignorant. Yet, while it was all those things, some Roman leaders, like Marcus Aurelius, strove to live with integrity and put the needs of his subjects first. Aurelius’s compassionate leadership was even more instructive when considering the challenging times he lived. For example, there were corrupt political upstarts around him, and the last fourteen years of his reign were cursed with a horrific plague, later believed to be smallpox. Yet, amid all the painful challenges, Markus Aurelius nurtured his belief in philosophy, which guided his ethical conduct and political leadership.

Since the age of twelve, Markus Aurelius studied the Stoic philosophers. Finally, in his early twenties, his study started making sense, and he committed to its teaching for the rest of his life. As I read Markus Aurelius’s works and studied Stoicism, I was surprised at how often Stoicism can enhance our understanding of Christianity.

One Stoic philosophical belief I affirm is that we can meet fear with rationalism. That does not mean Christians should not feel, but we should evaluate our feelings rationally. The Stoic asks themselves, “Why am I feeling this way, and what is the feeling trying to tell me?” Feelings should always exist within us, but we should not allow them to run uncontrolled through our minds. Once we determine why we are feeling a certain way, it is easier to evaluate what our emotion tells us, providing a better, more rational response.

Today, practice being a Stoic Christian. When you feel your emotions rushing to the surface, stop and ask yourself, “What are my emotions trying to tell me?” Asking the question will give you enough distance from those emotions to ponder more rationally. Emotions are not the enemy, unless they make your mind uncontrollable. If you can retain rational thought, your emotions become tools to your subconscious, helping you to evaluate your inner thoughts and overcome your fears. The Stoic goal of self-control is also what God desires for our lives. Therefore, pray for the control necessary to ask the questions of our feelings so that we can respond faithfully.