We don't know anything about Jesus youth and early adulthood. There are those that say he travelled to the far east, having found some correlations between his teachings and what is found there. The same could also be said of Stoicism which flourished in Greece under Zeno its founder in 3 BC.
Before we go to the similarities and differences, it may be useful to give a brief background of the two as follows:
Unknown - Jesus is tempted Matt 4:1-11
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Stoicism
Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece and was founded by philosopher Zeno of Citium.
The philosophy emphasizes personal ethics, rationality, and logic, and teaches that individuals should strive to live in accordance with nature and the natural order of the universe.
Key tenets of Stoicism include the pursuit of wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control, and the rejection of negative emotions such as anger, envy, and greed.
Stoic philosophers believed that inner peace and tranquility could be achieved through detachment from external circumstances and a focus on developing inner resilience and strength. They also emphasized the importance of accepting the inevitability of change, loss, and adversity, and encouraged individuals to cultivate a sense of equanimity (inner peace/calmness) and acceptance in the face of life's challenges.
Stoicism has influenced many subsequent philosophical and spiritual traditions, and remains a popular and influential philosophy to this day.
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion (there are two others closely related, Judaism and Muslims) based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to Christian belief, Jesus is the son of God who was sent to Earth to save humanity from sin and death.
He was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, and began his public ministry at the age of 30. Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of love, compassion, forgiveness, and faith in God.
He performed many miracles, including healing the sick and feeding the hungry, and his teachings inspired a large following of disciples.
Jesus was eventually arrested, tried, and executed by the Roman authorities, but according to Christian belief, he rose from the dead three days later, demonstrating his divine power and offering salvation to all who believe in him.
Christianity teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and that believers should strive to live in accordance with his teachings and the will of God.
The Bible is the central text of Christianity and contains the teachings and stories of Jesus, as well as the history of the Jewish people and the early Christian church. Christianity has had a profound impact on world history and culture, and remains a vital and influential force in the modern world.
Po Vodam - Jesus walks on water Matt 14: 22-33
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Ethics
They both prioritize ethical behavior and personal morality as key components of a fulfilling life. Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of loving others, being compassionate, and avoiding harmful actions such as lying, stealing, and violence.
Stoics philosophers similarly emphasized the importance of virtue, particularly wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. They believed that individuals should strive to live in accordance with nature and the natural order of the universe, which includes treating others with respect and compassion.
Inner peace and tranquility
They both emphasize the importance of inner peace and tranquility. Jesus taught that individuals should not worry about material possessions or worldly concerns, but should instead focus on spiritual growth and a deepening relationship with God.
Stoic philosophers similarly believed that inner tranquility could be achieved through detachment from external circumstances and a focus on developing inner resilience and strength. Both Jesus and Stoicism teach that inner peace and tranquility are key to living a fulfilling and virtuous life.
Humility
They both emphasize the importance of humility and the rejection of pride and arrogance. Jesus taught that individuals should not seek to be exalted above others, but should instead serve and uplift others.
Stoic philosophers similarly believed that humility was a key component of wisdom and ethical behavior, as it allowed individuals to recognize their own limitations and weaknesses. Both Jesus and Stoicism teach that humility is necessary for living a virtuous life and achieving inner peace.
Forgiveness
Both Jesus and Stoicism emphasize the importance of forgiveness and the rejection of anger and resentment. Jesus taught that individuals should forgive others, even their enemies, and love their neighbors as themselves.
Stoic philosophers similarly believed that anger and resentment were destructive emotions that could lead to negative behavior, and that forgiveness was necessary for inner peace and tranquility. Both teach that forgiveness is essential for living a fulfilling and virtuous life.
Transcendence
Both teach that individuals can transcend their earthly concerns and achieve a higher spiritual state. Jesus taught that individuals could achieve eternal life through faith in God, while Stoic philosophers believed that individuals could achieve a state of enlightenment or transcendence through the practice of virtue and self-discipline.
Both Jesus and Stoicism teach that individuals can achieve a greater purpose and meaning in life by focusing on spiritual growth and transcending their earthly concerns.
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They both emphasize the importance of cultivating inner character and virtues like humility, kindness, and self-control. They encourage people to focus on developing these qualities rather than external achievements or possessions.
Universal values
They both emphasize universal values like justice, love, and compassion. They teach that these values should guide our interactions with others and help us create a more just and harmonious society.
Acceptance of suffering
They both acknowledge that suffering is an inevitable part of life. They encourage people to accept this fact and to find meaning in their suffering, whether through spiritual growth or personal development.
The question of why it seems that good people suffer, while wicked people thrive is one that has existed from the beginning. If we go by biblical tradition, just Abel was killed by evil Cain, purely because of jealousy, that arose from God blessing Abel's offering over his own. These feeling s of unfairness, jealousy, hatred and so on have been there from the beginning.
The story of Job, is probably more congruent with the seemingly unfairness of life. Christianity suggests that we should see our lives as being more than just the terrestrial and think of life after death where injustices afforded by fate are resolved in the after life. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man Luke 16:19-31 explains this clearly, at least bearing in mind this biblical or Christian perspective.
Stoicism on the other hand tells us to accept fate as she falls upon us. This simply means that we cannot do anything about fate, but we can choose how we react to its impact on our life whether good or bad. Fate is seen as uncontrollable, and thus the more accepting and less influenced we are by it (namely flowing with nature), then the better off we are for it. Whether good or bad, equanimity should be our objective.
Rubens - Christ on the cross Matt 27: 32-56
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They both emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. They teach that each individual is responsible for their own ethical choices and that these choices have consequences for themselves and others.
In the Christian tradition, Jesus in the way of parables and teachings tells Christians to be light and salt in a society that embraces darkness and sordid behavior. Jesus Sermon on the mount Matt 5-7 demands that his followers seek the common good by applying the highest ethical values, even if it means losing their own lives. In the Catholic tradition, this is well defined by applying Plato's Cardinal and Theological virtues, which is also where the Stoics obtain their virtue equation from.
In Stoicism Plato's Cardinal and Theological values, are to be on our minds at all times, and for Christians when guided by Jesus Parables and teachings, we will be naturally different and attractive to the world. Nobility is to always seek and embrace the highest values, and human beings by their very nature embrace what is high; we are after all created in the image and likeness of the most high, our creator God.
We expound briefly on the Cardinal virtues as follows:
Prudence:
Prudence is the ability to make wise and practical decisions. It involves using reason and judgment to determine the right course of action. Prudence also involves being cautious and avoiding actions that could lead to harm or negative consequences. It is a virtue that helps individuals make good choices, particularly in complex or uncertain situations.
Justice:
Justice is the virtue of fairness and giving what is due to others. It involves treating others with respect, treating them fairly and equally, and ensuring that they receive what they are owed. Justice is not only concerned with individual actions but also with broader issues such as social justice, economic justice, and environmental justice.
Temperance:
Temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation. It involves controlling one's desires and impulses, particularly those related to pleasure, and maintaining a healthy balance in life. Temperance helps individuals to avoid excess and live a balanced life.
Fortitude:
Fortitude is the virtue of courage and strength in the face of adversity. It involves standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or danger. Fortitude is not only physical courage but also the courage to face challenges and overcome them with resilience and perseverance.
Together, these four virtues provide a framework for leading a virtuous life. They promote good decision-making, fairness, self-control, and courage. By cultivating these virtues, individuals can lead a life that is not only morally upright but also fulfilling and rewarding.
These virtues were first identified by Plato and were later developed by other philosophers, including Aristotle and Saint Thomas Aquinas.
The Theological virtues are as follows:
Faith:
Faith is the virtue by which we believe in God and all that He has revealed. It involves assenting to the truth of God's revelation, even if we cannot fully understand it. Faith is not blind belief but is based on reason and the evidence of God's existence and His action in the world. It also involves trusting in God's promises and relying on His grace.
Hope:
Hope is the virtue by which we trust in God's promises and rely on His grace to attain eternal life. It involves desiring and expecting the fulfillment of God's promises, even in the face of difficulties and challenges. Hope is not mere wishful thinking but is grounded in the certainty of God's faithfulness and love.
Charity:
Charity is the virtue by which we love God above all things and love our neighbor as ourselves. It is the highest of the theological virtues and encompasses all the other virtues. Charity is not mere sentimental feeling but is a selfless love that seeks the good of others. It involves giving of ourselves, our time, and our resources to help others, especially those in need.
Together, these three theological virtues provide a foundation for a life of faith, hope, and love. They enable us to live in relationship with God and to grow in our knowledge and love of Him. They also enable us to live in loving relationship with others, recognizing their dignity and worth as fellow children of God. By cultivating these virtues, we can become more fully the persons that God has created us to be and fulfill our ultimate destiny of eternal life with Him.
Stoicism and Christianity Differences:
Of course, it's worth noting that they have some fundamental differences as well, particularly in terms of their beliefs about God and the afterlife.
Beliefs about God:
Stoicism is a philosophy that emphasizes rationality and the natural order of the universe. While some Stoic philosophers believed in gods or divine forces, others did not. In general, Stoicism does not require belief in a personal God or higher power. In contrast, Christianity is a monotheistic religion that teaches the existence of a personal God who created the world and is actively involved in human affairs.
When I think about this, it occurs to me that while the process of evangelization continues globally, there seem to be fewer and fewer Christians who act like Christians. The great Mahatma Gandhi, when exposed to the sermon on the mount was startled by the beauty of the teaching, yet was quick to surmise that while the teachings were extraordinary, it's a shame that Christians behave far below the teachings of Jesus.
It is from "Christians" that we saw the advent of the Transatlantic slave trade, apartheid in South Africa, colonialism and the subjugation of millions globally. The wealth and prosperity gospel is another "Christian phenomenon" that ignores the cost of discipleship and the warnings of Christ regarding the love and deifying of mammon. On this latter issue, global trade and wealth are skewed intentionally to benefit advanced Christian countries at the expense of the rest of mankind. It's ridiculous to find people in a corner of the world starving, yet there is a bounty in some other part; all this is aimed at ensuring commodity prices don't fall for the benefit of a few. Oh, what a terrible point of view those with power aspire to.
I imagine that if one was simply to go about one's life without the label of a Christian and act as the stoics do, then it's highly likely that before God, the stoic will act more in conformity with His design than the Christian. Obviously, this does not apply to all of Christendom, but "me thinks" the majority.
Views about the afterlife:
Stoicism does not have a clear doctrine on the afterlife, although some Stoic philosophers believed in an afterlife or the possibility of achieving immortality through virtue. In general, Stoicism teaches that the goal of life is to live in accordance with nature and to achieve inner peace and tranquility. In contrast, Christianity teaches that there is an afterlife, and that a person's fate in the afterlife is determined by their beliefs and actions during their life on earth. Christians believe in a heaven and a hell, and that salvation can only be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ.
There is much congruence here. It's our actions on earth that will determine our fate in the otherworldly realm. Marcus Aurelius, a great stoic and Roman Emperor, while not believing in the afterlife, simply said, and I paraphrase, that let our actions at all times be virtuous, and indeed if there is an afterlife, it might very well be enough to be accepted, if not, the saying, "virtue is its own reward" will suffice.
Source of ethical guidance:
Stoicism emphasizes reason and natural law as the source of ethical guidance. Stoic philosophers believed that the universe is governed by a rational and moral order, and that humans should use reason to understand this order and live in accordance with it. In contrast, Christianity places a greater emphasis on divine revelation and the teachings of Jesus as the source of moral guidance. Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that the life and teachings of Jesus provide a model for ethical behavior.
Attitude towards emotions:
Stoicism teaches that emotions should be controlled and subdued, as they can cloud rational judgment and lead to negative behavior. Stoic philosophers believed that the goal of life is to achieve inner tranquility and freedom from emotional disturbance. In contrast, Christianity teaches that emotions can be a positive force when properly directed. Christians believe that love, compassion, and other positive emotions are essential for living a fulfilling and virtuous life.
Source of ethical guidance:
Stoicism emphasizes reason and natural law as the source of ethical guidance, while Christianity places a greater emphasis on divine revelation and the teachings of Jesus as the source of moral guidance.
Attitude towards emotions:
Stoicism teaches that emotions should be controlled and subdued, as they can cloud rational judgment and lead to negative behaviour. In contrast, Christianity teaches that emotions can be a positive force when properly directed, and that love and compassion should guide our interactions with others.
I see no divergence here. It is hard to be kind to an unjust person; to the indifferent; to the greedy; to the violent; to the unforgiving. Jesus' teachings are surmised in the two great commandments, a love of neighbour and a love of God. The ten commandments are split along the same lines. Obviously, our pride is the greatest obstacle to how we treat our neighbour and how we relate to God; Pride is the stumbling block refusing to condescend ourselves to service to others and to God. Pride is the ultimate emotion; we get rid of that and the rest simply falls in line.
Concept of sin:
Christianity teaches that humans are born with a sinful nature, and that salvation can only be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that sin is a fundamental problem that affects all humans, and that only through the forgiveness of sin can a person be saved. In contrast, Stoicism does not have a concept of sin or salvation. Stoic philosophers believed that humans are capable of living virtuous lives through reason and ethical behavior, without the need for divine intervention.
Again while sin is not stated in stoicism, there is congruence in personal responsibility. Jesus is our saviour and shows us the way to maintain this personal relationship with Him and it involves personal responsibility. It is ridiculous that a Christian can claim to be saved, yet acts no differently from the gentile; their attitude and actions are no different from the time before they met Christ. How then can they claim to be saved?
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31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Pretty scary isn't it? Well, stoic or not, there is a formula that we can apply to our lives, that falls within Jesus teachings but is expounded on as the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy. These expand, at least in my view on both Stoic and Christian tradition on practical steps to be better and live virtuous lives for ourselves and others.
Corporal Works of Mercy:
Feed the hungry:
This involves providing food and sustenance to those who are hungry and cannot afford to purchase food for themselves. This may involve volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating to a food bank, or simply offering food to someone who is in need.
Give drink to the thirsty:
This involves providing clean drinking water to those who are thirsty and cannot access it on their own. This may involve donating to a charity that provides clean water to communities in need, or offering a drink to someone who is dehydrated.
Clothe the naked:
This involves providing clothing to those who do not have adequate clothing to keep them warm or covered. This may involve donating clothes to a thrift store or charity, or purchasing new clothes for someone in need.
Shelter the homeless:
This involves providing shelter and housing to those who do not have a place to live. This may involve volunteering at a homeless shelter, donating to a housing organization, or offering a spare room or couch to someone who is homeless.
Visit the sick:
This involves visiting and caring for those who are ill or injured. This may involve volunteering at a hospital or nursing home, checking in on a sick friend or family member, or sending cards and messages of support.
Visit the imprisoned:
This involves visiting and supporting those who are incarcerated. This may involve volunteering at a prison ministry, sending letters and care packages to prisoners, or advocating for criminal justice reform.
Bury the dead:
This involves providing a respectful and dignified burial for those who have passed away. This may involve volunteering at a funeral home or cemetery, donating to a funeral fund for those who cannot afford burial costs, or simply attending the funeral of someone in need.
Spiritual Works of Mercy:
Admonish the sinner:
This involves correcting and guiding those who have gone astray or committed sin. This may involve offering constructive criticism, counseling, or other forms of support to help someone overcome their faults.
Instruct the ignorant:
This involves teaching and sharing knowledge with those who lack understanding or education. This may involve tutoring, mentoring, or teaching a class on a particular subject.
Counsel the doubtful:
This involves offering guidance and support to those who are uncertain or struggling with difficult decisions. This may involve providing advice, listening attentively, or helping someone to find clarity and direction.
Comfort the sorrowful:
This involves offering emotional support and compassion to those who are grieving or experiencing sadness. This may involve providing a listening ear, offering words of comfort, or simply being present for someone in need.
Bear wrongs patiently:
This involves forgiving and showing patience towards those who have wronged us or acted unjustly. This may involve offering forgiveness, practicing empathy, or seeking reconciliation with those who have caused us harm.
Forgive all injuries:
This involves letting go of grudges and resentments towards those who have hurt us or caused us pain. This may involve offering forgiveness, seeking therapy or counseling, or practicing self-care to heal from past hurts.
Pray for the living and the dead:
This involves offering prayers and spiritual support to both the living and the deceased. This may involve praying for those who are struggling, offering intercessions for the deceased, or engaging in spiritual practices such as meditation or contemplation.
Overall, both share some common values and teachings, they have almost similar worldviews and beliefs about the nature of reality, and the purpose of life.
Enjoy