Stoicism vs. Christianity
Did Marcus Aurelius agree with Biblical teaching?
Considering the extreme persecution Christians experienced during the reign of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a well-known Stoic leader, it would be easy to conclude that the whole philosophy of stoicism is an enemy of our faith. This would be too hasty however, especially considering the millions of other stoic lives — Christians, atheists, rich, poor, etc. Justin Martyr, who was executed for his faith during Marcus’ reign as emperor, even included a supposed letter from Marcus Aurelius in his first defense of Christianity in which Marcus gives credit for his victory in battle to Christians praying. While we may not know exactly what Marcus’ feelings toward Christians were, we can find similarities between Biblical teachings and the core ideas of stoicism found in his writings.
An important teaching in both stoicism and Christianity is to seek wisdom. Marcus may not have agreed that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 1:7, 9:10), but he did agree with the great worth the Bible places on wisdom. Proverbs 4:5–6 encourages us to,
“Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will watch over you.”
In Book 4 of Meditations, Marcus gives advice on how to start acquiring wisdom: “Look into their minds, at what the wise do and what they don’t.” Likewise, Psalm 1:1 also encourages us to only learn from the wise, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.”
Other examples of stoic wisdom aligning with Biblical teaching are these quotes regarding judging others…
“When faced with people’s bad behavior, turn around and ask when you have acted like that.” Marcus Aurelius, Book 10 of Meditations
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5
…and these, encouraging control over one’s thoughts:
“You need to avoid certain things in your train of thought: everything random, everything irrelevant. And certainly everything self-important or malicious.” Marcus Aurelius, Book 3 of Meditations
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
Of course, stoicism and Christianity are not the same, and the most important reason is Jesus Christ. Our Savior, and the only way for anyone to be reconciled to the Father. Throughout Meditations, Marcus attributes harm or illness to the way of nature, and therefore concludes that we should try to accept whatever happens as such (Book 5 of Meditations). Christianity, too, teaches us to not let our present sufferings consume or depress us — not, however, because there is nothing else to be done about it, but because we know the troubles of this world are nothing compared to the eternal glory that awaits us (Romans 8:18). Only Christianity gives hope of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice, and eternal joy and peace in our Father’s presence.
