Stoicism: The Subordination of Natural Affection
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Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC, emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. The Stoics believed that virtue, the highest good, is based on knowledge and that the wise live in harmony with the divine Reason that governs nature. A key aspect of Stoicism is the subordination of natural affection, which involves the regulation and moderation of emotions and desires to achieve a state of inner peace and rationality.

In the context of biblical teachings, the subordination of natural affection can be examined through the lens of Christian doctrine, which often emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and familial bonds. However, the Bible also acknowledges the necessity of prioritizing spiritual commitments over earthly ties when they conflict with one's devotion to God.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 10:37 : "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." This verse highlights the precedence of allegiance to Christ over familial relationships, reflecting a principle similar to the Stoic idea of subordinating natural affection to a higher calling.

2. Luke 14:26 : "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple." Here, the term "hate" is understood as a hyperbolic expression to indicate the necessity of prioritizing one's commitment to Christ above all else, aligning with the Stoic emphasis on rational prioritization over emotional attachment.

3. Romans 8:13 : "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This passage underscores the Christian call to transcend the desires of the flesh, akin to the Stoic pursuit of overcoming passions that disrupt rational living.

4. Philippians 3:8 : "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." The apostle Paul expresses a willingness to forsake all earthly attachments for the sake of knowing Christ, resonating with the Stoic ideal of valuing virtue and wisdom above all else.

Christian Perspective on Stoicism:

From a Christian perspective, while Stoicism's emphasis on self-control and rationality can be seen as commendable, it diverges from the biblical understanding of love and compassion as central to human relationships. The Bible teaches that love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and that believers are to love one another deeply (1 Peter 4:8). However, the subordination of natural affection is not entirely foreign to Christian thought, as believers are called to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

The Stoic ideal of apatheia, or freedom from passion, contrasts with the biblical view that emotions, when rightly ordered, are part of God's design for humanity. The Christian life involves the transformation of the heart and mind (Romans 12:2), where emotions are not eradicated but are brought into alignment with God's will.

In summary, while Stoicism and Christianity both advocate for the subordination of certain natural affections, they do so with differing motivations and end goals. Stoicism seeks inner peace through rational detachment, whereas Christianity calls for a reordering of affections in light of divine love and eternal priorities.
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Matthew 10:37
He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
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Luke 14:26
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
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Library

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Yet Plato teaches most impressively the subordination of sense to ... Stoicism was the
most distinct embodiment of the ... Because, in its lack of natural science, and ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of Colossians - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What are the dangers of postmodernism? | GotQuestions.org

What is Stoicism? What did the Greek Stoics teach? | GotQuestions.org

Stoic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Stoicism: Scripture Analogies to John the Baptist Wore Camel's Hair and Subsisted on Locusts and Wild Honey
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