- I often reference this quote from The Essays of Michael Seigneur de Montaigne (1759):
‘All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.’
I’ve found this sentiment fitting when discussing Stoic philosophy. I am neither a Stoic nor a philosopher—just someone who has studied Stoicism and integrated its principles into my daily life with meaningful results. As Ward Farnsworth aptly put it, I am just practicing.
That said, when it comes to scripture, I take a different stance. The Gospel is not a philosophy or a practice—it is the truth. It demands to be spoken not as discourse, but as a declaration.
Oh, and for the record, I am also not a writer.
- C.S. Lewis explained his belief in God as stemming from both reason and experience. He argued that the existence of universal moral Iaws and human longing for something beyond the material world points to a divine source. In Mere Christianity, he observed that the moral law—our sense of right and wrong—cannot be fully explained by biology or society, suggesting a higher power as its origin.
One of his most famous quotes sums it up well: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen—not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else." In other words, his faith wasn’t just about believing in God; it was about how belief in God helped him make sense of everything else in life, illuminating truth and meaning.
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Introduction: Exploring the Intersection of Christianity and Stoicism
As we step into a new year, I’m embarking on a personal journey that combines two practices that have profoundly influenced my life: Christianity and Stoic philosophy. Inspired by The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, which offers a daily Stoic quote and reflection, I’ve also been working on staying consistent in my Bible readings and devotions. This year, I aim to bring these two disciplines together in a meaningful way.
My plan is to take the daily Stoic quote and pair it with biblical scriptures that align with its theme. These scriptures won’t follow the liturgical lectionary but will instead reflect the wisdom of the day’s Stoic principle. While I’ll continue my own daily reflections using the lectionary (shoutout to the Hallow app and Jeff Calvin's readings—highly recommend!), this series will focus on how Stoicism helps me practice and deepen my Christian faith.
For me, Stoic philosophy provides practical tools—like focusing on what I can control, practicing gratitude, and accepting challenges—that make living out my faith more tangible. I hope to share how these two perspectives come together in my life and maybe inspire others to reflect on their own journeys of faith and growth.
Having just moved (yes, on New Year’s Eve!), life is a bit chaotic, but I’ll do my best to share consistently. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!
And who knows? Maybe Zeno was a bit closer to God’s wisdom than he realized.