Playlist: Stoicism (topic)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 8)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughStoicism, a Greek philosophy, was philosophically closest to the truth among the Greeks. Stoics believed in a deity, though pantheistically, and in discipline, self-control, and reason. Paul directed his speech primarily toward the Stoics when he spoke at the Areopagus in Athens.
Are You Looking for Some New Thing? (Part 1)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsStoicism was one of the philosophical schools that Paul encountered and debated with in Athens, as mentioned in Acts 17. The Stoics, along with the Epicureans, represented the intellectual elite of the time, yet their teachings left the Athenians unsatisfied and searching for new ideas.
Acts (Part Eighteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn Athens, the apostle Paul encountered a blend of superstitious idolatry and enlightened philosophy, prominently represented by the Stoics among other groups. The Stoics were polytheistic, allowing for the worship of various deities as one saw fit. Their beliefs were grounded in rational thinking, emphasizing an essential unity …
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the society of Corinth, various Greek philosophies, including Stoicism, significantly influenced the attitudes and behaviors of the new converts. Stoicism, alongside Cynic and Epicurean philosophies, was very popular and shaped the cultural backdrop against which the apostle Paul taught. These philosophies often aligned with …
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the context of addressing deceptive philosophies threatening the early church, Stoicism emerges as a relevant concept among other Greek philosophies like Epicureanism. Stoicism, as an earlier Greek philosophy, shares certain concepts with Gnosticism, which was a pervasive philosophy during the time of the Colossians. This …
Self-Discipline
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe ancient Greeks, including Socrates and Aristotle, highly valued enkrateia, considering it a chief virtue of mankind. This concept of self-control fundamentally underlies the philosophy of Stoicism. Stoicism embodies the ideal of the free and independent man who is under no external control, but freely governs everything …
Facing Times of Stress: Contentment
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsStoicism, as a philosophy prevalent in Paul's time, presented ideas that bore slight similarities to Christian teachings, yet Paul found it necessary to refute its principles. The core difference lies in the foundation of morality: Stoicism is rooted in pride, promoting individual independence devoid of divine influence, while …
Liberty Through Self-Control
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmong the Greek philosophers, self-control was considered one of the chief virtues, essential for mastering emotions, desires, impulses, and actions, so that external influences would not sway them. This concept of self-control, or enkrateia, which literally means "in strength," implies having power and rule within oneself, an …
Philippians (Part Ten)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughNot one of us with heavenly citizenship has ever been there, but like an ambassador, we are compelled to carry on the culture and laws in our lives.