Asher Sisneros

            A prior essay addressed the similarities between Christianity and Roman/Greek philosophy. This essay will focus on the differences and how Christianity represented an alienation from Roman ideals—stoicism, in particular.  

            Where the Stoics and Christians agreed that fate/Godly providence would have its course on destiny (i.e., that a greater power governs our future), their responses were polar opposites. Stoicism urged purging emotions since death and misfortune were inevitable. Rather, they accepted the death of friends and family and the pitiful misfortune of others as fate. The key takeaway: Stoics were not sympathetic to suffering and showed no pity. However, the Christians institutionalized care for the needy. In fact, love for each other was a central theme in Jesus Christ’s teachings, with His ultimate theme being God’s love for men through His personal sacrifice. Over time, the world sided with Christianity.

            Clearly, there was a divide among Christians and Rome regarding neighborly love. What about love for your enemies? Once again, the difference is clear. In Works and Days, Hesiod said to award kind friends, forgive repentant enemies, and abuse your abusers. However, Jesus Christ said, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you.”¹ And when someone strikes you on the cheek, turn it, and let them strike the other cheek too In this respect, I’d describe the difference as a conflict between self-interests and selflessness.

            Rome also practiced gruesome acts of barbarity like infanticide, suicide, and the gladiator games, which Christianity abhorred. Seneca spoke favorably of infanticide and abortion, but the church condemned it as murder. The Stoics sponsored suicide as the chief bravery—willingness to take your own life—but St. Augustine of Hippo said hopelessly killing yourself was cowardice. Finally, the gladiator games were celebrated in Rome for sport, but the Christian community was appalled by the low value of human life. The games were banned under Emperor Constantine the Great, a Christian emperor.

            In conclusion, there were many similar truths in Christianity and the classics because of common grace, but also multiple disagreements. Rome and Greece supported the gladiator games, infanticide, suicide, revenge, and greed. Christianity objected to such immoral behavior, suggesting love, charity, and the protection of life, and said, “Vengeance is the Lord’s.”²

1. Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-44&version=NKJV ↩︎
2. Romans 12:19 (NKJV): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A19&version=NKJV ↩︎