Q Is Stoicism a religion or a philosophy?
A Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy, not a religion. It lacks traditional religious elements such as a personalized creator god, divine intervention, formal houses of worship, priesthoods, or rigid dogmatic creeds. However, Stoicism offers a comprehensive moral framework and a deeply spiritual view of the universe, leading many modern practitioners to utilize it as a secular alternative to religion.
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A Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy, not a religion. It lacks traditional religious elements such as a personalized creator god, divine intervention, formal houses of worship, priesthoods, or rigid dogmatic creeds. However, Stoicism offers a comprehensive moral framework and a deeply spiritual view of the universe, leading many modern practitioners to utilize it as a secular alternative to religion.
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What is Philosophy?Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The term was probably coined by Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BCE). Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation. Classic philosophical questions include: Is it possible to know anything and to prove it? What is most real? Philosophers also pose more practical and concrete questions such as: Is there a best way to live? Is it better to be just or unjust (if one can get away with it)? Do humans have free will?
What is Stoicism?Stoicism was founded in Athens, Greece around the 3rd century BC. The term is derived from the word "stoa" which generally refers to the buildings where the religion was originally taught. The Stoic logic is based on Aristotle thought, with the maxim, "live according to nature". The basic teachings involve developing self-control over ones emotions and improving a spiritual well-being. While the philosophies disappeared for the most part after the 2nd century, some of its teachings still resonate in new forms of the religion today.
Who was Philo?Philo of Alexandria (20 BC-50 AD) was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, in the Roman province of Egypt. Philo used philosophical allegory to harmonize Jewish scripture, mainly the Torah, with Greek philosophy. His method followed the practices of both Jewish exegesis and Stoic philosophy. His allegorical exegesis was important for some Christian Church Fathers, but he had very little reception history within the Rabbinic Judaism. He adopted allegorical instead of literal interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. Some scholars hold that his concept of the Logos as God's creative principle influenced early Christology.
