Christian Stoicism (Can You Be a Stoic Catholic?)

The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Published: Thu Jan 09 2025

Stoicism has its roots in Ancient Greece and Rome (300 BC) but it's seen a resurgence on social media in recent years. Stoic virtues like prudence, fortitude, and self-control can be very attractive, and Christians might wonder, "is Stoicism compatible with my faith?" The answer is: yes and no. Fr. Mike breaks down the good and true aspects of Stoicism—and he also uncovers where it falls short, and only Christianity can bridge the gap.

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Episode: Christian Stoicism (Can You Be a Stoic Catholic?)
Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction to Stoicism and Christianity

Father Mike Schmitz delves into the philosophy of Stoicism and explores its intersection with Christian faith. He expresses a personal affinity for Stoicism, finding its principles beneficial both as a human and as a Christian. Schmitz begins by summarizing Stoicism as a philosophy centered around indifference and acceptance (00:00).

"If you want to sum up stoicism, it might be something like this indifference. It might be a lot like acceptance."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

Acceptance: A Common Ground

Drawing parallels between Stoicism and Christianity, Schmitz references Father Romano Guardini’s concept of the virtue of acceptance. He emphasizes that both Stoicism and Christian teachings advocate for accepting one's circumstances, relationships, and personal flaws as they are.

"My first movement has to be acceptance. I have to accept, okay, this might not be the circumstance or situation or relationship, whatever that I want it to be, but this is the one."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

This acceptance is not about resignation but about recognizing reality to effectively engage with it. For Christians, this acceptance is intertwined with inviting the Lord into one's life as it is.

Holy Indifference

Schmitz introduces the concept of holy indifference, distinguishing it from apathy. Referencing Saint Ignatius of Loyola, he illustrates how holy indifference aligns with Stoic principles by embracing circumstances without emotional turmoil.

"There's something about that holy indifference that is connected to stoicism, right? That sense of, okay, however things are, I accept them as they are."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

He further cites Marisa McCoy, a Christian thinker, to encapsulate this idea:

"The capacity to let go of what doesn't help me to love God or others while staying engaged with what does."
— Marisa McCoy (as quoted by Father Mike Schmitz) (00:00)

Emotional Regulation and Maturity

Using relatable examples like being "hangry," Schmitz discusses the Stoic ideal of emotional regulation. He contrasts common human reactions to hunger or fatigue with the Stoic aspiration to maintain composure, ultimately highlighting how this regulation aligns with Christian maturity.

"I can regulate my emotions well enough... I can rise above those emotions."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

Divergence Points between Stoicism and Christianity

While acknowledging the valuable intersections, Schmitz outlines significant differences between Stoicism and Christianity:

Relationship with God

For Christians, acceptance and holy indifference are deeply rooted in a relationship with God. Unlike Stoicism, which is secular and based on personal resilience, Christianity grounds these virtues in the belief that God is actively involved in every aspect of life.

"The reason why we can accept things as they are... is because we believe that we're living in a dynamic and loving relationship with God."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)
Purpose of Acceptance

Christianity views acceptance not just as a means to regulate emotions but as part of a divine plan to become like Christ. Schmitz references Michael Barber’s perspective on salvation as being saved from becoming unchristlike through God’s grace.

"Salvation is being saved from being unchristlike... we're brought into this relationship with God so that we can become like Him."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)
Active Love and Hope

Unlike the Stoic ideal of impassiveness, Christianity calls for active love and hope. Christians are encouraged to love God and their neighbors passionately, even amidst challenges, and to maintain hope rooted in God's unwavering presence.

"The Christian is called to love in the midst of a difficult and dangerous world... we're called to hope that God is here."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)
Grace

Schmitz highlights grace as a fundamental Christian difference. Grace enables believers to foster their relationship with God, love others, and sustain hope, especially when personal strength falters.

"Grace is what enables us to have that relationship with God... when we're at our worst, God's grace comes to us."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

The Power of Divine Strength

Emphasizing the Christian belief in divine support, Schmitz contrasts human fortitude with the strength bestowed by God. He reassures listeners that they are not alone in navigating life's hardships, as God's grace sustains them when their own strength wanes.

"When I actually have run out of strength, God's strength is given to us... God himself is supporting and sustaining all of us."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

Conclusion: Embracing Both Philosophies with Christian Foundations

Father Mike Schmitz concludes by affirming that while Stoicism offers valuable insights into emotional regulation and acceptance, Christianity provides a deeper, more relational foundation. The interplay between Stoic virtues and Christian faith results in a more profound and hope-filled approach to life's challenges.

"There are points of connection, and those points of connection are good and true and beautiful. But there's many points of divergence as well. And those points of divergence when it comes to the life of the Christian are even better, even more beautiful and even truer."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

He invites listeners to reflect and share their thoughts, emphasizing the enriching blend of Stoic philosophy and Christian theology.

Notable Quotes:

"If you want to sum up stoicism, it might be something like this indifference. It might be a lot like acceptance."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)
"The capacity to let go of what doesn't help me to love God or others while staying engaged with what does."
— Marisa McCoy (as quoted by Father Mike Schmitz) (00:00)
"Grace is what enables us to have that relationship with God... when we're at our worst, God's grace comes to us."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)
"There are points of connection, and those points of connection are good and true and beautiful. But there's many points of divergence as well."
— Father Mike Schmitz (00:00)

This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of how Stoic principles can coexist with Catholic beliefs, highlighting both the synergies and distinctions that enrich the Christian journey.