Recently, when reading from the Greek Stoic Philosopher Epictetus, I came across the following pagan prayer [see note 1]:Lead me, O Zeus,
and thou, my destiny,
Whate'er the path that
ye ordain for me;
Fearless I will follow,
but if I refuse,
Still must I follow,
howsoe'er I choose.
and thou, my destiny,
Whate'er the path that
ye ordain for me;
Fearless I will follow,
but if I refuse,
Still must I follow,
howsoe'er I choose.
The Stoics held little regard for the traditional Greek concept of the gods. Rather, they tended to equate the "almighty" with the concept of fate--and this 'prayer' is really little more than Epictetus' declaration that fate controls one's destiny. We can give into it or fight, but either way it will happen. Man, according to Epictetus, has no control over the events of his life. The only control he has was his attitude towards such events [see Note 2].
Many see Calvinism as little more than epictetian fatalism. Calvinism, it is maintained, believes that man has no control over his events. God has predetermined everything and we are left without any choice in the matter.
Of course, this is a distorted view of Calvinism--but it is also a distorted view of fatalism. Fatalism rests upon the assumption that fate is an impersonal, uncaring, non-emotive "force" that rules the lives of all things. Fate determines your life, but not for your pleasure or pain. In fact, fate takes no notice of you whatsoever; and indeed, is incapable of taking notice in anything. Calvinism, by contrast, firmly believes in a personal, active, involved, compassionate God. Here is a God who makes choices for the good and pleasure of his elect--even if some of those choices lead us through temporary valleys of suffering.
Of course, there are many other differences between Calvinism and this philosopher. As with a spring of water, when the source is tainted everything that flows from it will be tainted as well. When we begin with a concept of some impersonal "force" that blindly pushes us through life, it is no wonder people react so strongly against this idea. The doctrines of Grace, the hallmark of Calvinism, maintain a starkly contrasting view. They begin with the concept of a loving and merciful God who desires a saving and redeeming relationship with His people. He protects them, provides for them, and makes decisions on their behalf. What a difference, indeed!
Note 1: After reading F.F. Bruce's New Testament History, I decided to dig into some of the primary sources. Bruce quotes from Epictetus on page 46 of his work. The prayer above, also referred to in Bruce's book, is found in Epictetus' Enchiridion.
Note 2: For those wishing to read Epictetus, his surviving works can be found online at http://www.davemckay.co.uk/philosophy/epictetus/. The reader should note that Epictetus' teachings have survived from the pen of his students, as he wrote no books himself.
Many see Calvinism as little more than epictetian fatalism. Calvinism, it is maintained, believes that man has no control over his events. God has predetermined everything and we are left without any choice in the matter.
Of course, this is a distorted view of Calvinism--but it is also a distorted view of fatalism. Fatalism rests upon the assumption that fate is an impersonal, uncaring, non-emotive "force" that rules the lives of all things. Fate determines your life, but not for your pleasure or pain. In fact, fate takes no notice of you whatsoever; and indeed, is incapable of taking notice in anything. Calvinism, by contrast, firmly believes in a personal, active, involved, compassionate God. Here is a God who makes choices for the good and pleasure of his elect--even if some of those choices lead us through temporary valleys of suffering.
Of course, there are many other differences between Calvinism and this philosopher. As with a spring of water, when the source is tainted everything that flows from it will be tainted as well. When we begin with a concept of some impersonal "force" that blindly pushes us through life, it is no wonder people react so strongly against this idea. The doctrines of Grace, the hallmark of Calvinism, maintain a starkly contrasting view. They begin with the concept of a loving and merciful God who desires a saving and redeeming relationship with His people. He protects them, provides for them, and makes decisions on their behalf. What a difference, indeed!
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his path.
Proverbs 16:9
but the Lord determines his path.
Proverbs 16:9
Note 1: After reading F.F. Bruce's New Testament History, I decided to dig into some of the primary sources. Bruce quotes from Epictetus on page 46 of his work. The prayer above, also referred to in Bruce's book, is found in Epictetus' Enchiridion.
Note 2: For those wishing to read Epictetus, his surviving works can be found online at http://www.davemckay.co.uk/philosophy/epictetus/. The reader should note that Epictetus' teachings have survived from the pen of his students, as he wrote no books himself.
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