Socrates as a Christian Thinker

Socratesas a Christian Thinker

InWhat Three Ways Do You Think Socrates Might be considered a ChristianThinker?

Socratesbelieved in natural forces that control things which led to hisaccusation of being an atheist for impiety because of inspiringquestioning of Athens gods and corrupting their youths. However, theresonance of his ideas and thoughts with basic Christian concepts isevident. The question of concern is how Socrates could have viewedChristianity and God if there was a chance for him to comprehend thisfaith during his time. Despite lacking the Christian knowledge, therelationship of his perceptions and Christianity is quite impressive.There are a couple of cases where his arguments totally resemble thatof Jesus Christ from good deeds to condemning the evils in thecommunity. This paper bases its argument on the resembling conceptsoutlined by Socrates and the Christianity perception on the ideas.Theories determining Socrates as a Christian thinker have beenexplained in depth giving some examples from the Bible.

Oneof the ideas that stand out to me is justice. According to Socrates,justice takes two forms which include the soul and city’s justice(Plato, Tredennick, 2013). He argues that human soul is comprised ofthree major parts which are the appetites, rational and spirited.Let’s say that the aspirations of an individual are to attainjustice of soul it is a must for him/her to have undergone trainingof placing appetites and spirited under control of rational(Robert,2012). It is for this reason that when people craves and love thingssuch as ice creams, they should ensure that their appetite or desiredoes not control them. Based on some logic, the rational side of aperson`s soul is responsible for letting him/her know the amountconsumed and that when eating more, it is not beneficialanymore(Robert, 2012). Similarly, if an individual experiencesrighteous anger for seeing an unjust deed taking place, even thoughthe intention of that anger could be right, this rational side shouldensure that it is not out of control to become range which may evencause more harm.

Inthe same way, Bible gives warning against precise works of each body.The actions of sinful nature, jealousy, anger, and selfish ambitionsare well expounded in the book of Galatians. There is a greatresemblance between these ideas and injustices that Socrates wouldargue arises from someone allowing the rational be controlled by hisappetites and active part of a soul. There is more interest in theway Socrates addresses natural propensity of people’s need to bepart of an organization or group (James, 2012). This theory takes usback to the Bible where a church is referred to as the body of Christparticularly in books of 1 Corinthians. Despite the various bodyparts, it still is unified into one. Socrates also explains that theachievement of justice in society will take place when peopleconcentrate on responsibilities that have been assigned to them witheveryone contributing to a distinct portion. The concept of differentspiritual gifts accorded to Christians has also been stated. 1Corinthians says that manifestation of Spirit has been given toeveryone for the common good. Some of these gifts of the Holy Spiritinclude knowledge, faith, distinguishing between spirits,prophesying, healing, speaking and interpreting tongues. Socratesaddresses issues of allocating roles to different people. The Bibletalks about the Holy Spirit assigning the spiritual gifts.

Socratesalso believed that happiness could be achieved through human efforts. As discussed earlier, he gave recommendations on gaining rationalregulation of bodily desires and bringing different parts of the soulinto harmony. Succeeding in doing so is key to producing a perfectstate of internal calmness that could not be affected by the externalworld. Being born among atheist who deemed happiness rare and onlyobtainable to those that the gods favored, this idea was thought asan overreaching pride thus punishable (James, 2012). He says that theonly way to be happy is by ignoring the body and channeling attentiontowards the soul. When we harmonize our desires, it is easy for us tolearn how to calm dow and get to a state of peace (Robert,2012).Heprefers a moral life to a wicked one mainly because it results in ahappier life. From the commencement to the end, the Bible is allabout righteous living. Jesus preaches about good morals and condemnsthe evils in the society, and there is a punishment of immoralactivities. So just like Christians, Socrates encourages living amoral life. The Bible says that we should not fool ourselves intobelieving that becoming a Christian is a guarantee for happiness. Itcontinues this elaboration in Mathew chapter 7 by outlining that weshould enter heaven by the small gate and not the broad one as it‘leads to destruction. Analyzing this verse critically, we realizethe wide gate does not require much effort but it later reads to amiserable life, and for the narrow one, it is something that you haveto work for effortlessly. In the same way, Christians have to workhard for their happiness and salvation.

Thefollow citizens of Socrates used to be more concerned aboutreputation, and wealth but abandoning their hearts (Plato,Tredennick, 2013 ). In his apology, he puts emphasis on the essenceof taking care of the soul more than anything. He trusts that themission assigned to him by god is to scrutinize his citizens andconvince them about a healthy soul being an essential asset for allpeople (James, 2012). He insists that wealth does not result to humanexcellence or virtue, but goodness creates prosperity and all thegood things in people (Plato, Tredennick, 2013). Greed for power andwealth is condemned among the Christians. Jesus says that we areobliged to seeking the kingdom of God first, and other things willfollow. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus teaches that aperson`s life does not consist in the profusion of his possessions.Christians also believe that the soul is a living thing that requiresnurture, devotion, and care. In comprehending the soul, the book ofPsalm can be very helpful. It mirrors our multifaceted range ofemotions and authenticates the deepest needs we possess throughpoetry and songs that offer several insights on how to take care ofthe soul.

Alist of the various ways in which Socrates is a Christian thinkercould go on and on. To some extent, I tend to relate his happeningswith that of Jesus Christ. For instance, the way in which he waskilled and the reasons that led to this, yet embraced it just asJesus did. Socrates reveals his thoughts and concepts in a societythat deemed his ideas punishable, but that did not stop him. In thesame manner, Jesus condemned evils in the times of Pharisees whicheventually resulted in his execution. As we know, Jesus is theconnection to Christians thus associating his message to that ofSocrates, reveals him as a Christian thinker.

Reference

James,M. A. (2012) Internet encyclopedia of philosophy: Socrates. Apeer-reviewed academic resource

Plato&amp Tredennick, H. (2013). The last days of Socrates: The Apology,Crito [and] Phaedo. London: Penguin Books.

Robert,M., W.(2012 )Socrates and Christ: A Study in the Philosophy ofReligion