The Porch and the Cross: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Modern Christian Living

by Kevin Vost, Kenneth J. Howell (Foreword), Jared Zimmerer (Preface)

Regardless of their sometimes ambiguous concepts of God, the Roman Stoic philosophers did acknowledge Him, but on the basis of reason alone, because they had not met Christ. Nonetheless, they did deduce from God's existence our need to live lives of virtue, honor, tranquility, and self-control--and they developed effective techniques to help us achieve this. Musonius Rufus the teacher, Epictetus the slave, Seneca the adviser to emperors, and Marcus Aurelius, the emperor himself, produced a practical technology we can use to integrate Christian ethics into our own daily practice. As Kevin Vost so wonderfully illustrates in his new book, The Porch and the Cross, the Stoics can help us learn--and remember--what is up to us, and what is up to God alone. In medieval times, Christian monks copied the Stoics' handbooks, and scholastic theologians mined their works for gems of natural moral wisdom. In the 1960s, cognitive psychotherapists turned to the Stoics to discover methods to conquer depression and anxiety. And there is still today much that Christians can learn from these "teachers on the porch" of antiquity.

"Kevin Vost has done his readers a tremendous service once again! The Porch and the Cross is suffused with wisdom that is relevant, timely, and brilliantly articulated. Read and be inspired."--KEVIN LOWRY, author of Faith at Work

"The complementarity of reason and faith is beautifully evidenced in this gem of a book. The Porch and the Cross offers a fascinating and insightful glimpse into the love of wisdom and the wisdom of the cross!"--FR. DONALD CALLOWAY, MIC, author of No Turning Back

"Just as did St. Thomas Aquinas in the past, Kevin Vost does a superb job of showing us how human reason, in the form of Stoic philosophy, supports Christian revelation. This excellent reminder is providential in our day, where so many people desperately need to reconnect with the Western intellectual tradition."--SCOTT M. SULLIVAN, President and CEO, Classical Theist Productions

"The Porch and the Cross takes the reader back to the Stoic thinkers as a complement to natural law and Christian faith."--KENNETH J. HOWELL, Theologian in Residence, The Coming Home Network (from the Foreword)

"Kevin Vost, in his uniquely personable writing style, does a remarkable job bringing to life the instructions of men who lived nearly 2000 years ago!"--JARED ZIMMERER, author of Man Up! (from the Preface)

Kevin Vost holds a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. He has taught psychology and gerontology at Aquinas College in Nashville, the University of Illinois at Springfield, MacMurray College, and Lincoln Land Community College. He has served as a research review committee member for American Mensa, a society promoting the scientific study of human intelligence, and as an advisory board member for the International Association of Resistance Trainers, an organization that certifies personal fitness trainers.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, Christian, Catholic, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality

198 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2016

About the author

Kevin Vost, Psy. D. (b. 1961) has taught psychology at the University of Illinois at Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College, and MacMurray College. He is a Research Review Committee Member for American Mensa, which promotes the scientific study of human intelligence.

He enjoys reading the Classics (especially Aristotle and the Stoics) and St. Thomas Aquinas in his spare time.

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book. I began it on a whim wondering about the intersection of Stoic philosophy and Christian theology. It immediately reminded me of a conversation I had with David Hicks years ago in which I quoted Charlotte Mason's ideas on the acceptance and rejection of initial ideas and he said, "That came from the Stoics." Years later I tried to track that down unsuccessfully.
As I read this book, I kept thinking Charlotte Mason is all over this. I think the final conclusion of the book illustrates what I mean very much.

The final conclusion of the book suggests practices to be gleaned from Stoic writing. Here are the most Charlotte-like examples.

Practice 1: Memorization to internalize knowledge not information. The art of memory, the ancient method of loci.

Practice 2: Writing Marcus Aurelius's own Meditations are an example of this sort of written narration.

Practice 3: Daily Rituals or in Charlotte Mason's words the power of habit.


Practice 4: Catching First Moments or as Charlotte Mason said, "the acceptance or rejection of initial ideas."

I look forward to rereading Charlotte Mason with an eye towards these Stoic philosophers in the future.

[Gregory Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've reviewed this work in more detail in my Sadler's Honest Book Reviews series, which you can view here - https://youtu.be/ssvjwAGqVxU

This is a solid work comparing and connecting classical Stoic philosophy with Christian thought and practice. The title would give you the impression that it's primarily about contemporary Christianity's possible parallels with Stoicism, but Vost discusses a range of Christian thinkers from the patristic, medieval, and modern periods as well. He also brings the treatment of Stoicism into the present by discussing 20th and 21st century instances and influences of people using Stoic thought.

Vost does an excellent job summarizing key doctrines, insights, and practices of four classical Stoic authors - Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius - and then positioning these in relation to Christian thinkers, doctrines, and practices. It does have a strong Catholic focus, but the book would be quite good for readers of other denominations as well.

There were in fact a number of engagements between Stoicism and Christianity in the ancient, medieval, and early modern period, and Vost discusses some of these. It's not intended to be a comprehensive study, of course, but as a thought-provoking, well-researched, introductory-level work, it's well worth the read. It could be a great selection for either a Christian or Stoic book club.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing so thankful to have read it full review to come soon!
...
I have been a fan of Kevin Vost's writings since I first encountered them. And even though I seldom read physical books any more I made an exception for this book as the eBook is not yet release. For as much as I have truly loved all of Vost's book I have read to date this book has had a massive and immediate impact on my life. For in this volume Dr. Vost takes us on a whirlwind tour of stoic philosophy, specifically 4 Philosophers and how as Christians we can leverage their wisdom and help take our practice of the faith to a new level.

The stoic scholars that we encounter are: Gaius Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Lucius Annaeus Seneca or Senica the Younger and Marcus Aurelius. No to be honest I had encountered three of our four teachers, and have read Aurelius's Meditations numerous times over the years. Vost approaches these four in a unique way, first he provides a brief biography, then he draws extensively from their own work some with more commentary than others and the a final chapter on each how in applying it we can become better at being. Then as a finale Vost ties it all together in a conclusion that unites what is good from stoic wisdom with true Christian love and how they combined can have an immense impact on our world.

While reading this book one of the biggest things that impacted me was the concept of how our reaction to an event or circumstance that drives our response. If we can learn to step back and look at the event, as just an event then often our reaction and out interpretations of those events will be radically different. From my first encounter of this though in the book I have been applying it there has been drastic change in my home life, my professional life and my social influence. By learning to look at events from the perspective of what is under my control and what is not and always moving forward towards what is best my life has already been changed. Matthew Kelly often states that God's plan for our life is "to become the best version of our self", Kevin through these four philosophers gives us numerous tools and techniques to work and strive for that one goal.

I must however give you a few warnings about this book. First if you are not open to change, to striving to be better do not bother picking up this book. Second if you do not have a true hunger and thirst for righteousness; "Blessed is he who does hunger and thirst for righteousness for he shall be filled" Matthew 5:6 leave this book on the shelf, it will challenge your beliefs about who you are, your role in the world and your calling as a Christian. And third if you simply want to read a short 200 page book, and then by all means leave in the store, for once you read you will likely reread it, or go off and read more from our 4 teachers from the porch. It will likely kick off a long reading list as you endeavor to go deeper into these lessons and work to achieve true wisdom. But if you are willing to take those risks, then this book is tremendous and can have a wonderful impact upon you; then because of the changes in you, on your family, your workplace your community. In my opinion the reward far outweighs the risk!

Kevin in quoting Mark Forstater about Marcus Aurelius quotes: "It's in the nature of books about the spirit that they can be visited again and again. How often we return to books after a gap of some years and find that, with broader experience, we are able to read them in a deeper way, to see new facets that we had previously missed. Marcus Aurelius's book is one of these - it can't be outgrown; it does not date. It reads in a different way to someone who is twenty than to someone who is sixty yet still has something profound to tell them both about living the real good life." I belive the same could be said about Kevin's books in fact reading this one has inspired me to pick up and reread some of his other books.

This book was an amazing read and to be honest as soon as I finished it I put it back on my 'to be read list' to read through it again. There is also a companion volume by Shane Kapler - The Epistle to the Hebrews: and the Seven Core Beliefs of Catholics. Separately they are both great reads but together they pack an amazing 1, 2 punch. And should be read together for the magnifying effect the teachings of each has upon the other.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Dr. Kevin Vost. As well as an author profile and interview with Kevin.

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

[Steve Croft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I'm very familiar with the works of the stoics, and as I've been reading about them, I was drawn to their teachings around morality as it seemed very close to Christianity. As such I searched for a book that explained where the sermon on the mount and the stoic teachings intersected, and I found this one.

The book is more than the above though. It takes the 4 most prolific stoics, Musonius, Epictetus, Seneca and Aurelius and gives us 3 sections for each. First, a quick biography, 2nd their main teachings and then 3rd, what those teachings mean for us today and how they are similar to Christian teachings.

The Stoics believed in 'God' from reason alone, and it was said in later years by some of the great theologians that they came as close to Christianity as you could without knowing Christ.

I think anyone wanting an introduction into stoicism in general would do well to read this, but particularly Christians.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was longing to reach this book. I think with the advent of the Stoic Rediscovery on the Contemporary scene this book which is able to bridge the gap to Catholic thinking is essential reading. Stoicism is fortunately in the background of our culture, its in some of our psychotherapeutic methods; likewise, because it is a human philosophy you can find it in certain other wisdom traditions. The author does a wonderful job explaining the lives of the 4 noted Stoics, their teachings, and their overlap in the Church and throughout history too.

[ANNA DEMETRA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing read marrying the best of the (Roman) Stoics to Christianity

This book is very well-organized, and in each chapter, you have an overview of one of the four Stoic philosophers, then their philosophy explained in an energized and efficient way that shows the author’s passion for his subject, and then the ideals are married to Christian ideals that either reflect or parallel with the ideas. it expanded my understanding of the Stoics in a capacity that reconfirmed my faith.

[Caden Mccann · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book, Christian author Kevin Vost offers an introduction to the life and thought of four stoic philosophers (Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius) and its application for Christians living in modern times. To be honest, I found this to be a cheesily written e-book, with Vost sometimes delving into polemics that were a bit off-putting. For people looking for a lay book on Stoicism, I would instead recommend Massimo Pigliucci's "How to be a Stoic".

[Thomass Bigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a modern Stoic, I always try to reflect the values of the 4 stoics mentioned in this book. And as a modern Catholic, I naturally try to become more Christ-like everyday. This book has helped gap the link between these two. And although I knew there were some similarities between stoic philosophy and christianity before, I now can reconcile the two harmoniously. I would recommend this book to everyone. 5/5 🌟.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author lays out the reason stoic philosophy is one part of the basis for the evolution of the Christian church. He provides a brief biography of famous stoics and how even though most did not know of Jesus Christ, that their dedication to a virtuous, disciplined life and essential character of each contributed to the creation of the faith.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting compilation of a lot of the major themes from the major Stoics, analyzing their unique takes and viewing their philosophy through a Catholic lens. Most of the book is full of select quotes from these philosophers, with relatively brief analysis. Short book, easy read and I enjoyed it.

[Josh Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about Stoicism as it relates to Christianity. The only downside is that there were a fair amount of typos. I don't think they took away from the message though, and that message can be life changing.

[R S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great book for me.

A little bit of a slow read.
Took a bit of commitment.
Will be a book I use to approach life.

Gave it 3 stars initially, but the utility alone makes it a 5 star book to me.

[Michael Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't fill the purpose I brought it for in how to view stoic philosophy from a Christian in the 21st century. I however enjoy reading a brief history of the 3 stoics. I also wish I knew beforehand this came from a catholic perspective. Overall I am glad I read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff

Great book that serves as a good introduction to Stoic philosophy for Christians. You will want to read the Stoics afterward.

[Kevin Eckart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Great book for those looking for a primer on stoic philosophy and how it relates to Christianity. 3 more words

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful Synthesis

I liked the deep look into the “Big Four” stoics, and how he connected them with Catholic teachings. I’ll definitely read this again.

[Mathias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre , does not capture the spirit of the original authors, but conveys the spirit of the author who seems bent on not overstepping the cultural lifestyle of american boomer catholicism

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stoicism as a moral philosophy has had admirers through the ages, and especially during the medieval epoch. While modern snobbery tends to dismiss the medieval mind as intellectually somnolent, in truth the cathedral schools and universities of Europe were alive with discussion and engagement. Part of that engagement was with the classic tradition, which included not only the old masters but their progeny, like the Stoics. Doctors of the church, like Ambrose and Aquinas, were especially interested in the Stoics' understanding of how the mind could be entrapped by vice, or sin, and how people could resist such an influence. Kevin Vost is a contemporary Christian whose faith is informed -- even formed -- at the Painted Porch. I recognized this when reading his Seven Deadly Sins, which frequently looked to the Stoics for advice, and so knew I had much to look forward to in The Porch and the Cross. Here, he reviews the lives and principle ideas of four Stoics (Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius), examines their legacies through history, and finally applies the lessons to Christian moral concerns.

The Porch and the Cross's format makes it immediately accessible to readers who have never heard of a stoic. The biographical intro chapters reveal first Stoicism's broad appeal, as the four authors spanned Roman societies, from slave to emperor. Vost follows this with a summary or distillation of their major works, which concentrate the very best of Stoic thinking and practice for the beginning investigator. If you have never heard of Stoicism before, here is the elevator version: the universe has a perceivable order, and the good life consists of conforming to that order, in part by recognizing that there are things within our control and things outside our control. To worry about that which cannot be controlled is self-defeating: we should instead focus on what we can do, like being prepared for what Fortune throws at us.

There are obvious points of agreement between Christianity and Stoicism: for instance, both emphasize the preeminent importance of a soul squaring itself with the order of the cosmos -- or in Christian terms, in line with the will of God. Both view spiritual order as superior to the needs and appetites of the body, though Catholic orthodoxy cautions the faithful against holding the latter in complete contempt -- that's the sort of thing Gnostics, Manicheans, and Puritans get up to. Vost instead looks to Stoicism as a guide for moderating the influence of both inner turmoil and outside temptation. Self-control is a virtue hailed by both Stoics and Christians, and Vost is especially pleased with Musonius Rufus' writings on sexual propriety.

Another common link is the Stoic conception of the cosmopolis, that all men hold within them a divine spark which makes them brethren. The well-ordered soul is not confined by tribalism, but can look beyond it -- just as the Christian life is not a nationalistic one, but one which brings together all people ("Greek and Jew, Scythian, barbarian") into communion. Communion is an important Stoic concept, as Marcus Aurelius often reminds himself: we are members with one another -- not units within a pile, as bureaucrats would have it, but discrete individuals with distinct jobs. We are, Aurelius said, like the fingers of a hand -- we can either work with one another, or put up with one another, but to antagonize the other is irrational and vice-laden.

At just under two hundred pages, The Porch and the Cross is a terrific little collection, bringing together the best-of from the extant masters into one slim volume, with connecting commentary. I'd forgotten how truly bracing they could be, and must look into reading Musonius Rufus!

Related:
The Seven Deadly Sins: A Thomistic Guide to Vanquishing Vice , Kevin Vost. Makes frequent use of the Stoics.
A Guide to the Good Life: the Ancient Art of Stoic Joy , William Irvine. The definitive Stoic intro.

The Stoics themselves:
The Meditations, Marcus Aurelius
Discourses and the Handbook, Epictetus. The handbook has a 'modern' form, The Art of Living.
Letters from a Stoic, Dialogues and Essays, Seneca