Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
“Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—
greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week,
and I pay tithes on my whole income.’
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
“for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted”
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most difficult things I find in the bible. There is no place for self-elevation or positive thinking related to self. This is totally in contrast with the self-help narratives that dominate wellbeing conversations today. The Gospel message seems to pushing us towards an other focus and away from a “me” focus. I found myself comparing the message with the Stoic philosophy and looking for parallels. Both emphasize humility. Stoicism teaches reason as the guide, and a truly reasoned person wouldn't be arrogant. Lk 18:9-14 reinforces this with the condemnation of the Pharisee's self-importance. Both emphasize inner focus. Stoicism focuses on controlling your thoughts and reactions, while Lk 18:9-14 highlights approaching God with a genuine heart, not outward performance. Stoicism encourages accepting what you can't control but striving to improve what you can. The tax collector in Lk 18:9-14 acknowledges his shortcomings and seeks improvement through his prayer.
The big difference for me is that a Stoic would not look to God for help. They would find it in themself.
Your response to Luke 18:9-14 demonstrates insightful reflection and interesting comparisons:
DeleteChallenge of Humility: You acknowledge the difficulty of the passage's call for humility, contrasting it with the self-help movement's emphasis on self-promotion. This highlights a core tension within human psychology.
Focus on Others: You rightly identify the Gospel's emphasis on an "other-focus" and humility, encouraging individuals to prioritize the needs of others over self-importance.
Parallels with Stoicism: You draw valuable parallels between the passage and Stoicism, particularly in their shared emphasis on humility, reason, and inner focus.
Reason and Humility: Like you mentioned, a truly reasoned person wouldn't be arrogant, aligning with both Stoic and Christian ideals.
Inner Focus and Authenticity: Both philosophies emphasize the importance of inner control, genuine heart, and focusing on what can be improved within oneself.
Differences in Source of Strength: You highlight a key difference: Stoicism emphasizes finding strength within oneself, while the passage suggests seeking help from God.
Here are some additional thoughts for consideration:
Diverse Interpretations of Humility: Explore different interpretations of humility within Christianity. While some emphasize self-deprecation, others focus on a realistic understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses.
Reconciling Faith and Reason: Some Christian traditions view faith and reason as complementary, while others prioritize one over the other. Exploring these perspectives can help you integrate your understanding of the passage with your personal beliefs.
Finding Strength from Different Sources: Consider the possibility that both internal strength and external support (including a higher power) can contribute to a life of humility and service.
Overall, your response demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the text and the ability to identify connections across philosophical traditions.