The Philosopher and the Rabbi: Epictetus and Jesus

CFS, Tuesdays, 2-4pm (Sept 22-Nov 14), 8 weeks

Course Description

In the first century of the Common Era, two influential teachers presented ethical pathways for living a good life. Epictetus, a Roman Stoic and former slave, taught that we are each part of Nature/Zeus, while Jesus of Nazareth taught we are children of the Hebrew God. Neither left anything in writing, yet their followers collected sayings that would inspire millions. In lectures and discussions we will compare and contrast these wise voices, potentially drawing practical lessons for our day.

All readings will be provided by the instructor.

Instructor

Chris Highland has taught at OLLI since 2016. He has a BA in Religion and Philosophy and a master’s degree in divinity. Now a humanist, he was a minister and chaplain for many years. Chris writes columns on religion and secular thought for the Asheville Citizen-Times and the Selma Sun.

Syllabus

Week One: Introducing the Two Teachers

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Epictetus of Nicopolis

Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of History vs. Jesus of Faith (Reza Aslan)

Week Two: Stoicism as a Way, a Truth and a Life

Brief History of Stoicism

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Central Teachings of Stoicism

Branches and Virtues

Hieropolis (birthplace) and Nicopolis (school)

Being Human

Week Three: The Gospel as a Way, a Truth and a Life

Selections from Rabbi Jesus (Mark)

Who is My Family?

Themes and Threads

Miracles, Signs and Wonders

Demons and Eudaimonia

Levine on Jesus and Healthcare

Week Four: God-talk must be Good-talk … and Good-action 
(Ethical Explorations)

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Comparative Teachings of E and J

Week Five: Souls, Gods, Stoic Principles & Death

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Passing the Stoic Torch

Soul (Psyche)

Children of Zeus

Nature of the Gods (Cicero)

The Wolf and the Bee (Rufus)

Practical Stoic Principles (Pigliucci)

Death

Universal Wax (Aurelius)

Week Six: The “Philosophy and Morals” of Jesus of Nazareth

The Jefferson Bible (Smithsonian)

The Jefferson Bible (NMAH)

Jefferson Bible (Mark)

Threads and Themes in Mark

Week Seven: Political Implications

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The Powerful (Discourses 1:19)

Opinions

Social Roles and the Common Good

Possessions

Ken Burns on Stoicism and the Secular Society

Week Eight: Can We “Follow” the Two Teachers Today?

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Empire and Community

Why Go to School?

A Different Kind of School

“Following” an Ethical Practice

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

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Meaning in Life

Women in Stoicism