Socrates’s worldview never ceases to amaze me. As a Christian, I find the depth of his insight surprising, but more to the point, inspiring. If without divine revelation he discovered and lived out such convictions, how much more should I. There are several notable examples, and here I will consider one of his convictions about life after death.
But first, what if one were to say, “Why should a Christian take interest in the thoughts of a pagan who in the end must have a significantly incomplete, and thus erroneous, worldview?” Among other responses, I would focus on how his convictions reveal something very important about the natural thoughts and longings of human persons. Human nature is the same in all of us, yet it stands revealed in some lives more than in others. Those who grow in wisdom and virtue manifest more clearly what we all share in common.
That some great pagans came to conclusions that are like or close to what God supernaturally revealed is a striking complement to the old and new testaments. While divine revelation does not require such ‘corroboration,’ this likeness of worldview can focus us on the reasonability of revelation, as well as on how wonderfully our supernatural calling fulfills and exceeds our deepest desires.
A striking instance of this is how the Platonic Socrates speaks of the afterlife when he is condemned to death in the Apology (or Defense). His approach evinces a combination of reticence to claim certitude with a hopeful confidence that the afterlife will exceed all expectations.
“You too must be of good hope as regards death, gentlemen of the jury, and keep this one truth in mind, that a good man cannot be harmed either in life or in death, and that his affairs are not neglected by the gods.”
In reflecting on this amazing assertion, I ask myself again and again how he came to this confidence. He has seen a truth about the astounding and transcendent worth of being a ‘good man.’ Here is no crass account of somehow winning divine approval. Rather, Socrates has seen a connection between an upright way of life and and the interests and attention of the divinity itself. And there is more.
“It would be an extraordinary happiness to talk with [the heroes of old], to keep company with them and examine them.”
Extraordinary indeed. The notion of keeping company with the divine itself might beggar his imagination. But the goodness of men of old—and what more solid contact would a pagan Socrates have with transcendent reality?—stands as a beacon, calling us to itself. Ah, to speak with them! If only, if only!
In Socrates there is no claim that he ‘deserves’ reward. Indeed, his last request is that others help his own sons to understand just how unworthy they are of anything! And yet this remarkable man’s life experience has made him a man of hope—hope for things that make the human heart soar. To heights that somehow seem to be its native home.
Yes, Socrates. Yes. A good man’s affairs are never, ever neglected. And what an extraordinary happiness is offered to those who believe. ~ ~ ~
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This is so interesting, as always. How good it was that he was a man of hope. We really need that same deep well of hope, knowing, as he did not, that we do have a reason for hope.
My sense exactly, Cate!
What is human nature except that which was made in the image of God and naturally yearns for Him? Surely every soul has a native capacity for this, with or without mental recognition or assent or dedicated spiritual practice.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” – Augustine of Hippo.
Amen. And may we all recognize this more clearly.
Marvelous commentary. Thank you, John. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
You’re welcome–and thanks for the quotation that is always worth coming back to!
Thank you for this insight. In my Philosophy 101 course I had 50 years ago, as a freshman in college, Socrates was presented,I felt, as a way of debunking Christianity. Though I loved his teachings, I put it out of mind as I did not have the education in my faith, needed to reconcile nor debate the issue. Now my daughter is taking the same course, I can share this with her as I previously feared that the study may shake her faith. Though she is better grounded in faith than I was at her age.
It really does make a big difference how Socrates is presented. May your daughter benefit from his insights!
Very thoughtful – how all the philosophers must have struggled before Jesus Christ Ministry on Earth to attempt to reason out the meaning and purpose of life – They lived at a time when life was challenged by cruelty , war , death , – How grateful we are that the Word became flesh – was / is the Light of humanity – As a Presbyterian Believer in Jesus as Savior and Lord , I find your column a source of challenge and intellectual richness
Thank you, Dr. John. May God be with you in your journey!
An interesting complement to this article could be found in Joseph Pieper’s “The Philosophical Act,” beginning of the chapter IV: the ancients, including Socrates, were probably not so radically deprived of supernatural help as we often think…
Ah yes, thank you, Father. Very fitting for us to advert to that!
I’m sure Charlie read Socrates.
He must know well your quote…
Yes, Socrates. Yes. A good man’s affairs are never, ever neglected. And what an extraordinary happiness is offered to those who believe. ~ ~ ~
Amen. Amen. Thanks Mike.
The Church has long recognized the complimentarity of philosophical knowledge with revealed knowledge, It is for this reason that Rafael painted The Academy at Athens, a photograph of which adorns your column, on one wall of the Stanza della Segnatura and The Disputation of the Most Holy Sacrament on the opposite wall. The source of each knowledge is the same, viz., God; and true philosophical knowledge cannot, therefore, contradict revealed knowledge. The two support and confirm each other.
Indeed! This is a cornerstone of the Christian worldview.