Today's Cynics-Should You Display Their Traits?
The Oxford English Dictionary describes a present-day cynic as "a person disposed to rail or find fault. . . .One who shows a disposition to disbelieve in the sincerity or goodness of human motives and actions, and is wont to express this by sneers and sarcasms; a sneering fault-finder." These traits are manifested in the world around us, but, of course, they are not compatible with the Christian personality. Consider the following teachings and principles of the Bible.
"Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will not for all time keep finding fault, neither will he to time indefinite keep resentful." (Psalm 103:8, 9) Christians are told to "become imitators of God." (Ephesians 5:1) If Almighty God chooses to exhibit mercy and an abundance of loving-kindness rather than be "disposed to rail or find fault," surely Christians should try to do the same>
Jesus Christ,the exact representation of Jehovah, 'left a model for us to follow his steps closely.' (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 1:3) At times Jesus exposed religious falsehoods and testified concerning the world's wicked works. (John 7:7) Yet, he said complimentary things about sincere people, for instance, he said regarding Nathanael: "See, and Israelite for a certainty, in whom there is no deceit." (John 1:47) when Jesus performed a miracle, he might focus on the recipient's faith. (Matthew 9:22) And when some thought that a woman's gift of appreciation was extravagant, Jesus was not cynical about her motives but said: "Wherever this good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did shall also be told as a remembrance of her." (Matthew 26:6-13) Jesus was a trusting friend and an affectionate companion to his followers, 'loving them to the end.' -John 13:1.
Since Jesus was perfect, he could easily found fault with imperfect people. Instead of manifesting an unbelieving and faultfinding spirit, however, he sought to refresh people. -Matthew 11:29, 30.
Next time: Conclusion of Today's Cynics-Should You Display Their Traits?
Watchtower, 2000
Showing posts with label Have You Been Influenced By Cynics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Have You Been Influenced By Cynics. Show all posts
8.06.2011
Have You Been Influenced By Cynics?
Effect on Their Way of Life
While such elements of Cynic philosophy opposition to materialism and self-indulgence may in themselves have been viewed as being commendable, the Cynics took their ideas to extremes. This is evident in the life of the best-known Cynic-the philosopher Diogenes.
Diogenes was born in 412 B.C.E. in Sinope, a city on the Black Sea. With his father he moved to Athens, where he came in contact with the teachings of the Cynic. Diogenes was taught by Antisthenes and became consumed with Cynic philosophy. Socrates led a simple life, and Antisthenes an austere one. Diogenes, though, led an ascetic life. To emphasize his rejection of material comforts, Diogenes reputedly lived for a short time in a tub!
In searching for the ultimate good, Diogenes is said to have walked through Athens in broad daylight with a lighted lamp looking for a virtuous person! Such behavior attracted attention and was a means by which Diogenes and the other Cynics taught. It is said that Alexander the Great once asked Diogenes what he wanted most. Diogenes reportedly said that he simply wanted Alexander to step aside so as to not block the sunshine!
Diogenes and the other Cynics lived as beggars. They had no time for normal human relationships, and they rejected civic duties. Perhaps influenced by the Socratic method of argument, they became very disrespectful of others. Diogenes became known for his bitter sarcasm. The Cynics earned the reputation of being "doglike," but Diogenes himself was nicknamed the Dog. He died about 320 B.C.E. when he was some 90 years of age. A marble monument incorporating the shape of a dog was erected over his tomb.
Some aspects of the Cynic philosophy were absorbed into other schools of thought. In time, however, the eccentricities associated with Diogenes and later followers brought the Cynic school into disrepute. Eventually, it disappeared altogether. (Good)
Next time: Today's Cynics-Should You Display Their Traits?
Watchtower, 2000
While such elements of Cynic philosophy opposition to materialism and self-indulgence may in themselves have been viewed as being commendable, the Cynics took their ideas to extremes. This is evident in the life of the best-known Cynic-the philosopher Diogenes.
Diogenes was born in 412 B.C.E. in Sinope, a city on the Black Sea. With his father he moved to Athens, where he came in contact with the teachings of the Cynic. Diogenes was taught by Antisthenes and became consumed with Cynic philosophy. Socrates led a simple life, and Antisthenes an austere one. Diogenes, though, led an ascetic life. To emphasize his rejection of material comforts, Diogenes reputedly lived for a short time in a tub!
In searching for the ultimate good, Diogenes is said to have walked through Athens in broad daylight with a lighted lamp looking for a virtuous person! Such behavior attracted attention and was a means by which Diogenes and the other Cynics taught. It is said that Alexander the Great once asked Diogenes what he wanted most. Diogenes reportedly said that he simply wanted Alexander to step aside so as to not block the sunshine!
Diogenes and the other Cynics lived as beggars. They had no time for normal human relationships, and they rejected civic duties. Perhaps influenced by the Socratic method of argument, they became very disrespectful of others. Diogenes became known for his bitter sarcasm. The Cynics earned the reputation of being "doglike," but Diogenes himself was nicknamed the Dog. He died about 320 B.C.E. when he was some 90 years of age. A marble monument incorporating the shape of a dog was erected over his tomb.
Some aspects of the Cynic philosophy were absorbed into other schools of thought. In time, however, the eccentricities associated with Diogenes and later followers brought the Cynic school into disrepute. Eventually, it disappeared altogether. (Good)
Next time: Today's Cynics-Should You Display Their Traits?
Watchtower, 2000
8.05.2011
Have You Been Influenced By Cynics?
Ancient Cynics-Their Origins and Beliefs
Ancient Greece was a hotbed of discussion and debate. Over the centuries leading up to our Common Era, men such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle propounded the philosophies that made them famous. Their teachings had a profound effect on people, and such ideas are still found in Western culture.
Socrates (470-399 B.C.E.) argued that lasting happiness is not to be found in the pursuit of material things or the enjoyment of Sensual pleasures. He asserted that true happiness results from a live devoted to the quest for virtue. Socrates considered virtue to be the ultimate good. To attain this goal, he rejected material luxuries and unnecessary endeavors because he felt that these would distract him. He espoused moderation and self-denial, leading a simple, frugal life.
Socrates developed a mode of teaching known as the Socratic method. While most thinkers presented an idea and provided supporting arguments, Socrates did the opposite. He listened to the theories of other philosophers and sought to expose flaws in their ideas. This approach encouraged a critical and contemptuous attitude toward others.
Among the followers of Socrates was a philosopher named Antisthenes (about 445-365 B.C.E.) He and a number of others took the basic teaching of Socrates a step further by saying that virtue was the only good. To them the pursuit of pleasure was not merely a distraction but a form of evil. Becoming extremely antisocial, they displayed great contempt for fellow humans. They became known as Cynics. The name Cynic may have been derived from a Greek word (ky-ni-kos') that described their morose and surly behavior. It means "doglike."
Next time: Effect on Their Way of Life
Watchtower, 2000
Ancient Greece was a hotbed of discussion and debate. Over the centuries leading up to our Common Era, men such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle propounded the philosophies that made them famous. Their teachings had a profound effect on people, and such ideas are still found in Western culture.
Socrates (470-399 B.C.E.) argued that lasting happiness is not to be found in the pursuit of material things or the enjoyment of Sensual pleasures. He asserted that true happiness results from a live devoted to the quest for virtue. Socrates considered virtue to be the ultimate good. To attain this goal, he rejected material luxuries and unnecessary endeavors because he felt that these would distract him. He espoused moderation and self-denial, leading a simple, frugal life.
Socrates developed a mode of teaching known as the Socratic method. While most thinkers presented an idea and provided supporting arguments, Socrates did the opposite. He listened to the theories of other philosophers and sought to expose flaws in their ideas. This approach encouraged a critical and contemptuous attitude toward others.
Among the followers of Socrates was a philosopher named Antisthenes (about 445-365 B.C.E.) He and a number of others took the basic teaching of Socrates a step further by saying that virtue was the only good. To them the pursuit of pleasure was not merely a distraction but a form of evil. Becoming extremely antisocial, they displayed great contempt for fellow humans. They became known as Cynics. The name Cynic may have been derived from a Greek word (ky-ni-kos') that described their morose and surly behavior. It means "doglike."
Next time: Effect on Their Way of Life
Watchtower, 2000
Have You Been Influenced By Cynics?
"THE cynic is one who never sees a good quality in man, and never fails to see a bad one. He is a human owl, vigilant in darkness, and blind to light, mousing for vermin, and never seeing noble game." This statement has been attributed to the 19th-century American clergyman Henry Ward Beecher. Many may think that it accurately portrays the spirit of a modern-day cynic. But the word "cynic" originated in ancient Greece, where it did not simply denote someone displaying such an attitude. For centuries, it referred to a school of philosophers.
How did the philosophy of the Cynics develop? What did they teach? Would the traits of a Cynic be desirable in a Christian?
Next time: Ancient Cynics-Their Origins and Beliefs
Watchtower, 2000
How did the philosophy of the Cynics develop? What did they teach? Would the traits of a Cynic be desirable in a Christian?
Next time: Ancient Cynics-Their Origins and Beliefs
Watchtower, 2000
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