Reflections On Jesus And Socrates

Throughout this book, Gooch tells and retells the stories of Socrates and Jesus as he examines perennial human issues: why would anyone willingly die? To what do these two martyrlike deaths bear witness? What are the limits of words in explanation and defense? Why was Jesus silent during his trial? Why did Socrates' most powerful apologia fail? What words, if any, work in prayer? Do words work against the fear of death? Out of this philosophical and religious questioning, Reflections on Jesus and Socrates throws new light on these two compelling figures and on the continuing meanings of their stories for us today.

Living more than four centuries apart in very different cultures, Jesus and Socrates wrote nothing themselves, but they inspired their followers to set down words that continue to shape Western consciousness. In this deeply personal and provocative meditation, Paul Gooch reflects on enduring themes that arise from the lives of these two pivotal figures: death and witness, silence as the limit of language, prayer, obedience, and love. Focusing on the Jesus of the Gospels and the Socrates of Plato's dialogues, Gooch does not debate the historical realities of either figure, but seeks to understand their fundamental commitments to philosophy and to God, drawing parallels and contrasts that invite deeper reflection upon our own lives and experiences. Throughout this book, Gooch tells and retells the stories of Socrates and Jesus as he examines perennial human issues: why would anyone willingly die? To what do these two martyrlike deaths bear witness? What are the limits of words in explanation and defense? Why was Jesus silent during his trial? Why did Socrates' most powerful apologia fail? What words, if any, work in prayer? Do words work against the fear of death? Out of this philosophical and religious questioning, Reflections on Jesus and Socrates throws new light on these two compelling figures and on the continuing meanings of their stories for us today.

The author discusses the lives of Jesus and Socrates and through comparative analysis explains the parallels of their teaching techniques and philosophies on life. The author came under the spell of Socrates at an early age, following his example and awakening from the amanuensis that, according to Socrates, plagues us all. When she reflected upon the care of the soul and quickening of the spirit that are tenets of Socratic teaching, she became aware of the connections between the teachings of Socrates and Jesus. Socrates taught that the highest purpose of the human being was to care for one's soul and to be a lover of wisdom and by doing so we give birth to intellectual children (ideas) which will become immortal. Jesus taught us to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7 The New Inductive Study Bible). Socrates' love for his fellow citizens is evident in the care that he took to guide the ancient Athenians in open conversations that led to the truth. The treasure of our Lord's love for us belongs to each of us as individuals, and belongs to the past, present, and future for all human beings. Follow her as she points to the many similarities between Socrates and Jesus Christ, including the fact that both men never wrote anything down but had a profound effect on their followers - their spiritual influence remains as powerful today.

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In the light of Jesus’s ministry as a whole, his agonized prayer (Gethsemane) is troublesome. He failed to meet the standards of dying “like a man.” How did the first centuries of Christians come to terms with this embarrassing story?

This book contains a comparison between the lives of the philosopher Socrates and Jesus Christ. The author draws comparisons between the two thinkers and attempts to harmonize their views.