What Stoicism Gets Wrong with Warren Smith

Stoicism promises a way to navigate an uncertain world through reason, virtue, and self-control. But what happens when life breaks our hearts? Kate Bowler sits down with her friend Dr. Warren Smith, professor of historical theology at Duke Divinity School, to explore the ancient roots of Stoicism, what early Christians borrowed from it, and where they fundamentally disagreed. Together, they consider why our emotions aren't always problems to solve, why compassion sometimes requires us to suffer alongside one another, and how grief might be evidence not of weakness, but of love. Learn more about Dr. J. Warren Smith at Duke Divinity School Explore Warren Smith's books and research on early Christian theology Learn about the history and philosophy of Stoicism Explore Marcus Aurelius and his Meditations Read about Augustine of Hippo and his theology Explore 1 Corinthians 15 on resurrection and Christian hope Join Kate on Substack