Author Topic: Seneca (Read 1060 times)

Vladimir · « **on:** June 22, 2011, 07:11:56 PM »

Seneca is referenced a lot by Catholic writers.

Which collection of his writings should I purchase? In other words, which publication available today is the most use for a Catholic?

Pyrrhos · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2011, 01:31:42 AM »

Well, without a profound knowledge of Christian writings and also the background of the ancient classics, I would say that just reading Seneca is not of much use for the Catholic.
His professed Stoicism is not exactly the best basis for Christian studies.

The reading and study of Classics has more to do with creating a educational basis for Catholicism, especially in regards to the Natural Law, and also to understand the Greco-Roman foundation of the Christian world.

I would rather recommend Cicero´s works on rhetorics and state philosophy as well as Aristotle.
But also these might not be useful without necessary foreknowledge and a strong spiritual life.

herbert · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2011, 03:57:18 PM »

he make good apple juice too

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2011, 03:59:27 PM »

Quote from: Pyrrhos

I would rather recommend Cicero´s works on rhetorics and state philosophy as well as Aristotle.
But also these might not be useful without necessary foreknowledge and a strong spiritual life.

Aristotle was a pagan so when it comes to spiritual stuff he's not the best to use.

herbert · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2011, 04:17:55 PM »

how about st. bonaventura?

DAW · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2011, 08:41:57 PM »

Aristotle is to be avoided??!! Tell it to St Thomas Aquinas. Or "So much for the SUMMA!".

Elizabeth · « **Reply #6 on:** June 23, 2011, 08:48:48 PM »

Quote from: DAW

Aristotle is to be avoided??!! Tell it to St Thomas Aquinas. Or "So much for the SUMMA!".

DAW! I am dying to hear your thoughts on Fukushima in light of Solange Hertz's brilliant piece on electricity.

Sorry to hijack, but I'm desperate.

Pyrrhos · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2011, 01:22:25 AM »

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

Aristotle was a pagan so when it comes to spiritual stuff he's not the best to use.

Speaking about the Classics, we are certainly not talking about matters of spirituality.