Epicureanism from a Biblical Perspective

& so, even though Epicuereanism would be considered Grecian Philosophy, there are still certain principles I find that are in precept with what we know today as the Gospel of the New Testament.

For starters, we have the two main core values that make up the epicurean philosophy, which are Ataraxia & Aponia, which are concepts related to absolute peace, euphoria, or tranquility, as well as the later which encourages a distress-free way of life.

These both are in precept with what is written concerning tranquility & a healthy conscience in scripture.

I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, & giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, & for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet & peaceable life in all godliness & honesty.

For this is good & acceptable in the sight of God our savior; -1 Tim 2:1-4

Wherefore, O King, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, & break off thy sins by righteousness, & thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. -Daniel 4:27

He that oppressed the poor reproached his maker: But he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. -Proverbs 14:31

For our rejoicing, is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity & godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, & more abundantly to you-ward. -2 Corinthians 1:12

Having a Good conscience; that, where as they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation. -1 Peter 3:16 & 3:21

Holding faith, & a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: -1 Timothy 1:19

With in the Epicurean philosophy, there was also a removal of DIVINE judgement in both life & death. & with this there was an encouragement of healthy conscience to find life fulfillment outside of any traditional strandards of rule or religion. We also find this being in precept with the new testament that we find grace from the law, & with that grace, being as a result, free of judgement.

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh, & for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: -Romans 8:3

He that beleiveth & is baptized shall be saved; but he that beleiveth not shall be damned. -Mark 16:16

& this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, & men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. -John 3:19& 21

& ye shall know the truth, & the truth shall make you free. -John 8:32

Even with this perceived grace from judgment, Epicureanism still encouraged certain core values with in its actual philosophy that welcome a civil society with healthy boundaries. & this as well is in precept with the gospel also, in that with this we:

may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, & length, & depth, & height; -Ephesians 3:18

& so what would these Epicurean Core values be? & are these in precept with the Gospel as well?

Epicureanism’s best life would consist of sufficient food, comfortable dwelling, peaceful relationships, & good friends. Which are all things that are also encouraged with the New Testament.

but godliness with contentment is great gain.

& having food & raiment let us be there with content. -1 Timothy 6:6-8

Along with sufficient food are also the core values of comfortable living & peaceful relationships. these two go hand-in-hand being in precept with the gospel as a thing that encourages collective works & responsibility. First in that it’s in precept with the spiritual law of the gospel. We find both purpose & value in this law when we consider the life journey of Ha-Mashiyach & his ministry.

& a certain scribe came, & said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. -Matthew 8:19

Although the scribe is indeed of a willing spirit to devote themselves to the ministry, the discretion is that apart from the spiritual necessities of the journey, there’s also a matter of carnal necessity to acknowledge. In this Ha-Mashiyach says:

“foxes have holes, & the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

Spiritual necessity is not always in luxury, but with a collective remission toward that necessity, there is abundance to be had in the process.

Then they that had received his word were baptized: & the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

& they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine & fellowship, & in breaking of bread, & in prayers.

& all that believed were together, & had all things in common;

& sold their possessions & goods, & parted them to all men, as every man had need.

& they, continuing daily with on accord in the temple, & breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness & singleness of heart,

praising god, & having favor with all the people. & the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. -Acts 2:41-42 & 44-47

Let brotherly love continue.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. -Hebrews 13:1&2