Herbal Essences: A Response to St. Basil

In his work, “Address to Young Men on the Right Use of Greek Literature,” St. Basil explains that the reader should study Greek works that extol virtue. One of the reasons for this is that we “. . . first accustom ourselves to the sun’s reflection in the water, and then become able to turn our eyes upon the very sun itself” (Basil.) Basil believes that people can learn virtue and how to think deeply through Pagan literature. This then enhances the spiritual life of the Christian. I find that the reasons for this are twofold. First, there is the practical reason extolled by standardized tests: reading works of literature improves general reading comprehension. This enables the educated Christian to read scripture and understand what it says. Obviously, it is difficult to get around to doing what the scriptures say if a person is unable to tackle figurative language, paragraph-long sentences, and large words.

The next reason Pagan literature is beneficial to the Christian is that it oftentimes displays Christian virtue. If a myth displays instances of courage, honor, and other noble causes, then it is beneficial to read. Furthermore, while teaching virtue, Greek literature naturally reflects Christianity. C.S. Lewis explains that Christianity is in many ways a “true myth” and that, “. . . the pagan stories are God expressing himself through the minds of poets, using such images as He formed there, while Christianity is God expressing himself through what we call ‘real things’” (Lewis). When the pagan writers wish to write something truly beautiful, they perhaps unavoidably instill virtue. Lewis indicates that not only do pagan writers instill virtue, but they also echo Christian themes. It makes sense that anything beautiful humankind creates is a reflection of the beauty of humankind’s Creator. In in his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes that religious festivals and rituals were, “. . . a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:17.) Although Paul is here speaking of Jewish traditions, is it not possible that certain Greek writings can also be reminiscent of Christian themes? If pagan writings remind the reader of Christianity, then they may naturally also aid in better understanding Christianity. Therefore, Pagan literature that reminds of Christianity is beneficial.

Later in the text, St. Basil makes some comments on health. He says that, “. . . I have even heard physicians say that over-healthiness is dangerous” (Basil.) This is to emphasize his point that being overly healthy can be just as bad as being over-indulgent. Though his exact phrasing is questionable, (over-healthiness is dangerous to health?) he is quite right in insinuating that obsession with physical health can harm spiritual health and the ability to think deeply. By becoming especially fit, a person is in danger of idolizing their body. (Recall the myth of Narcissus.) The person obsessed with fitness begins to place more value in the physical world, and has another reason to be prideful. Next, the person becomes so mired in the physical world that they can begin to forget that they are mortal. They can become so obsessed that their entire life revolves around training, and they spend excessive amounts of time and energy devoted to the perfect diet. That’s not to say that washboard abs are the root of all evil. In general, though, it is not beneficial to spend every waking thought devoted to health, just as it is frowned upon to spend hours a day eating twinkies. Six-pack obsessions, whether of the consumable or abdominal variety, are not the best way to spend the majority of time.

Sources:

The Bible (NIV)

C.S. Lewis “Letter to Arthur Greeves on the myth of Christianity”