Enkrateia

Enkrateia is a Greek term that broadly translates to self-control, continence, or mastery over oneself. It is a concept found in various philosophical and religious traditions, particularly within Hellenistic thought and early Christianity. At its core, enkrateia implies the ability to govern one's desires, passions, and impulses, preventing them from dictating one's actions.

In ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Plato and Aristotle, enkrateia was considered a virtue. It was seen as a necessary component of a well-ordered soul and a prerequisite for achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. For Plato, enkrateia represented the rational part of the soul maintaining control over the appetitive and spirited parts. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, discusses it in relation to temperance, emphasizing the importance of moderating physical pleasures.

Within early Christian thought, enkrateia took on a more pronounced ascetic dimension. It often involved the renunciation of worldly pleasures, including sexual desire, in favor of a more spiritual life. Early Christian writers like Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian advocated for a rigorous form of self-mastery as a way to live a life pleasing to God and to avoid the corrupting influences of the material world. Gnostic groups also placed a significant emphasis on enkrateia, viewing it as essential for spiritual liberation. The concept continues to be a subject of ethical and theological discussion.