Because I was called for jury duty last week, we're going to have to skip some material--material I think most of you would have really liked. One of the things we'll skip is Ecclesiastes. If you would like, you can read that book for extra credit. Please respond to the following prompt:For some people, Ecclesiastes is their favorite book in the entire Bible. Others wonder why it is in the Bible at all. What's your reaction? Did you find this book more or less enjoyable/valuable than the other books you've read for this class?
Ecclesiastes was a book that seemed redundant to put in amongst the others. It is repetitive and I believe can blur the teachings it is trying to portray. The recurring thing in Ecclesiastes is "vanity" the writer scorns vanity and at other times can see it as a good thing. The writer tries to distinct between good and evil in a humans life but at the same time shows that there is a gray area and that not all things are black and white throughout ones life. Throughout the book the writer tries different things like gaining wealth, experiencing art, and acquiring power. Through all the different things he tries to gratify his life he never seems happy with his prosperity. I think the main idea and teaching throughout this book is that material things and power are not the most essential things in a humans life but rather being closer to God and trying to do good in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteThroughout most of this book it seems that Ecclesiastes has no place among the others. "Vanity" and "a striving after wind" is the label put on almost all of Solomon's attempts to find lasting importance and accomplishment. He achieved what no man in Jerusalem did, but it didn't even matter, because all went to the next person in line anyway, even if that person is an ungrateful undeserving fool. In places of justice there is wickedness and there is wickedness in places of righteousness also and nothing lasts. I'm sure we can all agree that this book is not very upbeat and includes a lot of grim truths indeed. Still, I find it to be a valuable account of the human condition. Certain questions, such as, "...who knows the interpretation of a thing?", and "...who can tell man what will be after him...?" may be a reality check for some, but I find them intriguing and humbling. They remind me that there is always something else that your not seeing (other side of the story perhaps) which keeps me from regretfully reacting before I've heard both sides or understand more of the situation. I've avoided a lot of regrets this way. Solomon's perspective of a lifetime being just a few days is not depressing to me either. Knowing life is short makes life seem sweeter to me. Anyway, on a more general note, the main biblical theme is still present here as well - "Fear God, and keep his commandments". In my opinion, if this great man who was extremely experienced, the wisest in the land, and who saw all of those things still viewed keeping the commandments as "the whole duty of man" then that statement is very powerful and corresponds very well with the rest of the book.
ReplyDeleteI think the notion that Ecclesiastes shouldn't be included in the Bible returns us to some interesting questions about what should or shouldn't be in the Bible. Are only books with specific authors reliable, or are only those that line up with archeaological evidence valid? Why are some writings, most likely opinions, about virtues and morality, included while others are excluded?
ReplyDeleteMy reaction to the book was that it should be included. It is a little dark for me at this point, as I prefer to read the Psalms and Proverbs, things that offer encouragement. I believe that it should still be included in the Bible, because people move through different life stages, need different types of wisdom, and are intrigued by different questions.
I think the book is enjoyable in a sense, as it seems to offer a different glimpse. It's not a book about some huge epic event. It's not an account of what some prophet said. It's more about the everyday, about life in general. The work of our hands being futile. The fact that knowledge about the world leads to sorrow. Nothing is new under the sun. There is a season and a time for everything. It is full of little advice about living day-to-day. Who do you listen to: the wise man or the fool? Should I cry or should I dance? Is it ok to do either in excess? What do I do with this life? Well, whatever you do, you'll be accountable... Thank you Ecclesiastes!
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a good book and had a good message. Everyone has those bad days where we feel like going to work or going to school or what have you may not be worth it, but this book gives you reason to push through. It keeps you inspired by telling you that it will be worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteR. Casey Oberle
I think this book was an enjoyable one. The way that I read it and they way my Bible portayed it was that you should try to enjoy everything in your life because it all comes from God. You should be as happy as you can because it was all from God and he knows whats best. I think this is a very valuable lesson to have and it should belong in the Bible.
ReplyDelete-Brianna Hamil
I believe this is an enjoyable book and valuable as well, because this book tells you to live your life to the fullest and not to live in regret but to be smart too with the decisions you make, because God gave you life so enjoy it because at any minute it can be taken away, and at all things do come to an end good or bad.
ReplyDeleteI found that this particular book had a good amount of knowledge of showing that it is best to try and do good in both Gods and people's eyes. Like it says, there is a time for everything, but as long as one does good, everything should be alright. For these reasons, I see that this book was valuable and is meant to be in the Bible for guidance, as are a good amount of other books as well.
ReplyDeleteI think I get more out of reading the five books of poetry then I do out anything else. Ecclesiates is unique from the other books in that is does not give you that happy feeling afterward. It is not like reading Proverbs or Psalms, but it gives you a different approach then Job.
ReplyDeleteTo say a book should or should not be included goes back to the Bible contains the word of God and I get to choose. It was left for a reason and even though I have yet to figure it out, one day I will be able to tell you, maybe.
I personally really like this book. I am all about looking at the glass half full, and when you are told to life the best life you can, and get every bit of joy out of it, that really reflects the lifestyle that i, and most religious people, really want to live. To not appreciate life is to take a gift straight from god and not use it, and that is definitely not something you wanna do. I guess i can see why some people think it is unnecessary, but this books message is really good for anyone, religious or not, and i liked it quite a bit.
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