Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World
Author: Arthur Keefer
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2022-04-14
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1009118463

In this book, Arthur Keefer offers a timely assessment of Ecclesiastes and what it has to do with the meaning of life. Drawing on recent psychological research, he argues that this Hebrew Bible text associates the meaning of life with various types of suffering in life. Keefer here situates Ecclesiastes within its ancient intellectual world. Offering an analysis of contemporary texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, he demonstrates that concerns about meaning and suffering were widespread in the greater Mediterranean world. Ecclesiastes, however, handled the matters of suffering and meaning in an unprecedented way and to an unprecedented degree. With its rigorous commitment to precise definitions of life's meaning, Keefer's book provides a comprehensive set of definitions for “the meaning of life” as well as a conclusive point of reference for interpreters of Ecclesiastes. It also opens avenues for the interdisciplinary interpretation of texts from the ancient world.

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World
Author: Arthur Keefer
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2022-04-14
Genre: Bibles
ISBN: 1009100254

Offers an interdisciplinary interpretation of Ecclesiastes based on psychological research and a wide-ranging context of ancient literature.

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World
Author: Arthur Jan Keefer
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2022
Genre: RELIGION
ISBN: 9781009112079

"In this book, Arthur Keefer offers a timely assessment of Ecclesiastes and what it has to do with the meaning of life. Drawing on recent psychological research, he argues that this Hebrew Bible text associates the meaning of life with various types of suffering in life. Keefer here situates Ecclesiastes within its ancient intellectual world. Offering an analysis of contemporary texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, he demonstrates that concerns about meaning and suffering were widespread in the greater Mediterranean world. Ecclesiastes, however, handled the matters of suffering and meaning in an unprecedented way and to an unprecedented degree. With its rigorous commitment to precise definitions of life's meaning, Keefer's book provides a comprehensive set of definitions for "the meaning of life" as well as a conclusive point of reference for interpreters of Ecclesiastes. It also opens avenues for the interdisciplinary interpretation of texts from the ancient world"--

Searching for the Meaning of Life

Searching for the Meaning of Life
Author: Paul Earnhart
Publisher: Deward Publishing
Total Pages: 110
Release: 2018-01-10
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781947929005

Ecclesiastes wrestles through the themes of the world's bewildering contradictions and frustrations and the confidence that the God who sits above the sun will bring an ultimate resolution. Man finds his center, not in the world of vanity, but in the God of eternity.

The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes

The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes
Author: Anonymous
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 31
Release: 2020-03-16
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes is a thought-provoking and philosophical reflection on the meaning of life and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Written in a straightforward and accessible literary style, the book offers a unique perspective on the human experience and the inevitable cycle of life and death. This edition of Ecclesiastes is meticulously translated and faithfully preserves the original text, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and readers alike seeking to delve deeper into the wisdom of this ancient text. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in existential questions and the search for purpose in life. Author Anonymous is known for his/her contributions to literary works in various genres. The decision to translate and provide a new perspective on Ecclesiastes demonstrates the author's commitment to sharing ancient wisdom with a modern audience. Their dedication to preserving the integrity of the original text while making it more accessible is evident in this edition of Ecclesiastes. I highly recommend The World English Bible (WEB): Ecclesiastes to readers who are interested in exploring philosophical and existential themes. This edition offers a fresh interpretation of a timeless text and is sure to spark introspection and contemplation in its readers.

Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World

Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World
Author: Russell L. Meek
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers
Total Pages: 80
Release: 2022-02
Genre: Bible
ISBN: 1683074165

This unique book combines memoir, exegesis, and theological reflection to demonstrate the ongoing significance of the book of Ecclesiastes to the Christian life in the twenty-first century. Through exegesis of Old Testament passages and theological reflections on Ecclesiastes, the author deals with issues of abuse, trauma, and forgiveness. For thousands of years, God's grace and glory have been shining in the stories and poems of broken people: the Psalms give voice to our darkest moments of pain and anger, showing us that God welcomes our rawest emotions; Ecclesiastes and Job help us confront suffering and injustice in life; and the failures of Noah, Jacob, and David help keep us tethered to the God of the Bible. These stories and poems still speak to the brokenness of humans today, beckoning us into the arms of the God who made us and loves us even though we too are riddled with sin, hurt, and a longing to be loved. By working through the book of Ecclesiastes, we can let the Teacher's words seep into our hearts and shape our understanding of who God is and how he helps us navigate this upside-down world. This short and engaging book enables us to see how one part of the Old Testament--Ecclesiastes--can help us navigate a world in which things do not always turn out as they should.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes
Author: John Goldingay
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2021-11-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1725273179

Ecclesiastes is the most surprising book in the Scriptures. It challenges its readers to reconsider what they think life is about and how far it is possible to understand God's involvement in the world. This commentary seeks to help people enter the world of Ecclesiastes and see how it can increase their understanding of God and of themselves.

Old Testament Wisdom Literature

Old Testament Wisdom Literature
Author: Craig G. Bartholomew
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Total Pages: 337
Release: 2014-06-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0830898174

Craig G. Bartholomew and Ryan P. O'Dowd provide an informed introduction to the Old Testament wisdom books Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. More than an introduction, however, this is a thoughtful consideration of the hermeneutical implications of this literature.

The Book of Ecclesiastes

The Book of Ecclesiastes
Author: Tremper Longman
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Total Pages: 352
Release: 1998
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780802823663

In this contribution to The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, Trevor Longman takes a canonical-Christocentric approach to the meaning of the fascinating but puzzling book of Ecclesiastes.