tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post7549048800212125157..comments2024-03-21T12:32:39.345-05:00Comments on Frankly Speaking: Ecclesiates: How It Works, What It SaysFrank Bellizzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949066335378651585noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-82055620438250068892011-02-26T14:45:20.575-06:002011-02-26T14:45:20.575-06:00Tracy,
Thanks. "Koheleth--The Man and His W...Tracy,<br /><br />Thanks. "Koheleth--The Man and His World" by Gordis is a classic. Even when they take issue with Gordis, modern interpreters feel obligated to acknowledge his influential book.<br /><br />I think that if I could have only a single book on Ecclesiastes, I'd go with the one by Graham Ogden. Just within the last few years, he's published a 2nd Edition of the book. I haven't yet looked to see how much Ogden may have done by way of updating or changing the first edition. But I can tell you that he's one of the most careful and judicious scholars out there today.<br /><br />Happy studying. I hope the class goes well. I know you'll do a good job.Frank Bellizzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07949066335378651585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-29623750176380055782011-02-26T12:32:35.882-06:002011-02-26T12:32:35.882-06:00Frank,
Teaching a class on Ecclesiates tomorrow an...Frank,<br />Teaching a class on Ecclesiates tomorrow and found your thoughts helpful! Thanks!<br /><br />I also now want to add Gordis' book to my library, sounds good!<br /><br />Have a great one bud!<br />Tracy McAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-77791567951373560392011-01-26T15:40:12.748-06:002011-01-26T15:40:12.748-06:00Hi, Mike! Great to hear from you. And thanks for...Hi, Mike! Great to hear from you. And thanks for your comment.Frank Bellizzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07949066335378651585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-65874143581100965232011-01-26T15:15:25.907-06:002011-01-26T15:15:25.907-06:00Here, the legitimate enjoyment of good things is b...Here, the legitimate enjoyment of good things is brought within the circle of God's will for humanity. This is the single most important contribution that Ecclesiastes makes to the biblical witness: that taking pleasure, today, in your work, in good food and drink, and in your family, is not only approved by the Almighty. In fact, happiness and joy are an important aspect of the revealed will of God for human life."<br /><br />While one answer to the question of the meaning of life is to "love God and keep his commandments," this concept fits in best with my experiences. With all the things we see happening in the world, and with all the things the world values and cherishes, true happiness only comes from the simplicity of finding satisfaction in life, and the feeling your life work has meaning and value. Nothing compares to seeing the beauty in a cloud or a flower, or a child's laughter, or the happiness of a stranger receiving your help. Those seeking fame, fortune, or power inevitably discover all of them are vampiric in nature.MIkehttps://cossmichael.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-45518956872141740582011-01-11T17:49:42.144-06:002011-01-11T17:49:42.144-06:00That's an interesting story, Adam. Praise be ...That's an interesting story, Adam. Praise be to the Almighty.Frank Bellizzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07949066335378651585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020592.post-76913014701575246702011-01-11T14:42:12.817-06:002011-01-11T14:42:12.817-06:00When I was a teenager and studying religion on my ...When I was a teenager and studying religion on my own (I had been raised Catholic, but was "seeking") Ecclesiastes won me over to the Bible. The questions were authentic and spoke to precisely the problem I had with all human endeavor, my own included. It gained my trust, and so later when I read in Colossians that all things had been created "by [Christ] and for him," I suddenly had my purpose.<br /><br />I left the Catholic Church, went from being a chronically failing student to the honor roll, graduated with my class and went on to college...where I learned I also needed to be baptized into Christ.<br /><br />Thank God for the canon he's given us.Adam Gonnermanhttp://igneousquill.comnoreply@blogger.com