An Ecclesiastes Moment
Ecclesiastes is my favorite book of the Bible. But then again, I am a little weird.
Here’s one of my favorites:
Do not be overrighteous,
neither be overwise—
why destroy yourself?Do not be overwicked,
and do not be a fool—
why die before your time?It is good to grasp the one
and not let go of the other.
The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.–Ecclesiastes 7:16-18
So who do you think Qoheleh (“The Preacher”) would commend: a) Pat Robertson b) James Dobson c) Sam Harris or d) Christopher Hitchens?
My guess? None of the above.
17 Comments
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Mike the Eyeguy
So, are these words the cynical wisdom of a man who didn’t know Christ (and therefore can be safely ignored), or are they words that even a Christian can hang his/her hat on?
Brady
One of my favorite books too! I’ll be in it soon…
If the Preacher is saying: “Go on, be a little bit wicked,” (which I don’t think he is) or, “Be good, but don’t be good enough that you might get into trouble,” then take it as wisdom from under the sun. (But I don’t think that’s what he’s saying either.) He’s got something else in mind.
Although balance is admirable, there are things worth laying down your life for. That’s at least one thing you can learn from the fear of God.
Scott
I’m teaching Ecclesiastes in my Sunday morning class right now.
Great passage. Alas, like so much in Ecclesiastes, prone to misunderstanding.
Scott
Oops, didn’t want to intimate there that you are misunderstanding the passage. I think that you are right that it is more of an indictment against a self-fueled sanctimony over above true holiness.
Mike the Eyeguy
Heh. I may have very well misunderstood it–I’m counting on men of the cloth like you and Brady to help keep me straight! 🙂
If this is Solomon, or else, the life and wisdom of Solomon conveyed through another writer, then there is a man who saw both the extremes of hyper-religiosity and living as though God didn’t exist. Perhaps true wisdom charts a more middle course.
But then again, maybe I should stick with blogging about running and soccer.
Scott
It’s a great passage. I think the idea here is akin to Proverbs 3:7 which is not to be wise in your own eyes.
Try this translation:
16 Do not multiply your righteousness and do not play the part of the wise (in your own eyes)–why destroy yourself?
17 Do not multiply your wickedness and do not be a downright fool–why die before your time?
Take that with verse 18 and we see that true wisdom and holiness comes from the hand of God.
But that’s just me. 😀
To get back to your question I think this passage would be an indictment against all of the above.
Mike the Eyeguy
I can see so clearly now…
Hey, I’m supposed to be the optometrist around here, not you!
Jason
Are you calling James Dobson an extremist?
Mike the Eyeguy
Well, he’s certainly no Aryan white supremacist, but yes, I think he is more “out there” than a good many American Christians.
He’s a Christian with a very large microphone (often a dangerous combination) who has, in the minds of many (including me), been quite full of himself on many occasions. I’ve been listening to him and reading his material for 30+ years, and as true as some of the things he says are, his words and manner often strike me as those of a politician rather than a pastor.
Of course, Larry James and Jim Wallis often strike me the same way.
I’m sure Dr. Dobson has done much good, but he hasn’t exactly embodied the ideals of I Thessalonians 4:11 along the way. As that passage points out, it’s no small thing to win the respect of outsiders.
Jason
Extremism in defense of moderation is no virtue, my friend. 🙂 The truth isn’t always in the middle.
I don’t necessarily want to be defense counsel for Dr. Dobson, but he doesn’t strike me as in the same category as the others on your list. Maybe I just haven’t followed him closely enough. But, I’m willing to cut a little slack to folks of good will under the media microscope who step in it occasionally. Especially when the press is so hostile to your point of view that they are just itching to take you out.
Mike the Eyeguy
I would never contend that truth is always in the middle–just the large majority of the time.
Okay, here’s another MC ? for the sake of keeping the peace:
Which of the following is least like the others: a) Pat Robertson b) James Dobson c) Sam Harris or d) Christopher Hitchens?
Answer: b
Scott
I would say, Mike, your characterization of Dobson is spot on. I recommend The Jesus Machine as a good primer on the theocratic mindset of Mr. Dobson.
greg
I believe that Dobson, like many Christian leaders on the right (and more recently on the left), has become more involved in politics, to the point of being more politician than pastor, as you said. I’m not sure if either Dobson or Wallis was ever a pastor, but still, they’re “Christian leaders” and so they’re seen in at least a similar light as pastors/ministers.
As you said, it’s not only what they say, but also how they say it, which if often the real problem. That’s why I believe some of the hostility towards Christians is not simply because we’re Christians and have differing viewpoint, but because of the way Christians have stated that viewpoint in the last 20-30 years. I often hear people blame various other people or entities for the hostility towards Christianity, but I believe that a large part of the blame lies at our own feet.
My question – how do Christians involve themselves in politics, especially in today’s climate (where it seems every viewpoint is maligned by somebody and nobody seems to “play nice”), without becoming like Robertson, Dobson, Wallis, etc.? Is it possible to “play nice” and actually succeed in American politics anymore?
Mike the Eyeguy
Scott, that book sounds like it might be a good resource for someone looking to get more in-depth on the alliance of politics and religion. Despite the somewhat provocative title, the Amazon reviews generally point toward its accuracy and fairness.
I guess I just remember the young, earnest psychologist and medical school faculty member whose films series and books on child rearing were so helpful to so many and don’t much like the more politically evolved version. Maybe I’m just waxing nostalgic.
Of course, its that success early on that has helped him attain so much credibility on a much larger stage. It’s all a mixed bag–much good done and much of it undone with some strident rhetoric and “placing too much trust in princes.” Probably not a whole lot different than me at times, but I don’t have a large microphone and a Taj Mahal in Colorado Springs. Nor would I want them.
Mike the Eyeguy
Greg–Good question. I’m not so sure that it is possible to keep things on a higher plane and still succeed. I asked one of my good H.S. friends who is a Democratic consultant in Virginia that question years ago. His one word reply: “No.”
He has since run for office himself and was true to his word, running one of the most mud-filled campaigns I’ve seen in a long time. He narrowly lost. Now he’s running again, and I’m watching closely to see if he does things differently this time. And yes, he’s a Christian.
Matt geib
Great!
Found another person who LOVES ECC. like myself.
I have even started a Podcast based on the book(www.mylivetalk.com).
Contrary to what many theologians think(they regard ECC. as very negative & some even question its Inspiration) I find the book to be both sobering & refreshing.
I believe thru careful excegis of its’ text we can find real nuggets of wisdom that will help us find the Destiny that God intends for our lives.
God Bless You!
Matt Geib
Mike the Eyeguy
Thanks for stopping by Matt. I’m betting there are quite a few of us ECC geeks out there.