Ecclesiastes: An Earth Bible Commentary: Qoheleth's Eternal Earth

2017 | Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences

Qoheleth is one of the most challenging of the biblical authors and one of the most intriguing. Above all, he is attentive to life's realities, neither optimistic about the world nor unappreciative of its goodness and pleasures. Marie Turner examines the writings of Qoheleth in the book of Ecclesiastes and provides an ecological reading of the text that gives readers clear insights into how biblical wisdom literature can be used to respond to the challenges facing the environment in the present day, and advancing the field of ecological hermeneutics. In the commentary Turner looks at the concept of Qoheleth's 'eternal earth' and moves through the chapters of Ecclesiastes with an ear attuned to the voice of the Earth as it struggles to be heard against the voice of the economy. The voice of the economy is not necessarily antagonistic to that of Earth, but neither is it neutral. The ecological reader knows that a prudent economy is necessary for living, but if it is given precedence at the expense of Earth, there will be no future, let alone 'eternity', for Earth.

Eco-justice demands that the contemporary reader should be mindful of future generations and heed Qoheleth's counsel to value the fruits of one's labour without greed. His advice may prove him to be amongst the wisest of the biblical voices.

Marie Turner (Author)