Ecclesiastes?

I am digging on the OT's wisdom literature right now, especially Ecclesiastes. Granted I'm in a Bible Study on it, but it is amazing stuff! I really think it would be a great starting point for a lot of skeptics. It's eerily modern, and it's got a lot of truth in it. But, Qoheleth says life is pointless outside of God. I think Christian apologists should take note at how seriously he takes the competing views. Q. doesn't get defensive; he just extends them completely through their logical trajectory. Pleasure, hard work, beauty. All meaningless outside of God. So, instead of starting with Jesus loves you; maybe we should start where people are. Because, seriously, who the f cares that Jesus loves you unless you understand what's on the line?

I think I'm onto something here. (I'm always the biggest fan of my ideas; nothing's changed. Nothing is new under the sun!) I think it'd be helpful to believers and unbelievers alike if the church tackled wisdom literature. I think it'd keep church goers a little saltier and give skeptics something they could track with. There are so many laments in the Psalms, but how many are there in modern church services? And, we've got plenty to lament on personal and collective levels.

So, I'm going to dig into Wisdom literature and rave about it to everyone that will listen! Right now, I'm reading through David's life, which goes along well with Ecclesiastes. Life is crazy, and it's easy to lose your bearings.

And, I think I'm going to teach a little seminar on praying the Psalms in December. I'm thinking about how to do it. If you have any pointers, let me know. What is most gripping about the Psalms for you? It's always so bizarre that Jesus prayed them; had them memorized. It's so weird that it's even in there and how rough and tumble the order is. I think I may use Brueggemann's Orientation, Disorientation and Reorientation to order the day. Gratitude, open eyes, open hands, obedient hearts.