Životopis
Philosophical reflections on the book of Ecclesiastes
Ivan Koprek
; Filozofski fakultet Družbe Isusove, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
No other book of the Old Testament, it is certain, offers such a clear insight into man's limitations and transitoriness as does the book of Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth). It is simply the "song of songs" on skepsis, agnosticism, a certain hedonism and nihilism. The author notes that we are here dealing with a book, the writer of which is a "collector - Versammler" (Qoheleth) in the style of today's postmodern man who gleans wisdom and makes of it an absurdity. In this regard, the book of Ecclesiastes does not proffer a teaching complete in itself, and neither does it attempt to reconcile opposites nor harmonize contradictions.
The Preacher, in his radical statements and conclusions, is dissonant,"blasphemous," postmodern and therein lies his appeal. Referring to his own personal experience, to the misery and also the greatness of human life, the writer confronts in a pessimistic tone the spirit of his times and from a sceptic distance unmasks worldly wisdom. His reasoning revolves around the fundamental insight into human limitation and transitoriness. As he stands before the magnificent, unusual, frightening phenomena in the world and within himself, he senses a presence surpassing all and causing him to collapse into his own smallness. He wishes to affirm, that worldly wisdom can unmask one's nakedness and anticipate the true reality. True wisdom comes from elsewhere. True wisdom should be obeyed.
If the quest for knowledge and philosophy is undertaken out of love for wisdom, then there must occur a movement toward and obeying of this truth, learning to die , a search for happiness and salvation - for eternity. This is the final point and the fulcrum of Qoheleth's radical wisdom in which, neither the enigma of all that occurs "under the sun," nor man's total helplessness and the insecurity of his being cannot jeopardize his faith in God's existence and His active presence in this world. Qoheleth is a traveller from the phenomenon to the fundament - a true philosopher.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
1302
URI
Datum izdavanja:
3.12.2002.
Posjeta: 1.911 *