Cross-Textual Reading of Ecclesiastes with the Analects: In Search of Political Wisdom in a Disordered World

by Elaine Wei-Fun Goh, Choon-Leong Seow (Foreword by)

Overview

Various cross-textual readings have been attempted between the Christian Bible and Chinese literature. Using cross-textual hermeneutics, this study centers on the political wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the Analects, and its goal is to demonstrate that both texts offer wisdom pointers for human survival amid uncertain sociopolitical realities. Chapter 1 introduces the vibrant interaction of biblical wisdom literature within the ancient Near East and highlights some of its political connections. The openness of wisdom literature is then proposed to support this present effort of cross-textual research. Chapter 2 offers readings of eight passages that communicate Qoheleth's political wisdom in Ecclesiastes. Chapter 3 centers on the Analects and on some notable passages that relate to Confucius' political ideas. Chapter 4 seeks to demonstrate the dialogical dynamics between the two works by exploring specific hermeneutical connections. In conclusion, readers will come to understand the distinctive and collective political insights of both wisdom texts. That is, this study suggests contextualized ideas for living wisely from within both a faith tradition and a native tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781532681493
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	10/03/2019
Series:	Contrapuntal Readings of the Bible in World Christianity , #4
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	226
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Elaine Wei-Fun Goh is Dean of Studies and Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Elaine Wei-Fun Goh is Dean of Studies and Lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia in Seramban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Dr. Goh brings Ecclesiastes to life for Asians by reading it cross-culturally, bringing the biblical text into conversation with classic Chinese literature. The result is a rich and exciting introduction to one of the ‘best kept secrets’ of Old Testament Theology.”

—Choon-Leong Seow, Buffington Cupples Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University



“What has Ecclesiastes to do with the Analects? What an idea! This book is a contextual engagement. It is timely research for a meaningful interaction between faith and culture. Dr. Elaine Goh weighs on the cultural heritage drawn from a Chinese classic in interaction with a biblical classic. It is a unique contribution in biblical scholarship.”

—Ezra Kok Hon Seng, President of Chinese Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia

Editorial Reviews

Dr. Goh brings Ecclesiastes to life for Asians by reading it cross-culturally, bringing the biblical text into conversation with classic Chinese literature. The result is a rich and exciting introduction to one of the ‘best kept secrets’ of Old Testament Theology.”

—Choon-Leong Seow, Buffington Cupples Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University



“What has Ecclesiastes to do with the Analects? What an idea! This book is a contextual engagement. It is timely research for a meaningful interaction between faith and culture. Dr. Elaine Goh weighs on the cultural heritage drawn from a Chinese classic in interaction with a biblical classic. It is a unique contribution in biblical scholarship.”

—Ezra Kok Hon Seng, President of Chinese Annual Conference of the Methodist Church in Malaysia

From the Publisher