Ecclesiastes, article, by Billectric

by zen_

Posted to WritersAndGenres on 2003-10-29 10:56:00

(Spelling, I know; but I don’t have a Bible in front of me.)

Re: “Ecclesiastes, a book in the Bible” by Billectric; Litkicks Articles.

Super article, BillE! Very entertaining, and readable.
With that said, I hope that you can revisit your write, hone it down, and tighten it up. It has the potential. I enjoyed it bucketsfull.

My first comment is on style. You detailed sources in most everything but the bible refs. I would hope that you can go back and take some time to organize the credits. The average Jo, myself, might like to follow along to see if we reach the same conclusions regarding the former life of Solomon, and his redemption into Xianity.

Another comment: regarding phrases from the Bible, generally, they should be linked specifically to the passages from your chapter-of-topic to prove a specific point. However, on principle alone, I think that it was distracting to read the “other” references when you were talking about Ecclesiastes, a book from the bible.

Granted this book is one of many “books” in the Bible, and is similar to them for various reasons. However, it seems that the points you were generating were in reference to King Solomon’s excesses; a wild life not making him happy. He finds [a god] and changes his life in later years. He finds [a god], then wisdom ensues. Then the book, and then of course the movie deal starring Charlton Heston.

Comment three: The debate of which [a god] inspired the writers of the Old Testament is still a hot button; probably will be ad nauseum. To keep the article mercifully merthfull I applaud you for not venturing into that morass (read: more-asses) of quicksand. However, after more research, perhaps you could encorporate that into a later iteration of your article. A good argument can be made that the term “god,” in the original aramaic meant “landlord.” Think on this for a second: These characters thank “god” for the abundant milk, honey and virgins in the promised land. It’s like us now-a-days thanking our “god” for keeping the roof patched, or hot water running, or fixing the plumbing so it doesn’t knock in the middle of the night, or for providing hookers in the hallways. The possibilities truly boggle the mind.

I know this wasn’t a scholarly attempt. I hope that I didn’t come across like I was expecting it. Overall I loved your article. I hope that you rework it.

I hope that you continue thinking better than the day before. It’s my goal for myself. I think it’s a dam good one.

The Literary Kicks message boards were active from 2001 to 2004.