The Bible For Normal People

[Bible] Episode 310: Pete Enns - Pete Ruins Ecclesiastes (REISSUE)

Sep 29, 2025
This discussion dives deep into Ecclesiastes, highlighting its raw honesty about life's absurdities. The host shares why this book resonates with him, particularly its challenging of conventional optimism. Listeners will explore the enigmatic figure of Kohelet, the nuanced views on toil and wisdom, and the inevitable shadow of death that questions human achievements. With a focus on enjoying simple pleasures amidst life's uncertainties, the conversation offers a refreshing take on faith and existence.
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ANECDOTE

Using Ecclesiastes With His Granddaughter

  • Enns shares how he used Ecclesiastes in a children's Bible with his granddaughter's bad day story.
  • He says the book models permission to be upset and allows even fighting with God.
INSIGHT

Permission To Wrestle With Faith

  • Ecclesiastes grants permission to struggle with faith and question God without being expelled from the tradition.
  • Pete Enns values the book for its honest wrestling rather than tidy devotional answers.
INSIGHT

Life Declared 'Hevel' (Absurd)

  • Ecclesiastes openly declares life 'vanity of vanities' and frames existence as absurd and senseless.
  • Enns argues the book intends sobering honesty, not comforting optimism.
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