Work and Vocation through the Lens of Ecclesiastes
Ebook
Overview
”I want my work to have significance" is an often-expressed declaration. But that desire faces a shocking challenge from possibly the wisest man who ever lived, Qohelet, through his writings in Ecclesiastes. Repeatedly, he pens the word “meaningless/absurd" to encapsulate his conclusions about work and life. We cannot simply dismiss his viewpoint as that of a madman because his words are canonized in Scripture. However, a second writer, the frame narrator, emerges at the end of Ecclesiastes to complement Qohelet without totally agreeing and with a greater urgency for our duty to God as our vocation. Both writers see the complexities and incongruities that typify our labor and life. Yet, through these challenges we can still find significance when we honor our God.
“From the unique trifocal lenses of a businessman, pastor, and
professor, Soo Hoo skillfully integrates the sacred Scriptures with
the twenty-first-century marketplace. . . . This fresh
approach will prove to be an indispensable companion as godly
wisdom becomes incarnational in both the believer and the
workplace.”
—Rodney Woo, Senior Pastor, International Baptist Church of
Singapore
“Soo Hoo has been strictly scriptural, practical, and down to earth
in his approach. This book . . . reminds that work and
vocation, though challenging at times, can be fulfilling if done
with kingdom perspectives. I strongly recommend this book to equip
Christians in their mission of gospel proclamation in the
marketplace.”
—Watson Rajaratnam, Regional Director, SIM East Asia
“Soo Hoo’s work is a valuable read for all marketplace believers
seeking ancient wisdom fused with fresh twenty-first-century
perspectives to cast new light on many contemporary issues of work
and vocation. . . . He adds real-world experience,
well-thought-out academia, and age maturity to boot. Read it. Loved
it. Living it.”
—Alvin Tan, Senior Pastor, Boscombe Life Church, Singapore
“This volume is a warm pastoral broth effusing the aroma of careful
exegesis and wise application. Prepared with ingredients from the
garden of the book of Ecclesiastes and the kitchen of Dr. Soo Hoo,
this savory bouillon has one important goal: to feed all who want
to live out the Christian life at the workplace . . . —a
chef d’oeuvre! Hungry now?”
—Peter C. W. Ho, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Singapore
Bible College
“In this book, we will find the wisdom from the ancient book of
Ecclesiastes come alive with new clarity and insights that enable
us to deal with work and life issues in godly and practical ways.
Pick up this book and you will never see your work and life the
same as before!”
—Clement Mook-Soo Chia, Principal, Singapore Bible
College
- Title: Work and Vocation through the Lens of Ecclesiastes
- Author: Gilbert Soo Hoo
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2021
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666723212, 9781666723205, 9781666731071, 1666723215, 1666723207, 1666731072
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666723212
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-05-30T09:58:35Z
Gilbert Soo Hoo is adjunct professor of New Testament at
Singapore Bible College and Baptist Theological Seminary. He is
author of a commentary on 1, 2, 3 John (2016).