What is the Message of the Book of Job?

[Jayhawker Soule]

'good' and 'evil' are anthropomorphic constructs, and the "higher purpose" argument is all too often little more than inane and hurtful.

 

[Thief]

'good' and 'evil' are anthropomorphic constructs, and the "higher purpose" argument is all too often little more than inane and hurtful.

Right up to the 'point' where we get to encounter Something Greater than ourselves.

I believe there is such a Thing.

And the topic of good and evil will be waiting.

It's been there since Adam and Eve.
It's still there....waiting.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

'good' and 'evil' are anthropomorphic constructs, and the "higher purpose" argument is all too often little more than inane and hurtful.

Right up to the 'point' where we get to encounter Something Greater than ourselves.

That's silly ...

 

[Question_love_act]

Thank you Question Love Act for bringing Rabbi Kushner into this discussion.

You're very welcome and I'm glad to discuss this wonderful book!

I'd have to say that, like Jayhawker Soule, I don't personally believe that the events have a higher purpose or that God intervenes in someone's live. But that's my belief. And that has never stopped me from hearing other perspectives on this topic.

I have often heard stories like yours where a tragical event happens, but then something marvelous is there - such as your mother's sobriety or your son's adoption - and people feel it comes from God. Just like miracles.

If such events make you feel happier and closer to God, then they truly are miracles! To me a miracle is something that brings you unexpectedly closer to God, to others or to Creation.

 

[Thief]

That's silly ...

But yet pending.

Or perhaps you don't figure? on encountering your Maker...as did Moses.

 

[yoda89]

The book of Job is one of the more popular chapters in the book of bible. Therefore it is analyzed often. In it the protagonist(plot driver) a character proclaiming himself as a 'god' wages against the antagonist whom is called satan. The main character Job is placed within difficult experiences to show his love for the character of 'god' As I strongly dislike the personality of god and satan in this chapter towards the main character I view them more as elements of life. 'god' being life's hardship and how when these hardships appear we tend to cling to our beliefs. The character satan represents the easy way out. Job represents yourself.
Quick note that I no longer view the bible as something magically or even of something of evil. To believe in it more good or even more evil gives it strength. It is simply an important book due to being published during a undocumented period in human history much like the Iliad.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Job is a brilliant parable that clearly challenged the core theology found in books such as Amos, Hosea, and Lamentations. That it would be included in our biblical anthology - the Tanakh - demonstrates remarkable intellectual integrity.

I'll read through those again and try to see what they are talking about.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

The book of Job is one of the more popular chapters in the book of bible.

Anyone who looks at a book of the Tanakh as a 'chapter' in the bible is hopelessly confused.

 

[savagewind]

Anyone who looks at a book of the Tanakh as a 'chapter' in the bible is hopelessly confused.

or maybe carelessly easy with words.

 

[yoda89]

Anyone who looks at a book of the Tanakh as a 'chapter' in the bible is hopelessly confused.

It could also be said to a book within a book. The Book of Job. I think its a great piece about the powers of the humankind and what we are capable of. However for the bible to be considered holy. It would have abilities that another books does not possess.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I think its a great piece about the powers of the humankind and what we are capable of.

That is absurd.

 

[yoda89]

That is absurd.

Throughout the book the main character Job goes through perils but never gives up because of his determination. While he show devotion to the 'god' character who gambles with 'satan' and thus the character of 'gpd' in my opinion is wrong to allow what to happen actually happen in the story. Job never gave up. I could also garner such ideas as in Frodo in LOTR.

 

[Reverend Rick]

The book of Job shows me that even a faithful servant cannot be without fault. Not one of us by actions alone is deserving or can challenge God's wisdom.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Throughout the book the main character Job goes through perils but never gives up because of his determination.

Just what comic book are you reading?

By the start of chapter 3 (the beginning of the Job poetry) we read ...

Afterward, Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. And Job spoke up and said:

Annul the day that I was born

and the night that said, "A man is conceived."​

That day, let it be darkness.

Let God above not seek it out,

nor brightness shine upon it.​

Let darkness, death's shadow, foul it,

let a cloud-mass rest upon it,

let day gloom dismiss it.​

That night, let murk overtake it.

Let it not join in the days of the year,

let it not enter the number of months.​

Oh, let that night be barren,

let it have no song of joy.​

Let the day-cursers hex it,

those ready to rouse Leviathan.​

Let its twilight stars go dark.

Let it hope for day in vain,

and let it not see the eyelids of dawn.​

You simply don't know what you're talking about.

 

[yoda89]

You simply don't know what you're talking about.

I simply do not envision and derive the same meanings to a book as you do. That does not mean what I do not what I am speaking about. I've sinply given what I think the book means from my point of view.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I simply do not envision and derive the same meanings to a book as you do. That does not mean what I do not what I am speaking about. I've sinply given what I think the book means from my point of view.

And if your point of view is that ...

Throughout the book the main character Job goes through perils but never gives up because of his determination.

... you are demonstrably and laughably wrong.

 

[savagewind]

And if your point of view is that ...

​

... you are demonstrably and laughably wrong.

I think it is right. Job never gave up his faith. Who do you think he was talking to in chapter three? It was never about his determination to live. It is about his determination to believe.

 

[yoda89]

The book of Job mainly addresses human suffering and our tendencies to question things when suffering exists "Why Me." In Chapter 3 Job questions the will of his god. However he never 'sins'. His friends come forth to try to comfort him and accuse him of wrong actions. However Job never questions his own God righteousness. (Never giving up) You might want to read the first two chapters before the third as well to get the jest of it. Also try not to cherry pick verses it skews perspective even more of the book.
I simply do not take it in belief as you do. I observe it as a man sticking with his gut. Trusting in his actions while those around him tell him that he is wrong. He never gives up and is rewarded for his difficulties.

 

[Shermana]

I think it is right. Job never gave up his faith. Who do you think he was talking to in chapter three? It was never about his determination to live. It is about his determination to believe.

Job starts complaining to God and accusing him of being unfair towards the end. God rebukes Him about it.

 

[yoda89]

Job starts complaining to God and accusing him of being unfair towards the end. God rebukes Him about it.

Yes however Job never questions his own Gods righteousness. God appears to Job in a storm and gives a stunning account of his majestic works and power. Job, humbled and overwhelmed, acknowledges God's right as Creator to do whatever he pleases. God rebukes Job's friends.

Thus Job is given twice as much for his hard working. Doesn't mean he cant complain every now and then. He continues to go forth. He is shown by what I view as his own wisdom( you would define it as God) that he was okay to never give up.

We may be translating from different works.