Ecclesiastes: When The Bible Does Philosophy | Secular Bible Study (Episode 21)

Consider Supporting MindShift - / mindshiftskeptic
Today's episode is on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes
I cover the following:
-Book Overview
-Authorship And Date
-Historical Background/Accuracy
-Literary Analysis
-Main Themes
-Reception And Influence
-Contradictions, Errors, & Misconceptions
-Problematic Verses
Sub! → Turn on notifications for 3 new videos every week!
Connect! → Email - [e-mail]
Give! → Patreon - / mindshiftskeptic
Share → Show A Friend - / @mindshiftskeptic
My Playlists → www.youtube.com/@MindShiftSke...
My Other Channel → / @brandonsbookshelf
A sincere thank you to this video's supporters:
Iconoclast Tier
-GVI Precision Body & Paint, Inc
-Jacob Boyd
-Jason Rollins
-Shawn Skaggs
-Oliver_Sch
Humanist Hero Tier
-Jarrod Nichols
-Kristi Goff
Atheist Advocate Tier
-Anne Stephens
-Elijah Jeffery
-Rokkit Serjun
-Sparky
Secular Scholar Tier
-Austin Gardner
-Azho64
-Ben Peterson
-Charlotte Wayne
-Christopher J Knight
-Composer Everett
-Deepest Hell
-Des
-Hannah
-Jason Martin
-Jeffrey Bell
-Linea Marshall
-Maggie
-Todd Hill
-Todd J
-Trader J Rae
Freethinker Tier
-Andy Wilce
-Ashley Shivers
-B H
-B R
-Beegee
-Bright Argyle
-Dana Kendall
-Fredrik Sanfridsson
-Gregory Smith
-Jason Martin
-James Musson
-John Gilchrist
-John Rexrode
-Jonathan Sebastian
-Kami Ross
-Michael Beverly
-Roland Watts
-Scott Graham
-Sean Reid Scott
-The Merlin
Skeptic Tier
-A B
-Adam Cameron
-Anna K
-April Wilson
-Brandon Michaels
-Charles Payet
-Dan Sprankle
-Donald Shellman-Kuhns
-Drew
-Eric Greenhalgh
-Jed Wentz
-Jennifer Leibig
-Jeremy Keane
-Jeremy Shepherd
-Jon Umenhofer
-Joseph Collins
-Just Me
-Lori Wieser
-Louise
-Mark Rothenbuhler
-Mark Sebert
-Margo Pritchett
-Matthew Baird
-Matthew Mack
-ObieGrad
-Pablo
-Raine Gingras
-Ravyn
-Richard Wigton
-Rick Banks
-Ron Hott
-Ron Mortenson
-Ryan Phipps
-SCO
-Scvanderhorst
-Shmeels
-Serban Marcu
-Susanna Billingham
-T Rose
-Tony Maitland
-Wearloga
-Yattwood
Rationalist Tier
**********************
Other Resources For You:
- Freedom From Religion Org - ffrf.org
- Recovering From Religion - www.recoveringfromreligion.org
- Dare To Doubt - www.daretodoubt.org/resources
- Reddit - / resources
- Secular Student Alliance - secularstudents.org
-The Humanist Society - thehumanistsociety.org
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:08 Chapter 1
3:58 Chapter 2
5:13 Chapter 3
9:16 Chapter 4
10:10 Chapter 5
10:54 Chapter 6
11:19 Authorship And Date
12:27 Chapter 7
13:45 Chapter 8
16:40 Chapter 9
19:18 Chapter 10
20:03 Chapter 11
21:20 Chapter 12
22:17 My Final Thoughts
23:38 Rapid Fire The Rest
27:40 Patron Thank You
#secularbiblestudy #bookofecclesiastes #biblestudyecclesiastes #mindshift #atheism #biblehistory #bibleaccuracy #atheistbiblestudy #biblebookreview #bibleecclesiastes #whatisecclesiastesabout

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Happy SBS day! This is the most interesting book in the bible i think.

[@ready1fire1aim1]

Compare: Hebrews 11 Names of God Bible 3 Faith convinces us that God created the world through his word. This means what can be seen was made by something that could not be seen. and: Romans 1 Names of God Bible 25 These people have exchanged God’s truth for a lie. So they have become ungodly and serve what is created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen! with: Genesis 2 Names of God Bible 2 Heaven and earth and everything in them were finished. 2 By the seventh day ELOHIM had finished the work he had been doing. On the seventh day he stopped the work he had been doing. 3 Then ELOHIM blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, because on that day he stopped all his work of creation. The Creation of Man and Woman 4 This is the account of heaven and earth when they were created, at the time when YAHWEH ELOHIM made earth and heaven. (What is the difference between created and made? The difference between something being created and something being made is that when something is created it is brought into existence out of nothing. But, when something is made it has been formed out of something else that already exists.)

[@ready1fire1aim1]

If Yahweh is the false Elohim and is a Jealous Elohim then what does that say about the true Elohim? Q: What's the opposite of Jealous? A: Proud.

[@carlasmith9093]

Going to be delayed in watching again, but still want to comment to boost that algorithm! Happy SBS day!

[@carlasmith9093]

​@ready1fire1aim1 please give it a rest. I know it's important to you but it's really not an issue that's relevant to most anyone else.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

@carlasmith9093 thanks so much!

[@dmnemaine]

In my past fundamentalist Christian experience, Ecclesiastes was always explained as "This is Man's wisdom, not God's. Don't take the advice seriously. It's just there to show us that Man's wisdom is inferior to God's."

[@chrisburgess2398]

It’s not narcissistic or entitlement to think you should be rewarded for effort. The reason you put the effort in is for the reward that you’re told you’ll get. One of the main reasons you work hard at school is because you’re told it will benefit you.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

I think Ecclesiastes is maybe my favorite book of the Bible. The overbearing pessimism, bordering on nihilism, stands in such stark contrast to basically everything else. I (and a lot of other people, historically) think it's probably the most profound book as well. And from a literary standpoint, it has some of the most iconic lines ever written. Very intriguing work.

[@Zero-ei8jn]

The mid or late life existential crisis of Solomon. It certainly stands apart from all the other books.

[@aestroai8012]

Mine as well. He puts to bed all achievements and glory after gaining everything in his world because it's all just a game in the end.

[@graceomweri]

It is mine as well for the same reason

[@Underhill77]

Also my favorite although I never really liked his conclusion lol

[@duanethompson8770]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments about this book. As an atheist I find myself following the advice of living for the day to the fullest possible. I am trying to do the best that I can for myself and family. I do try to enjoy my time on earth without hurting others. As a baby boomer I know I only have so many days left.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Man what more can we do. Enjoy our time while not hurting others. Simple and way more moral than anything in the bible.

[@justinhart2831]

Hey I have it on good authority that the way to live a full and happy life is to go to church.

[@sdlorah6450]

We have been given good things in this life by God our Creator to have and enjoy (family, friends, food, the beauty of the natural world, etc.) but our earthly lives are very short! All men face death and after death the judgment (see Hebrews 9:27). All people must consider their lives' end in the light of eternity. God warns us in scripture of every person's need to be reconciled to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of men (see 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This reconciliation is necessary because we are sinners and face God's wrath as a result. It is not God's will that any man perish, but that all come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9). God gifts eternal life to all who trust in Christ for salvation (see Romans 6:23). This gracious gift is only possible because Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body upon the tree, died, and rose again (see 1 Peter 2:24). Enjoy the good gifts that God has given you, and give him thanks for them, but don't neglect to receive his greatest gift--eternal life in Jesus Christ.

[@sdlorah6450]

@@MindShift-Brandon We have been given good things in this life by God our Creator to have and enjoy (family, friends, food, the beauty of the natural world, etc.) but our earthly lives are very short! All men face death and after death the judgment (see Hebrews 9:27). All people must consider their lives' end in the light of eternity. God warns us in scripture of every person's need to be reconciled to him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of men (see 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This reconciliation is necessary because we are sinners and face God's wrath as a result. It is not God's will that any man perish, but that all come to repentance (see 2 Peter 3:9). God gifts eternal life to all who trust in Christ for salvation (see Romans 6:23). This gracious gift is only possible because Jesus Christ bore our sins in his own body upon the tree, died, and rose again (see 1 Peter 2:24). Enjoy the good gifts that God has given you, and give him thanks for them, but don't neglect to receive his greatest gift--eternal life in Jesus Christ.

[@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS]

You need Holy Spirit or.... it's the scary place 😮 choose Holy Spirit and His Holy Bible 📖✝️🛐

[@JamesRichardWiley]

Having been raised as a Catholic to overcome biblical schizophrenia with faith, I no longer care what ancient Hebrew writers wrote on their parchment scrolls. When the twisting knot of religious indoctrination reaches the breaking point you have no choice but to step aside and accept responsibility for your own existence.

[@BluStarGalaxy]

Another book my pastors never covered for even a single service. Yay!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

How convenient lol!

[@BluStarGalaxy]

@@MindShift-Brandon Yep. All the books that they never covered also happen to also have themes that they don't like . All coincidences I am sure! 😀

[@MrCanis4]

I was a child about 50 years ago in a, at that time, quite Catholic country Belgium, and not even one tenth of what I see here in these videos we received from our priests. Their cherry picking was very intensive.

[@theboombody]

This is my favorite book as a believer, and you're right, it's rarely ever covered. I think it could strengthen the belief of many, knowing how fragile God created us, and how dependent we are on him for even temporary survival. But I think too many believers are afraid of taking that deep dive, and too many ministers are afraid of taking the chance on potentially losing them. But hey, if you never take a risk, you never get anywhere.

[@noracola5285]

That's what I love about modern Judaism (at least, as it's practiced where I live); they have a whole holiday where you go outside and read this story under a canopy of branches and then talk about what it means to you. No pressure, no indoctrination, no judgement, no threats of eternal torment. It's nice. I'm still an atheist, but it's nice. And there's always food!

[@gabri41200]

I am more happy now than ever in my life. After i realized there is no afterlife, and that i only have this short live to experience existence, i find true joy in every simple moment. I have no purpose or destiny, and this is so heartwarming. After i relized i am just a part of the universe, a pile of atoms, and that i have no more importance than a rock, i feel true happyness to just exist. There is no pressure, no rush, we aren't going anywhere. Everything we do will eventually disappear. Just take life slow and enjoy every sound your hear, enjoy everything you taste, enjoy everything you smell. Even in the bad experiences i find joy. When i stump my toe, i find it incredible that i can feel pain, what a fantastic body defence mechanism. When i can't sleep because someone is blasting some song outside, i find it incredible that i can hear, that i have a ear. When i see someone suffering, i feel bad, and then i appreciate that i can feel empathy. Every human experience is so complex and full of nuance, even the most boring ones. Life is incredible as it is, no need for promisses of heaven.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I love this. Yes its all about perspective!

[@metjetfan23]

Stop apologizing for doing things “different.” This is your channel, do what feels right 👊🏽

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that!

[@krackkokichi]

i'm so grateful for this series (and whole channel really) for breaking down these books and showing what they really are. my parents' church taught Ecclesiastes as "everything is meaningless outside of fulfilling your purpose of glorifying and sharing god," and as a queer person, i was told i could never be a "real christian", so i was unable to fulfill my purpose. it led me down some dark paths, but i'm doing much better now, having left the faith and realizing how wrong their teachings are. this channel (among others) has helped me remain firm in my decision even with my whole family trying to convince me to come back, so thanks Brandon!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

My absolute pleasure! So glad to hear you are doing better

[@ReasonQuest]

26:10 "Christian Hang-upery." My new favorite term.

[@kerishannon775]

Hi Brandon! Much of this book relects my atheistic thoughts. One area I disagree with is the fear and obey God part. I have no children, but I do have three dogs. They are a delight to be in my life. The last thing I would want is to have them fear me and only obey me out of fear.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes fear is bottom level for a base of relationship. We can do bettter

[@TonyLambregts]

​@@MindShift-Brandon Thank you, Brandon. it is very apparent to me that we can do better than to live in fear.

[@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS]

Fear can be good it can keep you alive like in the old testament times and fear of not ending up in the scary dark fiery place in the New testament time that we're in. In old testament they probably didn't know about the scary fiery dark place as It's only found in the new testament but we know God may kill you if you sin. in the new testament God saves us from the lake of fire which when we are saved we can never go to and we serve Him by the power of Holy Spirit. I have fear and trembling because it's healthy and the bible says to do that plus we are talking about God who I think might ruin my life if I sin as there seems to be verses to may suggest that like God disciplining His children but I serve God out of love (not fear of fire) and wanting to get good rewards and not look bad at the judgement seat and to not quench and grieve the Holy Spirit and to not reap corruption for sin but instead eternal life for sowing to the Spirit.

[@theboombody]

@@MindShift-Brandon Can we? If so, then why would we need a military when foreign powers threaten?

[@Elisha_the_bald_headed_prophet]

​@@theboombodyto remove the threat. It's not like you want a relationship with someone who wants to destroy you

[@NB-ms3es]

Thank you for all you do! I’ve actually been going through deconversion for many years but never thought people were actually leaving ‘the faith’ until I just had enough of Christian biblical insanity! Wow! What a sense of freedom to know how manipulated I’ve been for over 50 years of spiritual slavery and dogma! Even though I’d had questions upon questions that pastors could never, ever answer! They always said, “I don’t know but you need to keep your eyes on Jesus (which is a made up name!) and keep reading your Bible!” My 96 year old mom, “washed in the blood” praise Jesus, bless your heart believer had control over me until I finally broke free of the “Christian insanity!” Thank you again for all you’re doing to help in my deconversion! 🥳

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So glad to hear. Thank you for sharing!

[@JamesRichardWiley]

The Hebrew god Yahweh is all powerful, present everywhere, and cannot not make a mistake, therefore he has a son to carry out his orders and remind the Hebrews that he exists because he is invisible, unknowable and works in mysterious ways. Why do intelligent, educated people believe this?

[@jaclo3112]

@JamesRichardWiley yet the bible shows the hebrew and christian gods constantly making mistakes and being generally incompetent, evil and downright ignorant and stupid.

[@nemostrangesonginthedirt8448]

Man I am a Christian and I enjoy so much of your perspective. I try to listen to others views on reading the Bible. Yours is more enjoyable than some preachers to be honest.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that!

[@presentfuture7563]

As someone who works in mental health, I love your comments about the deterministic parts of being a "good person" and how much is a function of chance and privilege. I don't actually think that there is "nothing new under the sun," because we're constantly advancing and refining our understanding of our minds (and bodies) and how they work. I tend to maintain that our psychological complexity evolved much, much faster than our understanding of ourselves. It's how we ended up with so many faulty and ultimately harmful concepts like "sin."

[@theboombody]

So labeling evil stuff as evil is faulty?

[@presentfuture7563]

@@theboombody There are more precise terms for "evil" as well: e.g., harmful, cruel, hateful, malevolent...all of which, by the by, accurately describe the actions of the God of the Bible at various times. The word "sin" itself, in both the Hebrew and Greek, means "missing the mark," like an archer - i.e., *making a mistake* - not some indelible inkblot on the soul rendering one inherently bad and worthless.

[@Badficwriter]

@@presentfuture7563 So a better translation would be 'error'? How absurd that much of religion's suffering is misunderstanding.

[@presentfuture7563]

@@Badficwriter Yes, exactly...and that's how Judaism interprets the notion. Any transgressions against another are atone-able by the transgressing individual, not a proxy.

[@trythelight8319]

I might be repeating a lot of others, but if it weren’t for the “fear and obey God,” this book would feel more like a peaceful balm. Our time is precious because it’s all we have and can perceive. And that itself is beautiful. No need to add extra stipulation.

[@AngelloSammartino-vy2lf]

This book was, when I was a Christian and still is, my very favourite book of the Bible. It feels so real, and so honest and if you can understand it properly, truly helpful. Not just “god will solve your problems” toxic positivity. At least for a somewhat melancholy soul like myself. Even now as a non Christian, I think there is a lot of wisdom here. Thanks for the great video

[@mr.goldenproductions_0143]

One can also try to find solace in the depth of Po's father from Kung Fu Panda: the secret (to life) is that there is no secret. I am at a point where I honestly would prefer to go by that than delayed divine comeuppance for the out-group as found in Christianity. Thank you for your videos Brandon! You were right to call this book your favourite in the Bible.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for this

[@stephenbailey9969]

Western scholars have long seen Ecclesiastes as one of the exemplars of Eastern fatalism, along with the Bhagavad Gita and the I Qing and others such works. They often contrasted these with the Greco-Roman tradition, where the individual hero who chooses to fight the given circumstance was exalted. Such individualism runs through Western culture, from Homer's Achilles to Descartes' "I think, therefore I am", from Nietszche's Zarathustra to Strauss's Ein Heldenleben, to the Marvel heroes of today.

[@Elisha_the_bald_headed_prophet]

One does not rule out the other. It's perfectly in the spirit of 'enjoy life' to get up and fight for what you want and against threats to your well-being.

[@CB66941]

It is the most human, self reflective, mindful book to me. It is not afraid to talk about meaning and death, and believes God doesn't care about humans in regards to that. It is a stark contrast to Proverbs. I also found it funny that a pastor I heard mentioned you must read the book start from the end and told his congregation to keep it in mind while reading the book.

[@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS]

You don't understand God's bible. God cares about us it's just we're sinners and God is Righteous and will judge us for our sins. He doesn't want that for us because it leads to the scary dark fiery place forever. I'm very blessed God saved me and God may save you too if you are of the few. God wants everyone to be in paradise with Him but unfortunately people don't want Him.

[@CB66941]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS interesting, so you admit hell is a scary place that you don't want to go to. Yet that would actually put some doubt on your salvation. Because the bible says there is no fear in love, because fear has to do with punishment. Yet your God is the supposed embodiment of love? I view such judgment to not just be unjust but also hypocritical. Is it just for a being that has murdered babies, commanded genocide, enabled slavery (even sexual slavery), commanded adultery of his prophet, enabled child sacrifice and enabled the mass kidnapping of women to ensure a tribe does not go extinct because of one woman's death (which could have been prevented) to also condemn me for petty sins like lying? Saying that God is perfect and that's why he judges us is like saying a rich man is allowed to destroy a poor man because the rich man is rich. And besides, if God has forgiven humans, why would my belief be a factor? If I forgive you, and you don't believe me, does that mean I am now obligated to find you and torture you? Why does God require belief in order to forgive or save when human beings don't require belief to forgive or save? I have more trust in paramedics coming to save me than a god that needs me to have faith to intervene. At least the paramedics or doctors don't care if I believe or not. If the shedding of blood is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, why then did Jesus forgive both the paralytic man and the woman who wiped his feet even though he had not been at the cross yet? Evaluate your accusation that I do not understand the bible. Do you really think us ex Christians do not understand it, or were you told that we don't understand it? The book is available to all people. Can you be certain YOU understand it?

[@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS]

@@CB66941 Well God cares and babies and children are probably going to paradise when they die everybody else would have been better if they were never born if they continue in the route of unbelief which is many unfortunately. I understand this people probably don't believe because of false Christians.

[@CB66941]

@@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS ah yes, those babies that are slaughtered by the sword go to heaven. What a comforting consolation. But I suppose the same cannot be said of their parents, or the many girls who became women forced to become the wives of the Israelites. Interesting that you bring up the fact it is better to never be born over living in unbelief. Should a loving god really make it so it is better to have never existed over living life in unbelief? Do you think humans are like that? False Christians? Can you be certain you are a true one? Because no doubt many of those "false" Christians will call you a false Christian. There are 45,000 Christian denominations. Are you certain you're following the correct one?

[@JESUSGreatrThan_all_LsThnJESUS]

@@CB66941 The true Christians will be revealed you will see my friend! Hopefully you're a Christian by then.

[@Thewitchofwildlife]

Solomon's emo phase

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Actually laughed out loud on this one!

[@Thewitchofwildlife]

@@MindShift-Brandon glad to hear 😂

[@DannyS177]

This book was not good for my mental health. When I was a Christian, I would read this book and the conclusion that I would come to was "If everything is meaningless, and our only proper response is to worship God, then I should just off myself so that I can worship him properly." Leaving Christianity was very good for my mental health.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes the true true belief of scripture is extreme and harmful if actually followed

[@DavidRichardson153]

I remember not reading this book much back when I was Christian myself. Despite that, given what was going through my mind then, not only had I reached more-or-less the same conclusion, but I had also tried to act out that final part, just sans the worship, as my mental state then had me fairly hostile to the idea. After all, why worship who left/made you like this in the first place? To me, being set up in any way to have those thoughts was a real Richard Relocation (a diplomatic way of saying "d^ck move") from God. Obviously, the attempts failed, and I would say that the last attempt was the actual end to my religiosity. And like with you, my mental health has gotten better - and I would say much better - since.

[@DannyS177]

@@DavidRichardson153 I am sorry that you went through that, but I am glad that I wasn't the only one.

[@jefcaine]

Probably my favorite book of the Bible. I like to think of the “fear god” part at the end as a contractually obligated happy ending to satisfy a Christian audience.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes but its also pretty heavy in chap 5 and chap 8. Otherwise it would be nice to believe it was an after edit

[@theboombody]

Fearing God is a way of recognizing your own mortality. God is immortal and has power. We are mortal and we are limited.

[@shriggs55]

Good review.When I was a newly converted Christian at the age of eighteen back in the 70's-when I read this book for the first time, I was blown away! It seemed to contradict the rest of the Bible with its theme of meaninglessness.Before I was a believer, I was basically an existentialist/nihilist, but didn't know it until much later.In order to cope with the thought that there was a book that seemed to contradict the new testament to such a degree, I rationalized in my nieve and gullible mind, that Ecclesiastes was saying that life "under the sun" and without God was meaningless, but that life above the sun with God was full of meaning.I didn't want to admit it at the time, but I really liked the book and it appealed to my existentialist self.Now that I'm an atheist,l I like the book even more-except for the parts about fearing god and obeying his commandments, of course.I don't think I'll be reading it anytime soon, though, because it would put me into that "what's the use" mindset.Anyhow, thanks again, Brandon, for another fine video.

[@DavidRichardson153]

Ecclesiastes reminds me of something more modern yet fairly similar - and perhaps coincidentally, this one is also of Jewish origin: "I have to say that my education in the Jewish religion was excellent. It was thorough, both from historic and biblical standpoints. So when, at the age of fifteen, I was confirmed and made my choice about practicing the faith of my fathers, it was based on knowledge. Maybe they shouldn’t have taught me so well, because it probably led to too much thinking. One of the papers I wrote for my confirmation class (yes, we had to write papers) was a real eye-opener. I discovered a story about a very wealthy and deeply religious man. He wondered if it made a real difference whether one followed a spiritual path or a path of dissoluteness-in other words, if one chose to be a saint or a sinner. So he quit his upright life and went down the road of sin. He broke one biblical law after another. He consorted with hookers and criminals. And what did he discover? THAT IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE IN HIS LIFE. NONE. He didn’t feel guilty. The Lord didn’t punish him for his sins. He concluded that both roads led to the same place. Wow. Even today, that’s all I can say to that. You’ve got to admire a religion that would let that story out, especially to kids. But it sure made me think about whether I wanted to lead an upright life as a Jew or, well, live the life I’ve been living. I obviously chose the latter, so pass the martini and suck my dick. One of the good things about my Sunday school classes was that they gave me a lesson in comparative religion. They sent me to a variety of other houses of worship-Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Baptist, Islamic, Baha’i, Buddhist, and who knows where else. It was a spiritual smorgasbord. It was excellent, because I realized it wasn’t just my own temple that didn’t appeal to me. None of the others did, either. There was something about organized religion that just didn’t do the trick for me. Sitting with a bunch of people at a religious service, any religious service, anywhere, has never brought me closer to God. I don’t know what it is. It seems to work for tons of people, and it makes them really happy, but for me it all gets lost in the translation. Maybe it’s the sarcastic prick in the dunce cap who sits in my head and has a comment about everyone and everything that’s going on. All I know is that by the time I was fifteen and my religious education at the temple was over, I was over Judaism. I have rarely looked back to the fold. When I have, it has just reinforced my initial impulses." - Lewis Black, _Me of Little Faith_

[@TonyLambregts]

Thank you for sharing that. It actually got me in the feels. Maybe not profound but honest and I truly appreciate it.

[@C-Farsene_5]

Thats why christians use the afterlife card, if divine comeuppance doesn’t happen here, then it will happen when ur dead tho usually they pair it with the free will card and use Jesus’ wheat and weed parable. And damn did I really just memorize the mental gymnastics of my local church?

[@kettei7743]

What a weird episode, didnt expect to just read through the book. The dust passage was alway one of my favorites, not only beacuse of how it is written but the how it kinda puts everyone down to earth , if that makes sense...

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes i like it very much too

[@sundayoliver3147]

I like it because we are made out of stardust--out of the exact same elements that the stars and planets are made of, as spectroscopes show. And to stardust our whole planet, and our remains, will eventually return, or so science implies.

[@Zero-ei8jn]

My favorite book in the bible for several reasons. I also love the emphasis on no afterlife, no heaven or hell, no hades, no judgment, just everyone have the same fate no matter their thoughts or deeds.

[@theboombody]

No, if you read to the very end of the book it clearly mentions there will be judgment on every deed, whether good or evil.

[@Zero-ei8jn]

@theboombody Then it contradicts itself.

[@qualitycontentkarl7180]

I am in the process of deconstruction from Christianity myself. Like you I was born and raised in it’s philosophies and perimeters . An area that I am finding a considerable amount of joy in is the fact that anything is truly possible; intellectual and logical truths do exist in life. (speaking outside of the perimeters of a religion) I am not persuaded to be quickly conclusive with things that are unknown. I think the wonder of life is truly fascinating and should be explored or at least talked about more within the atheist/agnostic world view.

[@josephcollins6033]

ABSOLUTE INSANITY. OR...the ancient literature of a tiny tribe who had almost no information about anything. I do not think you ever become "out of control"; this passion you feel is uncontrolled is what would make university students want to take your classes. Your exposition of this book is mighty fine!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you so much for this kind feedback

[@Nkosi766]

You’re awesome Brandon

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for the love!

[@riluna3695]

Wasn't expecting to leave this video knowing more about Yugioh, of all things. The card called "Vanity's Emptiness" makes a lot more sense now.

[@CutTiesWithYourCaptor]

I found it interesting when I discovered that the word "hevel" is the same (if not at least from the same root) as "Abel" in hebrew. הבל

[@aaacool0873]

Enjoying the new camera angle🙂 good timing for a “growing the Chanel” mindset

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Hey thanks. I film all my sbs episodes at this one and most if my rest at the other. Sometimes i like to have the full bookshelf behind me. But really excited to finish the studio!

[@jimgillert20]

In my youth this book unnerved me. It stood for everything that we were supposed to avoid in Christianity. I really connected with this video. The obey the king passage tells us that religion was all they had for social order back then. I am speaking only from humor; but, this book could be a summary for reasons to drink.

[@carolynmathieu6062]

admire your content. Given me a lot of food for thought as someone who loves spirituality. Your insights are thought provoking and show the importance to question and reflect. While some of my religious friends will steer clear of atheists, I like to listen to their perspectives and arguments. For me, it helps me to accept life is unknown and at the macro level, meangingless. At the same time, learn to cultivate meaning in my life and dont be scare to question and reflect if my actions correspond to that meaning.

[@tulpas93]

Hooray for Secular Bible Study!!! 🎉🎉

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@elilane8627]

I swear you don’t get enough credit for what you do for people who are struggling to make sense of this insane book they were told to base their life on. Keep up the good work man. Loved the deep dive into some of the underlying philosophies that I feel tend to go hand in hand with fundamental Christian belief, whether they acknowledge it or not

[@MindShift-Brandon]

So kind. I really appreciate hearing that.

[@aprilaronson1012]

Thank you for making these videos! I was raised in an independent fundamental Baptist home, so as you can imagine, I was very well indoctrinated. As an adult, I left behind some of the strict legalism of my upbringing but continued to attend a Charismatic church for my entire adult life until a few years ago (I'm now 50.) A number of difficult circumstances in life got me to thinking about things and I deconstructed against my own will until I just couldn't buy into the Bible anymore. That final step happened probably within this last year or so. I really did not want to deconstruct, and it was very difficult and painful. The pieces are finally settling for me and, I feel good about it, but videos like these are helpful for making me feel like I'm not alone. And they help me see that other people have had the same thoughts that I've had. They also help me with my fear of hell that I'm still dealing with. Thank you for making these. It's especially helpful that your experience was pretty similar to my own and that you were literally steeped in religion. I can't stop listening. Thank you.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

This is all so encouraging for me to keep pressing on. Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@merbst]

Nice beard, Brandon. I was a clean-shave guy my first 40 years, but the fuzzy face is working for me lately. Regarding Philosophy: I am a Humanist.

[@thomaserickson568]

Wow, you're changing my mind. I'm Catholic, sing in the choir, go to Bible study. I once wanted to be a priest. The virus fought back at first, so I'm sorry for the rude comments. Have a lovely day.

[@Georg3e]

Leave the pedophile church and run

[@justincredible.]

Just get the most out of the one life you know to have for sure! LOVE and BE LOVED!

[@ianbrewster8934]

Honestly this seems to be written by if it was written by one person somebody struggling to move from being a theist to being an atheist. It's like they're right there and they're about to walk away from it but the fear of walking away from the comfort of being a theist scares them and they're almost teetering on becoming nihilist.

[@alohaohana901]

I have to admit, I have always related to this book more than any other book in the bible. There is much truth in it for both the believer and non-believer.

[@wolfos420]

Nice.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@Tomahawk_choppa]

You didn’t disappoint Brandon! I’ve been studying this book for my own curiosity as I progress through my deconstruction. In reading the last half of chapter 2, I’m struck by the author’s pettiness at the self-perceived evil that people that come after him will enjoy the fruits of his toil. What kind of person finds this to be evil?! Let alone allegedly the king of a nation! It’s crazy to me. Who doesn’t want to leave some kind of a legacy even though you know you won’t have a direct part of it? Anyway, just wanted to share that thought. Thanks again for your work!

[@williamwatson4354]

Any book that inspired a classic song isn't all bad.

[@theboombody]

No book in the Bible is all bad.

[@richard6502]

Throughout the Tenak, a portion of this Bible that was tought in the Synagogue, I still had the uncanny means to exercise an imense amount of critical thinking.

[@donsample1002]

Pete Seeger made a pretty good song out of chapter 3

[@Fair-to-Middling]

An interesting rabbit trail to go on might be to ask the question: How and why was this book chosen as part of the canon of the bible? I think I'll go see what old ChatGPT has to say about it.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes i think you are right. Would be a cool thing to add for all episodes actually

[@josh.kaptur]

Brandon - there's some scholarship to suggest that the last few verses of the book were added after the original book ended. Imagine if the book ended with your favorite verses... the message would be VERY different. Bart Ehrman has spoken about this on several of his podcasts.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for sharing. Will look into it

[@josh.kaptur]

@@MindShift-Brandon from the modern word of god known as wikipedia... Most, though not all, modern commentators regard the epilogue (12:9-14) as an addition by a later scribe. Some have identified certain other statements as further additions intended to make the book more religiously orthodox (e.g., the affirmations of God's justice and the need for piety). Again -- if those verses are not original, then the book is FAR more secular and, I would argue, more insightful.

[@theidiotsguidetolife9310]

I'm convinced the first draft of this book was written by an atheist and later edited to make it sound religious.

[@juliehedberg3293]

Can’t get enough of your content! I watch your videos multiple times and get more out of it every time. So impressive how much content you cram into a short amount of time and so digestible. Can’t wait to see your channel grow!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Julie! That is so so kind and encouraging. Thanks for the high level of support!

[@a.b.2405]

So there are basically many verses that are literal contradictions to the hell doctrine.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes. Nothing like our concept of hell until the NT. It just doesnt exist before then.

[@jimgillert20]

There is no modern concept of hell in the nt greek. It is a blend of Jesus's temporary trash dump burial allegory and the use of Greek/Roman mythological words for the afterlife.

[@a.b.2405]

@@MindShift-Brandon it’s like they made something up to try to brainwash people into believing in a religion.

[@a.b.2405]

@@jimgillert20 yup! I actually learned this when I was doing Bible studies with a Jehovah’s Witness. They got something right lol.

[@EmmaHopman]

Thank you for making these videos. They are helping me a lot.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Very glad to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@mattbrown5234]

I’ve been looking forward to this one, my favorite book of the Bible. The first time I read this when I was in high school I damn near got whiplash when I got to the scribal annotation at the end to try to “fix” it. Back then I didn’t know anything about biblical transmission and it would have never occurred to me that it wasn’t original to the book, but I distinctly remember thinking it didn’t fit.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Right! Im right there with ya

[@danielsmith2447]

And THEN, the JUDGEMENT!

[@Betttty]

I really enjoyed this episode im still in the questioning phase but even when I was deep within religion I really liked this book also thank you for your time and effort I know you have a whole family I appreciate it

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you!

[@jamiepotts6102]

I love this series! Thank you for being so consistent with it, and also thorough

[@dylanbyrne9597]

Hi Brandon you're the reason I realised that I've been lying to myself for years about being a Christian when I was an atheist so I just want to thank you for that but the reason I'm commenting on your video is I don't know if you do recommendations requests for videos or KZbin channels but I want to get your perspective on one person in particular he's a guy for the past 7 years who claims to see visions and premonitions from god or Jesus and he's only recently started doing survival videos and he says that we're living in the end times I'm just saying this so that if you want to talk about something new or unorthodox I suggest Christian communities or to make it easier dan Shelley 777 I'm sorry for how long this is I just I'm sick of hearing about him and watching him lie to people and I think you'll be the right person to talk to on KZbin about this again I'm sorry for how long this is

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I will take a look. Thanks for the rec! Also thank you for the thoughtful and kind comment in general. So glad to have been helpful!

[@josephcollins6033]

What a day! I'm looking forward to this in particular. Thanks so much, dear Brandon.

[@jeffbenelli6999]

Soooo much information in your brain. Thank you for sharing!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks, Jeff. I especially liked covering this book.

[@LauraR-pm5sc]

As always, amazing Brandon. Thank you.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that!

[@aprilbryant8641]

This adds clarity as to why my mother had nihilistic tendencies. TYSM

[@yf1177]

Thanks for this wonderfully insightful analysis of this perplexing book!

[@MindShift-Brandon]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching

[@jaynajuly2140]

Legitimately the greatest work included in the biblical canon! Thanks for reading new insights into the text for me.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Love to talk about this one. Thank you for watching

[@NITE_PINE]

I personally liked this format much better. I really appreciate the deeper dive into the word, as it has been around 15 years since I last read the bible "cover to cover". I read it once as a believer in my youth and I saw my beliefs fade as I started another read through a few years later. I guess I all honesty I knew the problems on my first go-around because my "rose tinted glasses" didn't blind me from the obvious glaring questions the Bible can generate about God's position in every facet of human suffering or prosperity, creation, morals, afterlife, ect. Thank you so much for your diligence in producing great content for the mind. I don't have much to offer but I hope this comment helps affirm the need for your channel and for rational thought to by applied to the word. Keep up the great work! 👏

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Really kind and thoughtful. Thank you so much and also appreciate the feedback in the format!

[@iaminevitable_]

Hello friend, I had a death in the family so I've been out of the loop for about a week. Needless to say, this is once again an excellent and well-informed video. I appreciate and enjoy your secular bible study. Thank you so much for all that you do!

[@BurnThePastCreateTheFuture]

15:06 CRUCIAL Fundamental episode 🎯

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks!

[@GreatDayEveryone]

One of the myriad things that creeps me out about Fundamentalism is the idea that they see "proof" of God. They don't. There is no proof that God exists and there are no observances that would lead to an hypothesis that there is a God. I still believe in a "higher" power, and in the teachings of Christ but I don't believe in talking snakes or virgin births and parting rivers. I believe because I have faith and for no other reason

[@michaelhenry1763]

Thank you , thank you for this video. This is my favorite book in the Bible. I first fell in love with it, as a Christian in high school struggling with Chemistry. As an atheist , to me, it really tackles the problem of evil and our small place within time and space. “🎶 To everything turn, turn, turn There is a season turn, turn, turn And a time to every purpose under Heaven🎵

[@farrex0]

Theists: Atheists are Nihilists, there is no meaning without God Atheist: Hmm... no I do live a meaningful life. Theist: Wrong your life has no meaning, without God, therefore you are a Nihilist. Atheist: But I told you already what I believe. Theist: Silly atheist, you do not choose what you believe, we theists are the ones that will tell you what you believe. Anyways, life has no meaning without God. All of this doesn't matter without God, there is no inherent value in life.... see how we are not the nihilists? You are.

[@studiosandi]

Well said❤

[@MissionUnstoppable1]

Great video Brandon, I think this is my favorite episode so far! If i ever was to read the bible, I think this is the one book i would read. I love stories that are dark and meaningless with just a light of hope at the end of a long tunnel. Honestly, from an outside perspective and with only the context of this episode, It just seems that the writer/writers of this book are just dealing with how to find meaning in life in the extremely violent and hopeless time periods they are living in.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Appreciate that so much. Thanks

[@jerdal6825]

Primo content as always Brandon.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thank you much!

[@luizr.5599]

Now, this is one of my favorite books. The end of the book has a redaction to include a conclusion that should not be there, which is chapter 12:9-14.

[@PinkPony_]

Right on time sir

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for being here!

[@aizensosuke784]

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky We know Major Tom's a junkie Strung out in heaven's high Hitting an all-time low I associate this song so hart with it and I don't know why

[@dimpledpirate]

You the best 👌

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Thanks for watch

[@donaldyanson8144]

Ecclesiastes one of my favorite books. Nihilism, gotta love it.😂 King Solomon, isn't it? Just a little bit pessimistic. But a realistic and honest outlook on life.

[@user-ug2hk3go6i]

I was somewhat surprised you did not put out a special Halloween episode on Tuesday.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I did. Kind of. Lol but i addressed it at the beginning

[@cunjoz]

if you love music, you'd love "a change of seasons" by dream theater. it carries a similar message, but it's a bit less dark

[@nitawynn9538]

Do it well. What would our world be like if we simply all did well? Not do it perfectly. Not do it desperately. I could make that my guiding principle. Do it well.

[@ultimusprimus7816]

I’m a deist, don’t really subscribe to any doctrine but I heard a yt describe this book as a existential crisis it seemed interesting I checked it out and it was odd, still kinda boggles me that somthing like this would be there. Kinda rereading the bible for entertainment and to get a feel for the Philosophy of some of the books, see what I can take and what I can leave

[@KillerTofuDrums]

15:44 "doo-doo better". Really puts things into perspective.

[@aestroai8012]

This is my favourite book of the Bible. I find life pretty meaningless. As a young atheist I felt that way, and as a Christian adult I feel the same way. At 2:59 you claim to find meaning and joy in life because that's all that you have. I'd largely agree, but I'd also say our lives on the earth are fairly absurd and random so I get why Solomon sees things this way. In the end we all die, and God will do what he wants with us. Great video.

[@miguelatkinson]

Christian adult huh what changed ?

[@hamobu]

Imagine how much more nihilistic Ecclesiastes would be if the knew about entropy an the heat death of the universe.

[@timothymulholland7905]

My favorite book in the Bible.

[@auroraasleep]

This is one of my favorite OT books. It's lovely. I like the bit about humans and beasts and the author contemplating the souls of all creatures; that's a person who paid attention to their critters. I also like the dust to dust thing; one of my former bff's favorite sayings was "we are stardust" and on all levels that is true and beautiful. I know she stole that from some scientist, but it's a good quote. I also like how this one book comes close to getting the 'just live' thing. I'm wondering if the "fear of the lord" stuff was overlaid later? Or because of cultural reasons? Like they couldn't not say that because of the social pressures.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

It does seem like someone added it on doesnt it

[@sundayoliver3147]

Your bff might have gotten "we are stardust" from Joni Mitchell: "We are stardust, we are golden; and we've got to get back to the garden."

[@auroraasleep]

@@sundayoliver3147 she may have blended that with the Carl Sagan quote 'The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.'

[@maggienewton8518]

I'd love to know when and where this was written, some context of what influences and events were at work to make the author(s) present this strikingly different tone.

[@eljefe8149]

I do enjoy Ecclesiastes

[@sco145]

If one takes the god stuff figuratively, Ecclesiastes really does have some good stuff to say. Chapter 3 is my favorite part of the Bible, as an atheist/Buddhist.

[@floccinaucinihilipilifications]

Agreed…

[@bariumselenided5152]

This is the strangest book in the bible imo. Idk how modern christians can look at "humans and beasts are no different" , "all are equal in death" , "sheol where we all go is nothingness" , and not just throw the whole book out. The crazy part is that while this book is the most at odds with everything a modern Christian believes, it's also the one with the most legitimately helpful advice. Says something about the quality of the modern Christian beliefs, i think.

[@RealOverReligion]

I always say that Ecclesiastes is the most logical book in the Bible.

[@stevegeorge6880]

My guess just starting this video is that you found the book to be more full of generally good advice and perspective with much less blind obedience to some idea of proper doctrine or holiness.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes and no lol

[@christopherv9427]

Enjoy life this your lot in life.

[@JasonHenderson]

I don't believe I've ever heard a sermon preached on Ecclesiastes. On my many trips on the Bible bus I must have missed those episodes.

[@user-ug2hk3go6i]

General question. In some recent read I encountered the phrase, "believing on Jesus" rather than the more common, "believing in Jesus." The "on" seems an odd locution. Is it significant?

[@benbojammin]

Hey there, Brandon. What edition of the Bible you would recommend? I was thinking of purchasing The New Oxford Annotated Bible (NRSV). This specific edition interested me because of their secular/academic approach to their footnotes, background information, and analysis.

[@MindShift-Brandon]

Yes NRSV is a good one. Or any bible with a concordance and other tooks. I use ESV as n my videos as its a bit more easy on the ears for everyone

[@GenXwarrior]

I have stopped using the word belief and I'm going with I know or I don't know

[@MindShift-Brandon]

I like that!

[@valh3503]

I would stories explored. Parables and others