Abstract:

Qoheleth embarks on a journey to find the ultimate purpose of life. Thus, as he explores to discern if he can find true meaning in life, the wise man is led to consider many different areas of life “under the sun.” But when he starts to look at things from the perspective of reason, Qoheleth ends up pronouncing the hebel conclusion. Instead of finding the truth, he is led again and again to the enigma of life. Qoheleth, however, believes that a meaningful life can be found if it is approached from another perspective. He is convinced that things would be different if they are seen from the lens of one who fears God, of one who believes in Elohim. In five pertinent passages (3:14, 5:6, 7:18, 8:12ff and 12:13b), Qoheleth then unveils what he means by the fear of God. For him, to fear God is the rightful attitude of one struggling to find meaning in the midst of life’s absurdity and meaninglessness.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners: Fr. Felipe Fruto Ramirez, S.J., S.T.D. (Principal Examiner), Rev. Federico Villanueva, Ph.D., Sr. Miriam Alejandrino, O.S.B., S.T.D., Fr. Randolf Flores, S.V.D., Ph.D., S.T.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners: Roberto Guevarra, Ph.D., Markus Locker, Ph.D., Sr. Helen Graham, M.M., Ph.D. (Adviser).