Topical Encyclopedia
The term "absurd" is not directly found in the text of the Bible; however, the concept can be explored through various passages and themes that address the futility, folly, or irrationality of certain human actions and beliefs when viewed from a biblical perspective. The Bible often contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, highlighting the limitations and sometimes the absurdity of human understanding apart from God.
Ecclesiastes and the Vanity of LifeThe Book of Ecclesiastes frequently addresses the theme of life's futility, which can be seen as a reflection on the absurdity of human endeavors without a divine purpose. The author, traditionally identified as Solomon, repeatedly uses the term "vanity" to describe the fleeting and meaningless nature of worldly pursuits.
Ecclesiastes 1:2 states, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" This expression captures the sense of absurdity in striving for wealth, wisdom, and pleasure when they are pursued as ends in themselves.
The Folly of IdolatryThe Bible often portrays idolatry as an absurd practice, where people worship created things rather than the Creator. In
Isaiah 44:19 , the prophet mocks the irrationality of idol worship: "No one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, 'I burned half of it in the fire; I even baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and ate. Shall I make something detestable with the rest of it? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?'" This passage highlights the absurdity of attributing divine power to inanimate objects.
The Wisdom of the World vs. the Wisdom of GodThe Apostle Paul addresses the contrast between human wisdom and divine wisdom in
1 Corinthians 1:18-25. He describes how the message of the cross is perceived as foolishness by those who are perishing, yet it is the power of God to those who are being saved.
1 Corinthians 1:20 asks, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" This passage underscores the idea that what the world considers wise can be absurd in the light of God's truth.
The Paradox of FaithThe Bible also presents certain paradoxes that may seem absurd from a human standpoint but are central to the Christian faith. For example, Jesus teaches that to gain life, one must lose it (
Matthew 16:25): "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This paradox challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the counterintuitive nature of spiritual truths.
The Absurdity of Self-RighteousnessJesus often criticized the Pharisees for their self-righteousness and hypocrisy, which He viewed as absurd. In
Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrating the folly of trusting in one's own righteousness. The Pharisee's prayer is self-congratulatory, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, is justified before God, emphasizing the absurdity of self-righteousness in the eyes of God.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not use the term "absurd," it frequently addresses the concept through its critique of human folly, idolatry, and the limitations of worldly wisdom. By contrasting these with divine wisdom and truth, the Scriptures invite believers to recognize the futility of life apart from God and to embrace the paradoxes of faith that lead to true understanding and fulfillment.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Contrary to reason or common sense; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; as, an absurd person, an absurd opinion; an absurd dream.
2. (n.) An absurdity.
Greek
249. alogos -- without reason... alogos Phonetic Spelling: (al'-og-os) Short Definition: unreasonable, senseless
Definition: without reason, irrational; contrary to reason,
absurd.
...3474. moros -- dull, stupid, foolish
... foolish. Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid (as if shut up), ie
Heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently)absurd -- fool(-ish, X -ishness)....
Library
TheAbsurd Doctrine of Abaelard, who Attributes Properly and...
... CHAPTER III Theabsurd doctrine of Abaelard, who attributes properly and specically
the absolute and essential names to one Person, is opposed....
Now as InfinitelyAbsurd as this Conclusion Is, no one that...
... Address 21: Now as infinitelyabsurd as this conclusion is, no one that
condemns continual immediate inspiration? Now as infinitely...
Absurd Representations of the Gods.
... Chapter XX."Absurd Representations of the Gods. If the absurdity of their
theology were confined to saying that the gods were...
TheAbsurd Cavil of the Ass's Head Disposed Of.
... Book I. Chapter XI. "TheAbsurd Cavil of the Ass's Head Disposed of. In this
matter we are (said to be) guilty not merely of forsaking...
TheAbsurd Opinion of Epicurus and the Profane Conceits of the...
... Chapter L."TheAbsurd Opinion of Epicurus and the Profane Conceits of the Heretic
Menander on Death, Even Enoch and Elijah Reserved for Death....
This Charge Utterly Incredible andAbsurd.
... Chapter II. 7. This charge utterly incredible andabsurd. Is it not mere
madness in my accuser even to suspect me of such a thing?...
Refutation of theAbsurd Idea of Two Territories.
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 20. "Refutation
of theAbsurd Idea of Two Territories. 22. But perhaps...
For it Would, Indeed, beAbsurd that Certain Stones and Buildings...
... Chapter LIX. For it would, indeed, beabsurd that certain stones and
buildings should be regarded as? For it would, indeed, be...
Absurd Opinions of the Philosophers Concerning God.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book II. Chapter IV."Absurd Opinions of the
Philosophers Concerning God. Some of the philosophers of...
OtherAbsurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed...
... Chapter XXXVI."OtherAbsurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed
in an Ironical Strain. Motion in Matter. Hermogenes' Conceits Respecting It....
Thesaurus
Absurd (1 Occurrence)... opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense;
logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; as, an
absurd person, an
...Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... is keen.Absurd rumors multiply among the credulous. But... were composed.
In the present instance such a contention isabsurd. The...
Birth (357 Occurrences)
... is keen.Absurd rumors multiply among the credulous. But... were composed.
In the present instance such a contention isabsurd. The...
Needle (4 Occurrences)
... If a man continues to trust in his earthly possessions to save him, it would be
absurd for him to expect to share in the spiritual kingdom where dependence...
Impossible (31 Occurrences)
... done, of existing, etc.; unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command;
insuperably difficult under the circumstances;absurd or impracticable...
Irrational (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Lacking reason or understanding; as, brutes are
irrational animals. 2. (a.) Not according to reason;absurd; foolish....
Flea (2 Occurrences)
... In Encyclopedia Biblica Cheyne finds fault with a similar interpretation given in
DB on the ground that it isabsurd that David should refer to hunting "a...
Foolery
... 1. (n.) The behavior of a fool; absurdity; lunacy. 2. (n.) An act of folly or weakness;
a foolish practice; somethingabsurd or nonsensical. Int....
Foolish (259 Occurrences)
... foolish act. 3. (a.)Absurd; ridiculous; despicable; contemptible.
Multi-Version Concordance Foolish (259 Occurrences). Matthew 5...
Eternity (23 Occurrences)
... But, on a strict view, there is somethingabsurd in an eternity that includes time,
and an eternity apart from time is a vain and impossible conception....
Resources
What is Bethel Church, Redding CA? | GotQuestions.orgHow is belief in God any different from Flying Spaghetti Monsterism? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a conclusive argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgAbsurd: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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