Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Even if Piper doesn't get Ecclesiastes...

I argued here in defense of Ecclesiastes, specifically in reaction to Pipers claim that it is "bad theology."

Well, last week Piper announced that he was taking a leave of absence, specifically attempting to step back from "productivity." I had argued that, "my doing good, enjoying God's gifts and doing the work God has given me doesn't require that my efforts produce something that lasts under the sun." As I can't depend on what I am able to produce, I am freed up to alternatively rest and work hard, not being too focused on what I produce or driven to be productive. Piper mentions that he spent his last sabbatical writing a book a book, but this time he is going to actively avoid "productivity:"

In 30 years, I have never let go of the passion for public productivity. In this leave, I intend to let go of all of it. No book-writing. No sermon preparation or preaching. No blogging. No Twitter. No articles. No reports. No papers. And no speaking engagements.


So even if Piper thinks Ecclesiastes is just bad theology, I am still glad to see that he is embracing one of the main lessons I draw from it. I wish him well and that he finds delight in his rest.

No comments:

Post a Comment