In Ecclesiastes, Solomon states that "all is vapor" and
describes humans as trying to "shepherd the wind." In Solomon
among the Postmoderns, author Peter J. Leithart uses these
claims, as well as the entire book of Ecclesiastes, to show how
Solomon resonated with postmodernism.
Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of postmodernism, Leithart
shows how the theory reflects an important biblical theme: the
elusiveness and instability of the world. But he goes on to show
that biblical faith takes us beyond cynicism and despair.
Solomon among the Postmoderns will appeal to academics and
laypeople alike seeking a biblical view of postmodernism.
Solomon's words from a famous passage of Ecclesiastes have been
translated, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." In Solomon
among the Postmoderns, Peter Leithart says those words are
better translated "Vapor of vapors, all is vapor," emphasizing that
human life is fleeting. He uses this theme, as well as the entire
book of Ecclesiastes, to indicate how Solomon resonated with the
themes of today's postmodernism.
"Classic Leithart: learned, witty, and readable, Solomon among
the Postmoderns guides us toward a sympathetic and faithful
engagement with our critical, protean, and vaporous times."--R.
R. Reno, Creighton University
"Here is a vivacious account of postmodern culture from a true
Renaissance man. With characteristic verve, Leithart deftly
narrates the postmodern critique of modernity--without the typical
fixation on epistemology and questions of knowledge. But the story
doesn't end on the postmodern bandwagon; rather, Leithart pushes
further to show that the postmodern critique of idolatry still
fails to yield wisdom. In the wake of Derrida and Foucault, we
still find ourselves waiting not for Godot or St. Benedict, but
Solomon. Amidst the ruins of modernity, this book is an invitation
to feast in the temple."--James K.A. Smith, associate
professor of philosophy, Calvin College and author of Who's
Afraid of Postmodernism? Taking Derrida, Lyotard and Foucault to
Church
"Peter Leithart's Solomon among the Postmoderns is
welcome evidence of a maturing evaluation of postmodernism in
Christian circles that neither lionizes nor demonizes. Engaging in
conversation rather than caricature, the author takes his
interlocutors seriously precisely because he is so confident in the
power of the biblical narrative to pull down all of our towers of
Babel, whatever we call them. For those weary of wholesale
denunciations or wholesale endorsements of postmodernism, this
patient, well-informed and well-written essay in godly wisdom will
illumine and inspire."--Michael Horton, Westminster
Seminary
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Vapor's Revenge
2. The Elusive Word
3. The Decentered Self
4. Power Is with the Oppressor
5. Eat, Drink, Rejoice
Peter J. Leithart (PhD, University of Cambridge) is senior fellow of theology and literature at New St. Andrews College and pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Moscow, Idaho. He is the author of numerous books, including A House for My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament, Against Christianity, and 1 & 2 Kings in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. He is also a contributing editor for Touchstone.