In today’s episode Dez and Rayah talk about Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23. Dez shares a bit about the background of the book and the author, Kohelet (who is NOT King Solomon). They both find comfort and affirmation in the feelings the writer expresses - he seems angsty and frustrated, two emotions many christian churches discourage people from acknowledging. 

Dez and Rayah talk about this passage especially in light of the many civil rights that are directly under attack by the Right and how it feels like all that work to get them was meaningless. They talk about how often framing things in the here and now vs the legacy mindset can help re-insert meaning - knowing that people are fighting for you when you’re under attack is meaningful, even if a victory doesn’t feel like it’s in sight. 

• Dez Valdez is a Seminary Student at Claremont School of Theology and the Youth Ministry Coordinator at Prince of Life Lutheran Church in Oregon City, Oregon.

• Rayah is a local community member and theology nerd in Milwaukie, Oregon.