Existentialism in Franz kafka and Qohelet: interface between literature and religion

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v19.n1.pe1644

Keywords:

Existentialism, The metamorphosis, Franz Kafka, Ecclesiastes, Qohelet

Abstract

This article delves into the interfaces between literature and religion by analyzing existentialism in two notable works: the biblical book of Ecclesiastes by Qohelet and "The Metamorphosis," by Franz Kafka. Despite being from different cultural and historical backgrounds, both works deeply explore the human condition, the absurdity of existence, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. From an existentialist standpoint, the article examines how Qohelet and Kafka address themes such as alienation, anguish, and the transience of life. By drawing connections between the texts, the goal is to understand the importance of these themes in different time periods and demonstrate how literature and religion converge in expressing the most profound human concerns. In doing so, the study seeks to contribute to the scholarly debate on the interface between literature and existentialist philosophy, highlighting the resonances between biblical thought and Kafka's work.

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Author Biographies

Jônatas Leal, Seminário Adventista Latino-Americano de Teologia - UNIAENE - SALT/UNIANE, Bahia, (Brasil)

Doutor em Teologia pela Andrews University, Michigan, (Estados Unidos). Professor de Teologia no Seminário Adventista Latino-Americano de Teologia - UNIAENE - SALT/UNIANE, Bahia, (Brasil). Diretor de Pós-Graduação no SALT-UNIAENE.

Volney da Silva Ribeiro

Licenciado em Letras, com habilitação em Português-Espanhol, Bacharel em Teologia e Especialista em Gestão educacional. Professor da rede partícular de ensino para vestibulares e concurso públicos.

References

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Published

2024-12-03

How to Cite

LEAL, J.; DA SILVA RIBEIRO, V. Existentialism in Franz kafka and Qohelet: interface between literature and religion. Kerygma, Engenheiro coelho (SP), v. 19, n. 1, p. e1644, 2024. DOI: 10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v19.n1.pe1644. Disponível em: https://revistas.unasp.edu.br/kerygma/article/view/1644. Acesso em: 28 mar. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2024): Fluxo contínuo

Section

Dossiê teologia e literatura: Coeditor convidado Dr. Milton l. Torres

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