Song of Songs

Persuasive Essay # 107669

Gender and Sexuality
Philosophy > Religion
Religion and Theology > The Bible

Song of Songs

A discussion on the reasons for the inclusion of the Song of Solomon in the Bible.

1,999 words () | 7 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper comments that the "The Song of Solomon" is one of the most controversial pieces in the Old Testament due to its erotic nature and references to sexuality. The paper then relates that many believe the Song of Songs does not belong in the Bible, and certain faiths refuse to include it, while others believe it is an essential part of the Bible with an important message. The paper also relates that still others feel it is essential as a sexual primer for a committed, married, heterosexual couple. The paper then examines arguments for including the Song of Songs in Holy Scripture, but acknowledges that the reasons are varied and yet all are valid to the people who support them.

Outline:
Classifying the Books of the Bible
Song of Solomon as Allegory
Song of Solomon as a Message of Love
The Song of Solomon and Symbolism in Literature
The Denial of Desire
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Why is the Song of Solomon included as scripture? One conjecture is that, purportedly embarrassed by the frank sensuality in the Song of Songs, "many (ancient) commentators have labeled the work an allegory - a fictional narrative in which characters, objects, and actions symbolize some higher truth. To Jews, the Song became an allegory of Yahweh's love for Israel; to Christians, it became an expression of Christ's love for his "bride," the church" (Harris, 2007, p. 263). These labels indicate that the erotic nature of the poem is actually a spiritual, rather than physical, element. The "higher purpose" the ancient commentators placed on the Song of Songs belies the frank sexual nature of the poems (the Songs are a collection of poems)."

Sample of Sources Used:

Black, P. (2003). The broken wings of Eros: Christian ethics and the denial of desire. Theological Studies, 64, . Retrieved August 29. 2008, from http://www.questia.com/read/5000650890?title=The%20Broken%20Wings%20of%20Eros%3a%20Christian%20Ethics%20and%20the%20Denial%20of%20Desire
Boudreau, G. V. (2003). Herman Melville, immortality, St. Paul, and resurrection: From rose-bud to Billy Budd. Christianity and Literature, 52, 232. Retrieved August 31, 2008, from http://www.questia.com/reader/action/nextPage/5002551277
Copenhaver, M. (1994, August 10). Reveling in romance. The Christian Century, 111, 1. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from http://www.questia.com/read/ 5000238274? Title =Reveling%20in%20Romance
DeFaux, G. (2001). (Re)visiting Delie: Maurice Sceve and Marian Poetry. Renaissance Quarterly, 54, p. 244-248. Retrieved August 29, 2008, from http://www.questia.com/read/5000883429?title=(Re)visiting%20Delie%3a%20Maurice%20Sceve%20and%20Marian%20Poetry%20%5b*%5d
Doty, M. (1995). Sweet chariot: Wrestling with the angel: Faith and religion in the lives of gay men (1st ed.). New York: Riverhead.