LEISURE IN ANCIENT ISRAEL (BEFORE 70 A.D.)

摘要

The leisure profession has given a substantial amount of credit to Aristotle and the Grecian scholars for the foundations of leisure. Yet, the classical leisure of the Greeks has several contrasting factors that conflict with our contemporary philosophy of holistic leisure. Because of this difference, this dissertation examined the similarities and differences of the ideal rest of Ancient Israel with characteristics of holistic leisure.;The results of the research discovered twenty-eight similarities between ideal leisure and ideal rest, while only one difference appeared. The author's conclusion of the results was that there are more similarities between ideal rest and holistic leisure than classical leisure with either rest or holistic leisure.;The research utilized a definition and model of holistic leisure which proved useful as a basis for understanding the phenomenon of leisure, as well as comparing societal ideals of leisure. These tools provided clarity to the concepts of leisure as a state of being, activity or time factor, but also provided a base for comparison of ideal leisure with ideal rest.;The dissertation presented issues regarding the spiritual values of leisure. The similarities between rest and holistic leisure raised the question as to whether spiritual values include other variables not directly related to a Supreme Being. Likewise, the importance of the internal state of being as a priority to affecting the whole person became a dominant theme.;The insights on the holistic view of leisure suggested more thorough consideration. One important factor is the possibility of two lines of philosophical thinking on leisure: humanistic and holistic. If these two lines do exist, clearer understanding of many leisure-related concepts would appear as they are aligned with the particular philosophy.;This research brought forth the need for more historical and philosophical investigation in the foundation of leisure.