The concept of Vain thing in Christianity
The term "Vain thing" in Christianity encompasses a variety of concepts related to futility and distraction from spiritual growth. It refers to the trivial thoughts and pursuits of the ungodly, which contrast with the righteousness found in the Psalms. Vain things denote material desires without substance, leading to destructive behaviors and unproductive discussions. Early Christianity emphasizes their temporal nature, denoting actions and ideas lacking true value. Overall, vain things reflect a lack of meaningful connection to the divine, ultimately diverting individuals from their spiritual journey.
Synonyms: Worthless thing
In German: Eitle Sache; In Swedish: Fåfäng sak; In Dutch: IJdele zaak; In Finnish: Turha juttu; In Malay: Perkara yang sia-sia; In Spanish: Cosa vana; In French: Chose vaine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Vain thing'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) These are things that the people imagined, in the person of Israel, which is described in the text.[1] (2) Vain things refers to the alleged content of Jesus' teachings, which Caiaphas considered empty or worthless, particularly regarding the notion of blessings for the less fortunate and promises of material possessions.[2] (3) The text states that those who make bad use of their hearing will be rendered deaf so that they may no longer lend an ear to vain things.[3] (4) Vain things are temporal aspects of life that pass, age, decay, and eventually cease to exist, requiring individuals to overcome them in their spiritual journey.[4] (5) This refers to objects or practices that are without value or meaning, emphasizing the futility of worshipping them.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Useless pursuits that do not offer real benefit or deliverance.[6] (2) Material pursuits or desires that are frivolous and without substance, leading to destructive behaviors.[7]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Material or trivial pursuits that distract from spiritual growth and meaning in life.[8]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) A term used to describe the futile thoughts of the ungodly, contrasting the righteous meditations found in the Psalms.[9]
From: The city of God
(1) The text says that in what Varro wrote concerning those things which they call divine, he followed mere conjectures about vain things, and not the truth.[10]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) This is the act of conceiving God with human lineaments, which denies his spirituality and is therefore not a worthy representation of God.[11]