Not For Nothing (Schrödinger's Futility) :-)

Not For Nothing (Schrödinger's Futility) :-)

From Beth El of Manhattan, Two-Testament Synagogue by Rabbi Bruce L. Cohen

May 2, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

The episode explores the concept of futility in existence as presented in Scripture, discussing its spiritual implications and God's purpose behind it.

We are told in Romans 8:20-21 that God has woven **apparent** futility into the fabric of existence in the material universe. Yet, Scripturally, it exists in a kind of spiritually "quantum" state where futility both exists, and does not - at the same time. Concerning what *seems* futile to both King Solomon (see Ecclesiastes 1) and The Messiah, Himself (Isaiah 49:4) –– we are also told, "God has put all your tears in a bottle: none are forgotten" (Psalm 56:8) "even if you give a cup of cold water" to someone who needs it, "you will not lose your reward." (Mark 9:41). The tragedies that begin the Book Of Ruth end with the birth of line of King David and the Messiah. What is our Creator, our Father in Heaven, up to?

People in this episode

Host: Rabbi Bruce L. Cohen

Topics covered

  • futility
  • spirituality
  • Scripture
  • existence
  • God's purpose
  • Book of Ruth
  • Messiah

Keywords

  • futility
  • God
  • Scripture
  • existence
  • spirituality
  • Book of Ruth
  • King David
  • Messiah
  • King Solomon
  • tears in a bottle

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Romans 8:20-21, Ecclesiastes 1, Isaiah 49:4, Psalm 56:8, Mark 9:41, Book Of Ruth

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