Theology of Work & WorldviewVocation, Calling, and the Purpose of Work, Week 5

Evan Donovan

Most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society, the way that a child catches the measles. But people with understanding realize that their presuppositions

should be *chosen* after a careful consideration of which worldview is true.

Worldview Shapes All of Life

“Causal Layered Analysis”. Sources: Sohail Inayatullah, Dennis List, Andy Hines.

Presuppositions(largely unconscious)

Values

Perceived Need

“Most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society, the way that a child catches the measles. But people with understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of which worldview is true.”

- Francis Schaeffer

The Issue for Everyone: Meaning & Purpose

“Millennials at Work: Reshaping the Workplace”. PwC Whitepaper. http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/managing-tomorrows-people/future-of-work/assets/reshaping-the-workplace.pdf. Retrieved on 1/29/2016

The Issue for Christians: Integration of Faith & Work

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

How Can We Address These Issues?To rebuild our culture, we must “return in a new way to

the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement” (Robert Bellah, Habits of the Heart)

This means “all human work is not merely a job but a calling,” a vocation (Tim Keller).

“A job is a vocation only if someone calls you to do it and you do it for them rather than for yourself” (Keller)

What is Worldview?

“New and Improved Worldview Lens”. Bret Thomas, “Integral Thinkers”. http://integralthinkers.com/featured/new-and-improved-worldview-lenses/. Retrieved on 1/29/2016

“Time Is Money” image under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0, by TaxCredits.net

Work & Worldview: A Case Study

Why Theology of Work?What sets the Christian worldview apart from others?

◦Balanced view of reality: Beautiful yet flawed Material & spiritual Eternal & here and now

◦Accounts for personality and the meaning we find in love and relationships

◦Gives meaning to suffering & power to endure to evil“Theology of work” applies Christian truth to the

challenges & joys we face in work

Worldview is a Story

“The Hero’s Journey – My Pros and Cons”. Veronica Sicoe. http://www.veronicasicoe.com/blog/2013/03/the-heros-journey-my-pros-and-cons/. Retrieved on 1/29/2016

The Christian Story – Myth Become Fact

Creation (Plan)Fall (Problem)Redemption (Solution)Consummation (Hope)

The Christian Story – Creation

Creation (Plan)Fall (Problem)Redemption (Solution)Consummation (Hope)

Humanity is created in the image of God

Humanity is given authority over creation

Physical world is created good

The Christian Story – Fall

Creation (Plan)Fall (Problem)Redemption (Solution)Consummation (Hope)Humans are tempted

Humans rebel against God

Relationships broken; creation & human nature cursed

Humanity is created in the image of God

Humanity is given authority over creation

Physical world is created good

The Christian Story – Redemption

Creation (Plan)Fall (Problem)Redemption (Solution)Consummation (Hope)Humans are tempted

Humans rebel against God

Relationships broken; creation & human nature cursed

Redeemer is promised

Redeemer comes (Jesus)

Jesus dies & rises again to save humanity

Church works to make His Kingdom visible on earth

Humanity is created in the image of God

Humanity is given authority over creation

Physical world is created good

The Christian Story – Consummation

Creation (Plan)Fall (Problem)Redemption (Solution)Consummation (Hope)Humans are tempted

Humans rebel against God

Relationships broken; creation & human nature cursed

Redeemer is promised

Redeemer comes (Jesus)

Jesus dies & rises again to save humanity

Church works to make His Kingdom visible on earth

Humanity is created in the image of God

Humanity is given authority over creation

Physical world is created good

Redeemer returns

Creation restored, greater than before – Garden to City

What Does God Want?Kingdom of God

◦His rule & reign made evident – in all of life◦The Christian’s request in the Lord’s Prayer

Shalom◦Not just the absence of conflict, but restored relationships

Calling for the Christian, therefore, is finding your place in His story

This is about your job but much more

For Further StudyFletcher Tink, “Theology of Work for the STEM

Professions,” weeks 1-8 slides (http://www.slideshare.net/techmission/tow-week1)

Tim Keller, “Every Good Endeavor” presentation (in course)

Tim Keller, Every Good EndeavorSohail Inayatullah, “Causal Layered Analysis”, TEDxNoosa

(in course)R. Paul Stevens, The Other Six Days