PE014-812 - Biblical Theology of Work

  • 3,432 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • Philosophy & Ethics Unit Discipline

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

  1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of the biblical theology of work and its historical and contemporary applications

B. Be able to

  1. Examine the major themes of the biblical theology of work
  2. Demonstrate skill in applying the biblical theology of work to workplace situations and issues, and Critically Reflect on their effects
  3. Critically Analyse evidence-based perspectives on the biblical theology of work and its applications

C. Be in a position to

  1. Apply knowledge, Critical thinking skills and perspectives from the ‘Biblical Theology of Work’ to contemporary Christian living and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

1. The God of Work: How has the idea of the “work” God approves of changed in Christian understandings over time? (e.g. Genesis 1-2; metaphors in Psalms and Isaiah)

2. The Work of God: How does contemporary understanding of the work of God, as Father Son and Spirit, compare with the biblical narrative? (e.g. Genesis 1, Ephesians 1, John 17)

3. Creation: Why has there been a link broken in our biblical understanding of creation, work and creativity? (e.g. Genesis 1-2, Psalms, Isaiah 45, John 1, Romans 1 & 8)

4. Fall: What is the extent and effects of the Fall on humans as workers and on our work? On what theological basis have Christians portrayed opposing economic systems as perpetrators or examples of the Fall? (e.g. Genesis 3, Exodus 1 & 5, Ecclesiastes 2-3, Romans)

5. Redemption and Work. For example, on what biblical or theological basis do Christians tend to restrict the act of redemption to the state of the soul? (e.g. Ezekiel 36, 2 Chronicles 34, Psalm 90, Colossians 3:23, 1 Thessalonians 2)

6. New Creation: What have been the biblical or theological bases for differing views on the eschatology of work? (e.g. Isaiah 65, Revelation 21-22)

Further Information

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PE514.

Set Readings

Recommended:

Appleby, J., The Relentless Revolution: A History of Capitalism. (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2010)

Baer, M., Business As Mission: The Power of Business in the Kingdom of God. (Seattle: YWAM, 2006)

Banks, R., God the Worker: Journeys into the Mind, Heart, and Imagination of God. (Valley Forge, PA: Judson, 1994)

Barrera, A., Biblical Economic Ethics: Sacred Scripture’s Teaching on Economic Life. (Plymouth: Lexington Books, 2013)

Batstone, D., Saving the Corporate Soul. (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2003)

Beckett, John D., Loving Monday. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006)

Benson, D, Martin, K., and Sloane, A. Transforming Vocation: Connecting Theology, Church, and the Workplace for a Flourishing World (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2021)

Dommen, E. and Bratt, J. D., John Calvin Rediscovered: The Impact of His Social and Economic Thought. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007)

Greene, M., Thank God It’s Monday – Ministry in the Workplace. (London: Christian Union, 2001)

Harper, I., Economics for Life. (Brunswick East: Acorn, 2011)

Jensen, D.H., Responsive Labor: A Theology of Work. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006)

Keller, T., Every Good Endeavour. (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2012)

Luther, Martin (1520) “To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation” in Luther’s Primary Works), (London: John Murray, 1883 reprinted 2010).

Malloch, T.R., Doing Virtuous Business: The Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2008)

Preece, G., “Work,” in The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1997)

Stevens, R. P., Work Matters. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012)

Volf, M., Work in the Spirit. (Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2001)

Weber, M., The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. (New York: Penguin, (1904) 2002 ed.)

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