PE018-812 - Putting Faith to Work

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category advanced unit
    C
  • philosophy ethicsUnit Discipline

Prerequisites

12cps TH/CH/PE

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PE709-4.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, a theology of profession, vocation and everyday life in relation to selected professional and workplace practices

B. Be able to

1. Examine theological and philosophical perspectives on the integration of everyday life and work practice

2. Demonstrate Advanced skill in appraising work culture, institutions, structures and practices in light of their Christian faith

3. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on the integration of theological reflection and professional and workplace practice

C. Be in a position to

Applying Advanced perspectives and skills from ‘Putting Faith to Work’ to ministry practice and Christian living as a reflective practitioner

Content

  • The cultural context of work
  • Biblical texts and themes relating to work and the professions, including: creation, work and rest; fall, futility and frustration; redemption and the cultural project; resurrection and the vindication of creatureliness; Gospel, vocation and call; eschatology and the meaning of work and rest.
  • Theological motifs relating to work, professional life and the integration of disciplines, including: God and the work of God; humanity, the imago dei and human calling; sin, structures and ‘the powers’; technology and culture in theological perspective; creativity and the Creator; eschatology and the ends of human life and labour.
  • Philosophical reflections on ‘secular’ work and knowledge including: epistemology; ontology; value (ethics and aesthetics)
  • Discipline-specific reflection, including (depending on the student body): science, research and technology; health care; education; psychology, social work and counselling; the arts; law; government and social policy; business and management; communication and advertising; aid and development; human geography, town planning and the environment (built and natural); veterinary science; primary industries.

Set Readings

Prescribed: Nil

 

Recommended:

Badcock, Gary D., The Way of Life: A Theology of Christian Vocation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998).

Banks, Robert J., and R. Paul Stevens, eds. The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997).

Bezzerides, Ann Mitsakos, ed. Christ at Work: Orthodox Christian Perspectives on Vocation (Brookline, MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2006).

Cosden, Darrell, The Heavenly Good of Earthly Work (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2006).

——, A Theology of Work: Work and the New Creation (Bletchley: Paternoster, 2004).

Crisp, Oliver D., et al., eds., Christianity and the Disciplines: The Transformation of the University (London: T&T Clark, 2012).

Garber, Steven. Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2014).

Goldberg, Michael, ed. Against the Grain: New Approaches to Professional Ethics (Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International, 1993).

Grills, Nathan, et al., eds., Faithful is Successful: Notes to the Driven Pilgrim (Denver: Outskirts, 2014).

Hahnenberg, Edward P. Awakening Vocation: A Theology of Christian Call (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press/Michael Glazier, 2010).

Hardy, Lee. The Fabric of This World: Inquiries into Calling, Career Choice and the Design of Human Work (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990).

Haughey, John C., ed. Revisiting the Idea of Vocation: Theological Explorations (Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2004).

Keller, Timothy, with Katherine Leary Alsdorf, Every Good Endeavour: Connecting Your Work to God’s Plan for the World (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2012).

May, William F. Beleaguered Rulers: The Public Obligation of the Professional (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 2001).

Meilaender, Gilbert C., ed., Working: Its Meaning and its Limits (Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2000).

Mount, Eric, Jr. Professional Ethics in Context: Institutions, Images and Empathy (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1990).

Muynck, Bram de, et al., eds., Bridging the Gap: Connecting Christian Faith and Professional Practice (Sioux Center, Iowa: Dordt College Press, IAPCHE, 2011).

Placher, William C., ed., Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005).

Plantinga, Cornelius, Jr., Engaging God’s World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning, and Living (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002).

Preece, Gordon, The Viability of the Vocation Tradition in Trinitarian, Credal and Reformed Perspective: The Threefold Call (Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 1998).

——, Changing Work Values: A Christian Response (Melbourne: Acorn, 1995).

Reed, Esther D., Work, for God's Sake: Christian Ethics in the Workplace (London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2010).

Schuurman, Douglas J. Vocation: Discerning Our Callings in Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2004).

Sire, James W., Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).

Sloane, Andrew, Vulnerability and Care: Christian Reflections on the Philosophy of Medicine (London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2016).

Stackhouse, John G. Need to Know: Vocation as the Heart of Christian Epistemology (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014).

Stevens, R. Paul, The Other Six Days: Vocation, Work and Ministry in Biblical Perspective (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999).

_____, Work Matters: Lessons from Scripture (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2012).

Volf, Miroslav, Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work (Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 1991).

Witherington, Ben, Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2011).

Wright, Christopher J. H. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's grand narrative (Nottingham: IVP, 2006).

Wright, Tom. Surprised by Hope (London: SPCK, 2007).

 

Classics:

Pope John Paul II, "Laborem Exercens." (Rome: Vatican, 1981)

Wolterstorff, Nicholas, Until Justice and Peace Embrace (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983).