Calling All Years Good: Christian Vocation Throughout Life’s Seasons makes an important contribution by discussing vocation from infancy to old age. I’m not aware of any other book dedicated to this topic. The book is edited by Kathleen Cahalan and Bonnie Miller-McLemore. Cahalan is professor of practical theology at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota. Her previous work…
I am very excited to introduce you to Tom Nelson’s newest book, The Economics of Neighborly Love: Investing In Your Community’s Compassion and Capacity. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with Tom over the last few years. His writing and teaching have had a profound impact upon many. Tom Nelson is the president of Made to Flourish,…
As a book reviewer, I have the privilege of learning about a large number of books, usually before they are published. In light of this stream of books, it is oftentimes easy to think that we do not need any more books on a particular subject. We have been blessed and inundated with a quantity of faith & work books…
I was recently introduced to a book that, while not new, has important wisdom for leaders in the faith and work movement. The Greening Of the Church (1971) was written by Findley Bartow Edge (1916-2002). Dr. Edge held the Basil Manly, Jr. Chair of Religious Education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught for more than 40 years. Edge authored…
There is a certain irony when reviewing a book on the subject of unions and Mennonites. I would like to introduce you to Not Talking Union: An Oral History of North American Mennonites and Labour. This book is written by Janis Thiessen, an associate professor of history at the University of Winnipeg. Thiessen’s current research interests include the 20th century…
Story and metaphor are a powerful means for education on a variety of subjects, including faith & work. StoryCorps has published a book titled Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work whose purpose is to tell the story of individuals at work. Callings is written by Dave Isay. Isay is the founder of StoryCorps and the recipient of numerous broadcasting…
What does one say about yet another book in the never ending sea of books that discuss the integration of faith and work? Well, The Church and Work: The Ecclesiological Grounding of Good Work is distinctive for a few reasons. The book was written by Joshua Sweeden, dean of the faculty and associate professor of Church and Society at Nazarene…
For all of the national conversations about a universal income, unemployment rates, the threat of automation, politicians’ promises for more jobs, etc., the daily experiences of individuals and their jobs can get lost. That’s one reason why Studs Terkel’s 40+ year-old interviews with American workers still resonate today. Terkel published his iconic book in 1974. It was called Working: People Talk…
I have the privilege to read many fascinating books that discuss different facets of faith and work. I am particularly drawn to books that discuss neglected parts of the conversation. Glory In the Ordinary: Why Your Work In the Home Matters to God by Courtney Reissig is one such book. This book responds to the need for content directed toward stay-at-home…
One of my oft-expressed critiques of the faith & work movement is that it is largely a privileged conversation. This does not mean that I do not resonate with or appreciate this movement. I am very passionate about the integration of faith into every part of my life and encourage other people of faith toward the same. I do, however,…
The Green Room 