Category: Theological Discussions

How Big a Gospel?

Eschatology isn’t the only theological issue the faith and work movement struggles with, although it is probably the thorniest one. Another issue has been soteriology. How big is the gospel? But I think increased theological awareness in the church has removed a lot of what used to be real obstacles here. And the tensions that remain are, I think, actually tensions…

Faith at Work Summit Spotlight: Tracy Mathews on Neurobiology, Discipleship, and Our Work

The purpose of the Faith at Work Summit is to gather active participants and leaders in the faith at work movement from every industry sector to learn from each other and work together to extend Christ’s transforming presence in workplaces around the world. The 2018 Faith at Work Summit, held in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on October 11th-13th, is now open for registration! Early…

How Rest Can Save the Conversation on Vocation From Itself, Part 5: Embodied Rest

This is the final post in a series of posts adapted from a white paper prepared for Wheaton College’s Theology of Vocation Project. For the rest of the posts, go here. For three reasons, rest consistent with the Sabbath commandment is integral, and not ancillary, to the discussion of vocation and calling. First, the Sabbath commandment can infuse our work and other…

Let’s Keep Bickering: Assembled and Accommodating

Part four of a series. Eschatological continuity emphasizes joining with others to serve the common good of the community, going beyond the walls of the church to form civic community with those who believe differently in the service of common causes. Eschatological discontinuity emphasizes accepting differences and compromises, coping with the world’s rejection of the church’s message and the church’s work…

How Rest Can Save the Conversation on Vocation From Itself, Part 4: Saving Vocation by Resisting Our Worst Instincts

Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of this series The Sabbath commandment not only provides rest for a restless world, but is an essential aspect of the conversation about vocation. Indeed, understanding the Sabbath correctly can help us to understand vocation – and even that dimension of vocation that we call work – better, as Marva Dawn argues in Keeping…

The Creation Narratives and the Original Unity of Work and Worship (Reviewing “Work,” Part 1)

A few weeks ago, I reported in on my failure to attend #Acton U and to blog about talks there which centered around the book Work: Theological Foundations and Practical Implications. While I can’t go back in time and travel to Grand Rapids for the conviviality and thoughtful reflection and beautiful views of the river and amazing quantity of men in…

Take This Job and Shove It: Theological Reflections on Vocation at #ActonU

This summer, I had the opportunity to attend my 7th Acton University, the 1st since joining the team at Made to Flourish. ActonU was a rich experience of learning and conversation with friends, both old and new. ActonU can be a daunting experience as you have the opportunity to choose 11 classes from more than 100 options. Unlike any conference…