Genesis 2:15 — In 2014, the Barna Group published a report about trends in faith, work, and calling among people who self-identify as Christians in the United States. The report included the following paragraph:
“Most churchgoers are craving more direction and discipleship when it comes to the theology of calling, especially as it relates to work. Barna research shows nearly two-thirds of churched adults say it has been at least three years or more since they heard church teachings on work and career, and yet, the workplace is where most Americans spend the biggest share of their waking hours.”[1]
The report signals the tension that many people feel between their work life and life to which Jesus calls people. With few exceptions, all of us have to work, and yet there exists a widespread sense that work frustrates, rather than supports, one’s Christian identity. Therefore, we will consider work as part of our ongoing exploration of Jesus-shaped ethics.
[1] https://www.barna.com/research/three-trends-on-faith-work-and-calling/