Preparing for the Eschaton: A Theology of Work

Abstract

Work occupies a significant part of our lives, and yet it is often not given sufficient attention. Certainly there is much consideration given to finding a career, and succeeding in work, but not enough to how our work affects and defines us as human beings. The default Christian position has been that we must find our vocation, what we have been called by God to do, and that will result in satisfying meaningful labour. However, vocation has not necessarily led us to be more satisfied in our work, or to solve the many issues related to work. This thesis suggests that we may find a new method of understanding our work by returning to some important themes of Christian faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us a hope for the future, and allows us to reconsider our place within the narrative of history. Along with resurrection, the hope of new creation gives us a goal to work towards and a future existence which we may anticipate in the present. This anticipation of the future can change how we work, and give us reason to reconsider our understanding of our work in the present.