Work: An Eschatological Imperative

Abstract

<p> This thesis asserts an eschatological perspective that the end of days will come not in apocalyptic destruction, but in transformation. With this theological foundation in view, this thesis draws a deep spiritual purpose in our working lives. This spiritual purpose is God's summons to us to dedicate our vocations to service to the kingdom, now and in preparation for the new creation. This spiritual orientation is the grounding for a critical understanding of a lifetime of work wherein we will strive unceasingly to reflect the image of Christ in our methods and in our demeanour in the workplace. We seek personal sanctification as we respond to God's vocational summons to us.</p> <p> This thesis draws a theology of work, founded in the eschatological dimension of transformatio mundi. Work, while often challenging, is not our punishment for Adam's sin. Work is the expression of our essential being. Work is our loving response, in the deepest ethical way, to God's creation. Indeed, this thesis presents the perspective that our daily work is far more than personal and societal economic growth and security. Indeed, this thesis argues that our daily work is more than self-actualization. This thesis asserts that, when it is inspired and equipped by God through the Holy Spirit, our daily labours are not only pleasing to God, but they hold a significant and important eschatological purpose. This thesis asserts the centrality of our work as stewardship of God's resources, and therefore is of critical importance to the pastoral activities of the church.</p>