Holiness through Work - Commemorating the Encyclical Laborem Exercens

Scholars globally recognized present critical aspects of John Paul II's 1981 encyclical on human work, reconnecting the dignity of the working person to a pursuit of holiness. The book is a timely contribution to Catholic Social Thought and is suited for graduate studies and readers interested in Christian theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2023
Publisher: St Augustine's Press

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of John Paul II's encyclical on human work, published in 1981, a group of esteemed scholars has come together to present the critical aspects of this document and its purpose. These original essays delve into John Paul II's approach to work in post-modern society and reestablish the dignity of the working person in connection with a pursuit of holiness. The authors convey that true Christian humanism is the only means to achieve the lofty ideals it suggests.

This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field of Catholic Social Thought, making it an ideal resource for graduate studies and readers with a deep interest in Christian theology. The contributors to this volume include Giulio Maspero, Patricia Ranft, Angela Franks, Deborah Savage, Martin Schlag, Richard Turnbull, Michael Naughton, Christopher Michaelson, Javier Ignacio Pinto Garay, Alvaro Pezoa Bissieres, Gonzalo Flores-Castro Lingán, Geoffrey C. Friesen, and Laborem Exercens.

Giulio Maspero explores the Bible and the Fathers of the Church's perspectives on work, highlighting their insights into the nature and significance of labor. Patricia Ranft examines work theology in the High Middle Ages, exploring how it shaped the understanding of work and its relationship to faith. Angela Franks delves into John Paul II's metaphysics of labor, examining how he viewed work as a means of self-expression and spiritual fulfillment. Deborah Savage examines the challenges faced by women in the workplace and how the Church's social vision can address them. Martin Schlag engages in a theological conversation with Josemaría Escrivá, exploring the relationship between contemplation and work. Richard Turnbull offers a Protestant appreciation of John Paul II's encyclical, highlighting its relevance to contemporary society. Michael Naughton explores the subjective dimension of work, emphasizing the importance of meaningful and fulfilling employment. Christopher Michaelson examines the relationship between subjects and objects in meaningful work. Javier Ignacio Pinto Garay and Alvaro Pezoa Bissieres explore the dignity of work and business ethics in global corporate practices. Gonzalo Flores-Castro Lingán examines the real work of making the encyclical Laborem Exercens operational. Geoffrey C. Friesen examines Laborem Exercens and the subjective dimension of work in economics and finance.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of John Paul II's encyclical on human work, its significance in post-modern society, and its potential for shaping a more just and humane world. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in Catholic Social Thought and the pursuit of holiness in the workplace.

Dimension: 9 x 6 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781587313202