Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality: Meaning Making and Developing Career Fit

Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality integrates theological scholarship and organizational psychology research to explore the relationship between work, calling, and human nature, providing insights into how Christians' work fulfills a God-given calling and reflects the Christian doctrine of the image of God.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality is a scholarly work that combines theological scholarship on the concept of work and calling with organizational psychology research on workplace spirituality and career fit. It is authored by Thomas V. Frederick and Scott E. Dunbar, who aim to advance theological scholarship on vocation, work, and human nature by integrating these two domains. This focus offers valuable insights into understanding how a Christian's work aligns with a God-given calling and reflects the Christian doctrine of the image of God.

The book begins by exploring the historical and cultural contexts of work and calling, highlighting the diverse perspectives and interpretations that have shaped these concepts throughout history. It then delves into the theological foundations of work and calling, examining the biblical and theological principles that underpin the understanding of work as a divine calling. The authors argue that work is not merely a means to an end but a sacred endeavor that reflects the image of God in humanity.

One of the key themes of the book is the concept of vocation. Vocation is defined as a divine calling that shapes a person's life and work. The authors argue that vocation is not limited to a specific profession or career but encompasses all aspects of a person's life, including their relationships, hobbies, and passions. They emphasize that vocation is a lifelong process of discernment and growth, and that it requires a deep sense of purpose and meaning.

The book also explores the relationship between work and spirituality. It argues that work can be a source of spiritual fulfillment and growth, but it can also be a source of stress and burnout. The authors provide practical strategies for integrating spirituality into the workplace, such as prayer, meditation, and mindfulness. They also discuss the importance of creating a workplace culture that values spirituality and supports employees in their spiritual growth.

Another important aspect of the book is the concept of workplace spirituality. Workplace spirituality is defined as the presence of spiritual values and practices in the workplace. The authors argue that workplace spirituality can enhance employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. They provide examples of successful workplace spirituality programs and discuss the challenges that organizations face in implementing these programs.

The book also addresses the issue of career fit. Career fit is defined as the alignment between a person's skills, interests, and values and the requirements of a particular job or career. The authors argue that career fit is essential for long-term job satisfaction and success. They provide strategies for assessing career fit and making career decisions that align with a person's values and goals.

One of the strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach. The authors draw on a wide range of theological, psychological, and organizational literature to support their arguments. This approach allows the book to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the relationship between work, calling, and spirituality.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main limitations is its focus on the Christian perspective. While the authors acknowledge the diversity of religious perspectives on work and calling, the book primarily focuses on the Christian perspective. This may limit its appeal to individuals from other religious backgrounds.

Another limitation is the book's length. The book is quite long, and some readers may find it difficult to read. This may be due to the extensive theological and psychological literature that the authors draw on.

Despite these limitations, Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality is a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in the relationship between work, calling, and spirituality. The book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these concepts and offers practical strategies for integrating spirituality into the workplace.

In conclusion, Identity, Calling, and Workplace Spirituality is a scholarly work that combines theological scholarship on the concept of work and calling with organizational psychology research on workplace spirituality and career fit. It is authored by Thomas V. Frederick and Scott E. Dunbar, who aim to advance theological scholarship on vocation, work, and human nature by integrating these two domains. The book explores the historical and cultural contexts of work and calling, the theological foundations of work and calling, the concept of vocation, the relationship between work and spirituality, the concept of workplace spirituality, and the issue of career fit. While the book has some limitations, it is a valuable resource for individuals who are interested in the relationship between work, calling, and spirituality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793648709