(See larger photo)

Product Description

Does a person’s day to day work have any ultimate value from the perspective of Eternity? Should our work be seen as a discipline through which we connect spiritually with God and others? Is ordinary work the primary way that people can participate in God's mission to make all things new? What is the heavenly good of earthly work?

In this book Darrell Cosden takes us on a spiritual and theological journey of discovery exploring these questions. Creatively, constructively, and sometimes provocatively, he shows us that the heavenly good of earthly work really makes the gospel good news for ordinary people by offering the possibility of a genuinely purpose-full Christian life.

“Surprising, substantial, thoroughly informed, clear, and readable . . . a premier resource for understanding work in Christian perspective.”
—William Messenger, Director of the Mockler Center for Faith and Ethics in the Workplace, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“[O]ur understanding of the Christian message has been immeasurably enriched [by this book]. Highly recommended!”
—Brian McLaren, pastor, author and activist (anewkindofchristian.com)

“This is cutting-edge theology of the highest order. [It]... makes a vital contribution to the ongoing search for a new paradigm of the Christian mission in the twenty-first century.”
—Dr. David Smith, Lecturer in Urban Mission and World Christianity, International Christian College, Glasgow.

“This is an important, clearly written book.”
—J. Richard Middleton, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Roberts Wesleyan College

Reviews

“What does a person’s day-to-day work have to do with God and eternity. So asks the author in this well-written book. Darrell Cosden is not writing here about ‘good works’ used as an attempt to gain one’s salvation. He is discussing the actual worth of our daily work—our ‘job’ . . . paid or unpaid—and its impact on the new heaven and earth of which the Bible speaks. His point: that our ‘ordinary work affects and in some ways actually adds to (though does not cause, determine, or bring about) the ultimate shape of eternity—the new creation.’ Cosden provides clear, substantial, Bible-based explanations. Drawing from early creation chapters of Genesis and chapters 21-22 of Revelation, he considers the ultimate nature and shape of eternity and the place of human work therein. He shows where our work fits into our identity and God’s purpose for us. Cosden maintains that our work can take us into a purposeful life with a missionary king of manifesto, even those of us who are not globetrotting evangelists. A very informative book, from cover to cover, that makes you sit up and view your daily work, however cutting-edge, inconsequential or boring, in a new light, seeing its ultimate worth to God, your fellow human beings—and you. An excellent resource for all Christian libraries. With footnotes and a list of further readings.”
—Church and Synagogue Libraries

“I have increasingly found it necessary, in pursuing reformation in the church in the West, to regain a healthy theology of work and vocation. People simply do not know why they work and what importance their daily work has for eternity. And few pastors offer convincing arguments to support the saints in their struggle to obtain meaning and direction in life. Can ordinary work actually be part, perhaps even a major part, of how we participate in God's mission in the world?
“Cosden is a lecturer in theology and ethics at International Christian College in Glasgow, Scotland, and is also the author of the book, A Theology of Work. This work is genuinely creative, constructive, and provocative. It offers non-ministers something desperately needed for mission in the present time. Pastors might even better serve their flock by reading this trenchant little work, too.”
—Act 3 Review

Darrell T. Cosden is Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at International Christian College, Glasgow. He is the author of A Theology of Work (Paternoster, 2005).

Explore This Book

The above links require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have the reader, click on the 'Get Acrobat Reader' button to obtain it.