Integrating Christian Faith and Work

Though the majority of Americans claim faith in God and adults spend the majority of their time working, these two important dimensions of life are rarely effectively integrated. It is important for people of every faith tradition to consider how, when and if their faith and work are to be integrated. This is especially true as research shows that the integration of faith and spirituality in the workplace results in numerous benefits for individuals, organizations, and society - if done respectfully.

This book presents core research insights concerning integration influences and strategies for Christians who seek to integrate their faith and their work. Specifically, it discusses how individual, occupational, and organizational factors influence faith-work integration, and suggests diverse ways to integrate the Christian faith at work. The Faith and Work Integration Spheres of Influence Model is presented as a tool to guide individuals in better understanding how to develop their own personal plan for faith-work integration within the context of limiting or enabling occupational and organizational factors. It also suggests areas for further research on this topic. Readers will learn how Christian faith-work integration can be maximized based on individual attributes, occupational characteristics, and organizational factors.

Auteur
Sharlene G. Buszka is Associate Professor and Chair of Accounting and Business Administration at Daemen College, USA. Her research interests include: the integration of faith and work, work-life balance, ethics, and refugee workforce development.
Timothy Ewest is Associate Professor of Business and Director of the M.B.A. program at Houston Baptist University, USA. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics, Tysons, VA.

Contenu

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 - Historical Perceptions of the Meaning of Work

Introduction

Meaning vs. Meaningfulness of Work

Historical Meanings of Work

Conclusion

Chapter 3 - The Meaning of Work

Introduction

Factors Influencing the of the Meaning of Work

Self as a Source of Meaning for Work

Others

Work Context

Conclusion

Chapter 4 Christian Views of Work

Introduction

Special Revelation

Meet God the Worker

Scriptural References A Sampling Historical Themes of Protestant Faith and Work

VI. Conclusion

Chapter 5 Definitions and Terminology

Introduction

Religion

Spirituality Faith

Reconciling Religion, Spirituality and Faith

Conclusion

Chapter 6 Benefits of Faith and Work Integration

Introduction

The Inter-relationship of Faith and Work Benefits

Individual Level Faith and Work Benefits

Organizational Level Faith-Work Benefits

Societal Faith-Work Benefits

Potential Problems Associated with Faith-Work Integration

Conclusion Chapter 7 The Need for Faith and Work Equipping and Training

Introduction

Evidence of Interest in Faith and Work Integration

The Need for Faith and Work Equipping and Training

Conclusion: The Charge of this Book

Chapter 8 - The Faith and Work Integration Spheres of Influence Model (FWSI)

Introduction to the FWSI Model Using the FWSI Model

Conclusion

Chapter 9 Individual Influences and Strategies

Introduction

Individual factors influencing FWI

Religiosity

Individual Strategies for FWI

Individual FWI Manifestation Strategies Related to the TIP

Conclusion

Chapter 10 - Occupational Influences and Strategies

Introduction

The TIP and Occupational Influences

Job, Career and Calling

Job Characteristics and FWI

Occupational Identification &nbsp...