Vocation Essay
(RL 205; est. 750–1000 words)
last update: 07 April 2008

This essay will involve two parts, the first a "prescriptive theology" defining your perspective, and the second a "descriptive theology" illustrating how your particular vocational choice resonates with the prescriptive theology you outlined in part one. Proportionally, section one is likely to comprise 2/3 and section two 1/3 of the essay.

  1. In light of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and taking into consideration other NT resources for understanding the human person, outline a coherent and compelling theology of work that takes seriously the distinction between a “career” and a “vocation.” (Remember to define your key terms, including career, human, person, vocation, and work.)
  2. While you were home for the holidays, one of your relatives heard what you are planning to do with your life and challenged you: “Why would you want to do that? You could have it so much easier (or make so much more money) by doing X" (fill in the blank). Given the theological understanding you previously outlined, how would you respond to this challenge?

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