“The goal of work is not to gain wealth and possessions, but to serve the common good and bring glory to God.” Richard J. Foster[1] "...I'm a musician. I write songs. I just hope when the day is done, I've been able to tear a little corner off of the darkness..." Bono, U2 Calling/vocation is bigger than we are. Working for the common good (loving your neighbor) is a way to love God also. “To give one's office proper care is not selfishness. Devotion to office is devotion to love because it is by God's own … [Read more...] about Vocation: Work as Service for the Common Good
work
Vocation: Work and the Missio Dei
In Part Two of our series on Vocation, developed by the GFM Ohio Valley Team, Bob Trube (formerly Senior Area Director for the GFM Ohio Valley Team), explores how we may think about our work against the backdrop of God's purposes and God's work, or mission, in the world. _____________________________________________________ The story in which we live shapes the way we live our lives. Missio dei or “the mission of God” is a compact phrase that articulates the notion that we find ourselves within the story of God's … [Read more...] about Vocation: Work and the Missio Dei
The Value of Immigrants to the United States. Part 9 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
What effects do people like Guillermo, who come to the United States to pick our produce for a low hourly wage, have on the overall economy? Does immigration hurt the American worker? Are foreign workers even needed? What about the costs of providing education, healthcare, and other public services to these people? Can our country afford to welcome so many immigrants? Could we afford not to have them here? From a Christian perspective, these questions ought not to be primary: the scriptural witness is that we are to … [Read more...] about The Value of Immigrants to the United States. Part 9 of the Welcoming the Stranger Series
Science in Review: Meet the New Boss, v4.8.23 of the Old Boss
A few years ago, I received a letter informing me that I needed to get new, color-coded waste barrels because our township was implementing a new robotic waste collection program. My inner tech geek was excited, although I'm not really sure what I expected. I knew autonomous vehicle technology was not (and still is not) at the point where a driverless truck would just be let loose on the streets to collect trash and recycling. The high-tech scenario was such a vehicle with humans onboard to monitor and be a safety … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Meet the New Boss, v4.8.23 of the Old Boss
Leaving Academia, Part 3
In my previous posts, I discussed my exit from the academy and questions to better understand a pivot to a non-academic career. In this third post, I discuss practical strategies as you navigate new job application processes. When I started applying for non-academic jobs, I felt directionless and did not know how to start. Providentially, I stumbled upon the simple realization that I can leverage skills and expertise gained in graduate experience to navigate these new unknowns. By adopting familiar practices of … [Read more...] about Leaving Academia, Part 3