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Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life
We were created to work, and our work provides unique meaning and purpose in our lives. Yet today we are living in a crisis of apathy and ignorance regarding work’s theological and existential nature.
There is no shortage of books pleading with people to work less, to find “balance,” to think less of career and more of the things that bring them “happiness.” Likewise, there is no shortage of books making the case that work matters a great deal—that good things come from fruitful labor. This book belongs in neither of those categories.
In Work and the Meaning of Life, David Bahnsen makes the case that our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose.” He argues that the time has come to stop tip-toeing around the issues that matter, that separating one’s identity from what they do is demonstrably false, and that this era of alienation is for many a direct result of a low view of work. It is in work—effort, service, striving—of every kind that we discover our meaning and purpose; a significant and successful life is one rooted in full-time productivity and cultivation of God’s created world.
This book is not your normal “defense of work” book. Whether you are a leader, a follower, a boss, an employee, in a white collar or blue collar job, highly paid or “just getting by,” this book is for you. A life of meaning is right under your nose, and with it the joy and peace of a life well-lived.
“David Bahnsen is a theologically grounded, vocationally minded, and Biblically focused man with a vision to make work a gift to the world. In this book, he does just that. Combining thoughtful cultural analysis, conservative economic theory, and practical application for how to live these ideas out in the real world, I am grateful for the keen insights he lays out here. This book is a great combination of ideas and application that I think will serve many well.” —Jon Tyson, Author, Pastor, Church of the City NYC
“Far too many of us believe that we need to work in order to be able to live, and that’s it. We need to eat, and so we work. David Bahnsen’s new book leans heavily in the opposite direction, meaning that God gave us the gift of life so that we might have the grace and privilege of working. Highly recommended.” —Pastor Douglas Wilson, Christ Church
There is no shortage of books pleading with people to work less, to find “balance,” to think less of career and more of the things that bring them “happiness.” Likewise, there is no shortage of books making the case that work matters a great deal—that good things come from fruitful labor. This book belongs in neither of those categories.
In Work and the Meaning of Life, David Bahnsen makes the case that our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose.” He argues that the time has come to stop tip-toeing around the issues that matter, that separating one’s identity from what they do is demonstrably false, and that this era of alienation is for many a direct result of a low view of work. It is in work—effort, service, striving—of every kind that we discover our meaning and purpose; a significant and successful life is one rooted in full-time productivity and cultivation of God’s created world.
This book is not your normal “defense of work” book. Whether you are a leader, a follower, a boss, an employee, in a white collar or blue collar job, highly paid or “just getting by,” this book is for you. A life of meaning is right under your nose, and with it the joy and peace of a life well-lived.
“David Bahnsen is a theologically grounded, vocationally minded, and Biblically focused man with a vision to make work a gift to the world. In this book, he does just that. Combining thoughtful cultural analysis, conservative economic theory, and practical application for how to live these ideas out in the real world, I am grateful for the keen insights he lays out here. This book is a great combination of ideas and application that I think will serve many well.” —Jon Tyson, Author, Pastor, Church of the City NYC
“Far too many of us believe that we need to work in order to be able to live, and that’s it. We need to eat, and so we work. David Bahnsen’s new book leans heavily in the opposite direction, meaning that God gave us the gift of life so that we might have the grace and privilege of working. Highly recommended.” —Pastor Douglas Wilson, Christ Church
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2024
106 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
David L. Bahnsen
9 books65 followersDavid L. Bahnsen, CFP®, CIMA® is the founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a bi-coastal private wealth management boutique based in Newport Beach, CA and New York City. managing over $1.2 billion in client assets. David has been named as one of Barron’s America’s Top 1200 Advisors, as well as Forbes Top 250 Advisors and Financial Times Top 300 Advisors in America. He brought The Bahnsen Group independent through the elite boutique fiduciary, HighTower Advisors, in April 2015 after eight years as a Chairman’s Club Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and seven years as a First Vice President at UBS Financial Services. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg and is a regular contributor to National Review and Forbes.
David serves on the Board of Directors for the National Review Institute, is vice president of the Lincoln Club of Orange County, and is a founding Trustee for Pacifica Christian High School of Orange County.
David is a disciple of Milton Friedman, a lover of Ronald Reagan, and a “National Review kind of conservative” (the only kind). His prolific writings strive to reflect an ideology of freedom principles integrated with transcendent truths. His heroes are his late father, Dr. Greg Bahnsen, and Larry Kudlow, and he proudly claims heavy ideological influence from John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, F.A. Hayek, Winston Churchill, C.S. Lewis, William Buckley, Margaret Thatcher, George Gilder, and Father Robert Sirico.
David’s true passions include anything involving related to USC football, the financial markets, politics, and his house in the desert. His ultimate passions are his lovely wife of 16+ years, Joleen, their gorgeous and brilliant children, sons Mitchell and Graham, and daughter Sadie, and the life they’ve created together in Newport Beach, California. David spends 18-20 waking hours per day thinking about the free and virtuous society.
His first book, Crisis of Responsibility: Our Cultural Addiction to Blame and How You Can Cure It, is scheduled for a February 2018 release.
David serves on the Board of Directors for the National Review Institute, is vice president of the Lincoln Club of Orange County, and is a founding Trustee for Pacifica Christian High School of Orange County.
David is a disciple of Milton Friedman, a lover of Ronald Reagan, and a “National Review kind of conservative” (the only kind). His prolific writings strive to reflect an ideology of freedom principles integrated with transcendent truths. His heroes are his late father, Dr. Greg Bahnsen, and Larry Kudlow, and he proudly claims heavy ideological influence from John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, F.A. Hayek, Winston Churchill, C.S. Lewis, William Buckley, Margaret Thatcher, George Gilder, and Father Robert Sirico.
David’s true passions include anything involving related to USC football, the financial markets, politics, and his house in the desert. His ultimate passions are his lovely wife of 16+ years, Joleen, their gorgeous and brilliant children, sons Mitchell and Graham, and daughter Sadie, and the life they’ve created together in Newport Beach, California. David spends 18-20 waking hours per day thinking about the free and virtuous society.
His first book, Crisis of Responsibility: Our Cultural Addiction to Blame and How You Can Cure It, is scheduled for a February 2018 release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 24, 2024
Listened on Canon+. A friend mentioned she was thinking about listening and I beat her to it. Now she can save her time.
He said things boldly, but by framed his statements as his opinion. His boldest statements come with a general caveat at the end that feels like an insurance policy. "I" was the most common subject of his sentences, and he did more general complaining about general groups of people than specific development of his own claims. I gather from his own statements and caveats that he works to the neglect of his own family, yet writes about other people's problems instead of his own. The ditch on the other side of the road being more populated is justification for his writing from his opposite ditch - but then he's never actually able to give clear definitions of what "full time" even means. Throughout, I couldn't tell if he meant to include women's work or only work for which you get a paycheck. A woman applying for a job who wasn't willing to be all-in for his company got negative treatment. Who he was talking to and what exactly he wanted to claim was muddy.
I wanted a "work hard for the glory of God" rally cry, but instead the bugle made a indistinct sound that yet was rife with loud noises (e.g. remote work is an "atrocity"). It felt like the book was a dictation from a recorded rant during a flight, sprinkled with kudos to himself on all his employments over the years. Maybe it made sense in print, but in audio it was like he was pausing periodically to congratulate himself on being employed most of his life. Awkward.
He said things boldly, but by framed his statements as his opinion. His boldest statements come with a general caveat at the end that feels like an insurance policy. "I" was the most common subject of his sentences, and he did more general complaining about general groups of people than specific development of his own claims. I gather from his own statements and caveats that he works to the neglect of his own family, yet writes about other people's problems instead of his own. The ditch on the other side of the road being more populated is justification for his writing from his opposite ditch - but then he's never actually able to give clear definitions of what "full time" even means. Throughout, I couldn't tell if he meant to include women's work or only work for which you get a paycheck. A woman applying for a job who wasn't willing to be all-in for his company got negative treatment. Who he was talking to and what exactly he wanted to claim was muddy.
I wanted a "work hard for the glory of God" rally cry, but instead the bugle made a indistinct sound that yet was rife with loud noises (e.g. remote work is an "atrocity"). It felt like the book was a dictation from a recorded rant during a flight, sprinkled with kudos to himself on all his employments over the years. Maybe it made sense in print, but in audio it was like he was pausing periodically to congratulate himself on being employed most of his life. Awkward.
April 16, 2024
This book in many ways is the need of the hour for a society that is allergic to working hard and prizes early retirements. Philosophically, it’s a positive foundation for conservatives instead of just being against liberals. And for Christians, it shows us how critical work is and how we talk about it.
“We are called to be driven.” -Bahnsen
“Work-life balance is a poorly phrased euphemism asking someone to work less.” -Bahnsen
“We were created to produce, and that meaning is the meaning of life.” -Bahnsen
“Work is not primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the medium in which he offers himself to God.” -Dorothy Sayers (quoted in the book. I loved reading this inserting my profession—mother.”
“We are called to be driven.” -Bahnsen
“Work-life balance is a poorly phrased euphemism asking someone to work less.” -Bahnsen
“We were created to produce, and that meaning is the meaning of life.” -Bahnsen
“Work is not primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the medium in which he offers himself to God.” -Dorothy Sayers (quoted in the book. I loved reading this inserting my profession—mother.”
June 7, 2024
More like 4.5 stars, but that’s not an option. This was a great meditation on not setting up false dichotomies that burden people with unhelpful values and goals, replacing the biblical understanding of our all of life being devoted to God. It would be especially helpful to read with a high schooler or college student. Highly recommended
March 19, 2024
Time for work.
March 23, 2025
Well worth a read for anyone (like me) who is confused by their seemingly counter-cultural desire to work more than is required, or who have a sneaking suspicion that retirement is not all it's cracked up to be.
In this ~200 page book, Bahnsen communicates a thoughtful and theologically harmonious understanding of Christian vocation that exceeds in clarity most others I have heard. Bahnsen contends that work, which predates the fall, is a gift and duty from God, and both secular and sacred culture has forgotten, even despised this truth. In 10 chapters, he expands on this problem of a low view of work, its connection to the heresy of Gnosticism, and the problems it causes societally, economically, and theologically.
It is a fairly fast read. Some feedback I would give is that there are some sentences that I had to read over again due to their length. I am also sympathetic to his case, but I suspect others who are more skeptical will have some difficulty with his generalizations (though he does respond to objections throughout, he may not expand on them as much as some might like).
These things aside, I became excited at the vision for work that Bahnsen outlined in this book, and I think that if you read it and find yourself disliking what he says, I might humbly suggest you examine your objections and the motivations behind them. For Christians, our LORD worked for decades in the trades, before devoting himself to day-and-night ministry for three years, culminating in the cross, followed by a promise to "go and prepare a place," for us. Those are the words and actions of a producer, not a consumer.
Ha! Sorry for being a bit preachy; I don't expect everyone to like Bahnsen's voice or even the things he has to say, but the ideas are surely worth wrestling with. Have a read!
In this ~200 page book, Bahnsen communicates a thoughtful and theologically harmonious understanding of Christian vocation that exceeds in clarity most others I have heard. Bahnsen contends that work, which predates the fall, is a gift and duty from God, and both secular and sacred culture has forgotten, even despised this truth. In 10 chapters, he expands on this problem of a low view of work, its connection to the heresy of Gnosticism, and the problems it causes societally, economically, and theologically.
It is a fairly fast read. Some feedback I would give is that there are some sentences that I had to read over again due to their length. I am also sympathetic to his case, but I suspect others who are more skeptical will have some difficulty with his generalizations (though he does respond to objections throughout, he may not expand on them as much as some might like).
These things aside, I became excited at the vision for work that Bahnsen outlined in this book, and I think that if you read it and find yourself disliking what he says, I might humbly suggest you examine your objections and the motivations behind them. For Christians, our LORD worked for decades in the trades, before devoting himself to day-and-night ministry for three years, culminating in the cross, followed by a promise to "go and prepare a place," for us. Those are the words and actions of a producer, not a consumer.
Ha! Sorry for being a bit preachy; I don't expect everyone to like Bahnsen's voice or even the things he has to say, but the ideas are surely worth wrestling with. Have a read!
March 15, 2025
Finally- a solidly theological book that encourages hard work to the glory of God. Bahnsen cites that fewer eligible male adults (percentage wise) are employed now than during the Great Depression, and this is also true within the church. To think non-ministry work is somehow strictly secular is to fall in with the stoics. Christians should be the hardest workers and the ones most pursuing excellence in their fields. My husband and I have had countless conversations with adults who are unwilling to work hard out of fear of disrupting the “work-life balance” who, in all actuality, just want more time to not work. All of life is work, and work is a gift. I highly recommend this book!
March 9, 2025
Matt Ebenroth read this please
September 11, 2024
Great read ahead of the school year. Prose is a little clunky, but the message is stellar. He is specifically talking about vocational work but there are wonderful crossovers to our general work/tasks/chores.
August 21, 2024
David Bahnsen's Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life offers a provocative exploration of the role work plays in our lives, arguing that work is not just a necessity for survival but a fundamental component of human identity and purpose. Bahnsen challenges contemporary views that separate identity from work, asserting that this division is misguided: “We don’t hesitate to define our heroes by what they have done, and for good reason.”
Bahnsen builds his argument on a robust theological and philosophical foundation, suggesting that work is a divine calling that reflects the image of God in humanity. He draws on the Hebrew word "avodah," which is used in the Bible to mean both "work" and "worship," to emphasize the sacred nature of work: "When one word is translated as both 'work' and 'worship,' we may be on to more of a harmony than we had previously thought." This dual meaning underscores Bahnsen's assertion that work is not merely transactional or utilitarian; it is an essential way through which humans contribute to the world and honor their Creator. Rabbi Lapin says that work is how we serve God’s children.
One of the most compelling parts of Bahnsen's argument is his critique of modern attitudes toward work, particularly the tendency to view work as a chore to be endured rather than a fulfilling endeavor. He contends that this mindset is not only limiting but also diminishes the inherent dignity and purpose of work: “I believe those who stand in the way of a robust view of work are the real materialists, opting to see work as merely transactional and utilitarian, ignoring the great immaterial benefits that it offers.”
Bahnsen also addresses the cultural and societal implications of disengagement from work, pointing to a declining labor force participation rate among prime-aged men as a troubling indicator of a deeper issue. He contrasts this with what he sees as the virtues of “earned success,” a term he borrows from Arthur Brooks, which he believes is vital for a sense of self-worth and fulfillment.
In a broader societal context, Bahnsen argues that the primary divide is not between big government and small government, but between the value of production versus consumption. He asserts that production is the engine of economic and personal growth: "Wealthy societies build, grow, develop, cultivate, and steward. Poor societies do not. This was true at the Garden of Eden and is still true today. There is one verb that drives wealth—work, the verb of economics."
Bahnsen takes a particularly strong stance against the concept of "work-life balance," which he views as a misguided attempt to create artificial boundaries between different aspects of life. He argues that this dichotomy falsely pits the sacred against the secular, leading to an unnecessary conflict: "Placing artificial constraints on one of these variable aspects of our life because of a demand for 'balance' is impractical, immature, entitled, and futile."
This perspective extends to his critique of modern retirement and the idea of a "halftime" in life, where one moves from success to significance. Bahnsen rejects the notion that the first half of life is drudgery and the second half is the pursuit of significance, insisting instead that success and significance are intertwined and should be pursued simultaneously.
Bahnsen’s reflections culminate in a challenge to the cultural shift toward remote and “workplace optional” environments, a change accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He cautions that this trend may undermine the value of work and the potential for mentorship and social capital, particularly for younger workers. Bahnsen argues that the evolution of work should be carefully considered before embracing such drastic changes: It’s a Chesterton fence, the evolution of which should be fully understood before it is quickly torn down.
In conclusion, Full-Time is a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional wisdom about work and its role in our lives. Bahnsen argues persuasively that work is not just a means to an end but an integral part of human identity and purpose, deeply connected to our spiritual and societal well-being. For those looking to rethink their relationship with work and its broader implications, Bahnsen’s book is well worth the investment.
Bahnsen builds his argument on a robust theological and philosophical foundation, suggesting that work is a divine calling that reflects the image of God in humanity. He draws on the Hebrew word "avodah," which is used in the Bible to mean both "work" and "worship," to emphasize the sacred nature of work: "When one word is translated as both 'work' and 'worship,' we may be on to more of a harmony than we had previously thought." This dual meaning underscores Bahnsen's assertion that work is not merely transactional or utilitarian; it is an essential way through which humans contribute to the world and honor their Creator. Rabbi Lapin says that work is how we serve God’s children.
One of the most compelling parts of Bahnsen's argument is his critique of modern attitudes toward work, particularly the tendency to view work as a chore to be endured rather than a fulfilling endeavor. He contends that this mindset is not only limiting but also diminishes the inherent dignity and purpose of work: “I believe those who stand in the way of a robust view of work are the real materialists, opting to see work as merely transactional and utilitarian, ignoring the great immaterial benefits that it offers.”
Bahnsen also addresses the cultural and societal implications of disengagement from work, pointing to a declining labor force participation rate among prime-aged men as a troubling indicator of a deeper issue. He contrasts this with what he sees as the virtues of “earned success,” a term he borrows from Arthur Brooks, which he believes is vital for a sense of self-worth and fulfillment.
In a broader societal context, Bahnsen argues that the primary divide is not between big government and small government, but between the value of production versus consumption. He asserts that production is the engine of economic and personal growth: "Wealthy societies build, grow, develop, cultivate, and steward. Poor societies do not. This was true at the Garden of Eden and is still true today. There is one verb that drives wealth—work, the verb of economics."
Bahnsen takes a particularly strong stance against the concept of "work-life balance," which he views as a misguided attempt to create artificial boundaries between different aspects of life. He argues that this dichotomy falsely pits the sacred against the secular, leading to an unnecessary conflict: "Placing artificial constraints on one of these variable aspects of our life because of a demand for 'balance' is impractical, immature, entitled, and futile."
This perspective extends to his critique of modern retirement and the idea of a "halftime" in life, where one moves from success to significance. Bahnsen rejects the notion that the first half of life is drudgery and the second half is the pursuit of significance, insisting instead that success and significance are intertwined and should be pursued simultaneously.
Bahnsen’s reflections culminate in a challenge to the cultural shift toward remote and “workplace optional” environments, a change accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He cautions that this trend may undermine the value of work and the potential for mentorship and social capital, particularly for younger workers. Bahnsen argues that the evolution of work should be carefully considered before embracing such drastic changes: It’s a Chesterton fence, the evolution of which should be fully understood before it is quickly torn down.
In conclusion, Full-Time is a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional wisdom about work and its role in our lives. Bahnsen argues persuasively that work is not just a means to an end but an integral part of human identity and purpose, deeply connected to our spiritual and societal well-being. For those looking to rethink their relationship with work and its broader implications, Bahnsen’s book is well worth the investment.
May 10, 2024
This is the third book that I have read by David Bahnsen. This one was written from a distinctly Christian viewpoint, which is one that I share with Bahnsen. His (and the Christian) philosophy of work is summarized in this quote: "God's created world was in gtentially created unfinished and mankind (made in the image and likeness of God) was entrusted with transforming that potential into the actual. The verb that best captures actualizing the potential of creation is, well, work."
This book celebrates working well and working hard in all kinds of different occupations. I highly recommend this book, especially to young adults in high school or college as they are preparing for their futures.
This book celebrates working well and working hard in all kinds of different occupations. I highly recommend this book, especially to young adults in high school or college as they are preparing for their futures.
December 31, 2024
Magnificent—but the appendix on remote work is loosely argued and comes across as a boomer rant, possibly because of personal exposure to commercial real estate in his portfolio?
Remote work certainly poses unique challenges to building workplace culture and developing individuals, but to say that it necessitates a low view of work to begin with is a stretch.
It started off slow, but I really enjoyed the latter half of the book.
Remote work certainly poses unique challenges to building workplace culture and developing individuals, but to say that it necessitates a low view of work to begin with is a stretch.
It started off slow, but I really enjoyed the latter half of the book.
January 11, 2025
This is a bop. I’ve read it 1.4 times.
Also a very valuable thesis source, thanks Mr. Smith
Also a very valuable thesis source, thanks Mr. Smith
February 17, 2024
Wow. This is easily the most thought-provoking book on work that I have read. Bahnsen makes the provocative statement that work is the true meaning of life. Because God is a worker as revealed in creation and because we are his image, we are made to be workers.
Many, many in the church use the phrase, "you are not what you do." Bahnsen dispels this myth by arguing that it finds its basis in Gnosticism. This second century heresy separating the material (doing) and the spiritual (being) and declaring the spiritual good has continued to do immense damage in the twenty-first century. God created humans as a combination of body and spirit and setting either as opposed to the other is contrary to the story of the Bible.
Bahnsen presents an incredibly robust theology of work in Genesis 1-2. He shows how, from the very beginning, humans were made to work. Adam and Eve (and every human after) were called to develop the world and bring it to its full potential by working, keeping, and cultivating. While the Fall introduced toil and difficulty into the equation, humanity's sin did not nullify the mandate to work.
Not only does Bahnsen focus on theology, he also weaves economic, cultural, and ontological themes to make a convincing argument that a deficient theology of vocation is the cause of much distress, hurt, and purposelessness not just among Christians, but across America as a whole. He also dispels the myth of "work-life" balance, arguing that it's not logical and actually perpetuates a lack of purpose.
I also appreciated Bahnsen's care and explicit message that neglecting family for work is not the answer. Rather, part of fulfilling one's role within their family is by producing excellent, productive work that serves humanity. This was an important point to make and he makes it well and pointedly.
In the closing chapters, Bahnsen challenges pastors and church leaders to examine their theology and consider how a focus on giving, serving in ministry, "spiritual" matters, etc. might be impacting the way in which their congregations view their work. In God's economy, there is no sacred or secular. Under the kingship of Jesus, everything is sacred. Work is a sacred task.
I really enjoyed this book and it both challenged and encouraged me. I don't agree with every aspect of the book, but I'm challenged to continue mining Scripture for its true teaching on work. David has laid a great foundation.
Many, many in the church use the phrase, "you are not what you do." Bahnsen dispels this myth by arguing that it finds its basis in Gnosticism. This second century heresy separating the material (doing) and the spiritual (being) and declaring the spiritual good has continued to do immense damage in the twenty-first century. God created humans as a combination of body and spirit and setting either as opposed to the other is contrary to the story of the Bible.
Bahnsen presents an incredibly robust theology of work in Genesis 1-2. He shows how, from the very beginning, humans were made to work. Adam and Eve (and every human after) were called to develop the world and bring it to its full potential by working, keeping, and cultivating. While the Fall introduced toil and difficulty into the equation, humanity's sin did not nullify the mandate to work.
Not only does Bahnsen focus on theology, he also weaves economic, cultural, and ontological themes to make a convincing argument that a deficient theology of vocation is the cause of much distress, hurt, and purposelessness not just among Christians, but across America as a whole. He also dispels the myth of "work-life" balance, arguing that it's not logical and actually perpetuates a lack of purpose.
I also appreciated Bahnsen's care and explicit message that neglecting family for work is not the answer. Rather, part of fulfilling one's role within their family is by producing excellent, productive work that serves humanity. This was an important point to make and he makes it well and pointedly.
In the closing chapters, Bahnsen challenges pastors and church leaders to examine their theology and consider how a focus on giving, serving in ministry, "spiritual" matters, etc. might be impacting the way in which their congregations view their work. In God's economy, there is no sacred or secular. Under the kingship of Jesus, everything is sacred. Work is a sacred task.
I really enjoyed this book and it both challenged and encouraged me. I don't agree with every aspect of the book, but I'm challenged to continue mining Scripture for its true teaching on work. David has laid a great foundation.
July 1, 2025
“Work is the medium in which we offer ourselves to God.”
This book is absolutely amazing.
Biggest takeaways:
- We were created through work to add in our own unique ways to God’s kingdom.
- We are meant to produce & add to the world- production of our work serves others. If our job didn’t better the economy then there wouldn’t be demand for it, you wouldn’t have any business.
- Reformation theology emphasizes productive activity
- We should worry more about falling into the sins of laziness & idleness, which are far more prevalent than the sins of idolizing work. Way more people fall into complacency & missing out on God’s calling for them.
- Avoid gnosticism & dualism. There is so much hate for the material when producing goods actually expands God’s Kingdom & is also a way God blesses us
- Your work is inherently valuable to God
So many quotes & more takeaways from this book. I underlined & annotated every page & learned so much about God & how to view his Kingdom. Definitely one of my favorites this year.
This book is absolutely amazing.
Biggest takeaways:
- We were created through work to add in our own unique ways to God’s kingdom.
- We are meant to produce & add to the world- production of our work serves others. If our job didn’t better the economy then there wouldn’t be demand for it, you wouldn’t have any business.
- Reformation theology emphasizes productive activity
- We should worry more about falling into the sins of laziness & idleness, which are far more prevalent than the sins of idolizing work. Way more people fall into complacency & missing out on God’s calling for them.
- Avoid gnosticism & dualism. There is so much hate for the material when producing goods actually expands God’s Kingdom & is also a way God blesses us
- Your work is inherently valuable to God
So many quotes & more takeaways from this book. I underlined & annotated every page & learned so much about God & how to view his Kingdom. Definitely one of my favorites this year.
July 23, 2024
Excellent...just excellent and completely biblically accurate too. This book should be a must read for every homeschool/ high school curriculum!
March 13, 2025
This book is a concise and stimulating articulation of many of my scattered thoughts on the Biblical approach to work. It is informative, encouraging, polemical, and Biblically orthodox.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
July 24, 2024
Some of you may be familiar with David Bahnsen from "The World and Everything In It" podcast on Monday each week. I have found his market and economic reports to be quite helpful.
Even though I am retired from day-to-day vocational work, I found this book to be beneficial. Admittedly, much of my career I didn't have a healthy view, attitude or perspective on my work as it related to God's design for me to be a co-creator and producer (even when I was in full-time ministry). I have read several other books from a Christian perspective on work, but this has a fairly significant different spin on the conversation.
Bahnsen argues that much of our evangelical conversation regarding work/vocation/career is focused around "work/life balance" and therefore, pitting our vocational efforts at odds with the rest of our life. Bahnsen works to help us see this is a false dichotomy, a form of dualism. He builds his case from both an economics and biblical/theological perspectives. His most compelling argument for me was the analysis from the creation narrative that we have been put on the earth to be producers, workers, co-creators. It may not be a tangible product that is consumed by another person, but even our intellectual and creative endeavors are a form of production that is equally consumed in some way by a "customer."
He is careful to acknowledge that each business owner/manager and each employee/family has their own unique circumstances to consider.
The author acknowledges a few of the other prominent books written on this topic, e.g. Tim Keller's, "Every Good Endeavor" and Bob Buford's, "Half-time." He commends and critiques them as well.
Even though I am retired from day-to-day vocational work, I found this book to be beneficial. Admittedly, much of my career I didn't have a healthy view, attitude or perspective on my work as it related to God's design for me to be a co-creator and producer (even when I was in full-time ministry). I have read several other books from a Christian perspective on work, but this has a fairly significant different spin on the conversation.
Bahnsen argues that much of our evangelical conversation regarding work/vocation/career is focused around "work/life balance" and therefore, pitting our vocational efforts at odds with the rest of our life. Bahnsen works to help us see this is a false dichotomy, a form of dualism. He builds his case from both an economics and biblical/theological perspectives. His most compelling argument for me was the analysis from the creation narrative that we have been put on the earth to be producers, workers, co-creators. It may not be a tangible product that is consumed by another person, but even our intellectual and creative endeavors are a form of production that is equally consumed in some way by a "customer."
He is careful to acknowledge that each business owner/manager and each employee/family has their own unique circumstances to consider.
The author acknowledges a few of the other prominent books written on this topic, e.g. Tim Keller's, "Every Good Endeavor" and Bob Buford's, "Half-time." He commends and critiques them as well.
September 2, 2024
Not the best in terms of prose, but definitely some thought-provoking concepts. Bahnsen most certainly challenged my own subconscious “Gnosticism” when it comes to work with some helpful correctives.
March 30, 2024
A fantastic, quick read that summarizes everything our grandparents believed and knew about humans - we are built for and thrive in work of all types; we were made to create. It also counters the current cultural narrative that work/life balance is the answer to the peace we are all seeking. It is not. I walked away deeply inspired and encouraged.
July 19, 2024
Awesome book that wonderfully confronts the paradigm of dualism taking place in the modern church… work is not just this separate area of our lives that does not contribute anything to our meaning, but it’s where we find our meaning from God. Not to earn any right-standing, but to accomplish the works He has set before us.
This came with impeccable timing in my life. I struggled for a while with what seemed to be the tension between wanting to be ambitious but also content where I am. After reading this, though that tension will be present, it’s no longer a hopeless tension. I can be ambitious knowing that drive is a gift from God, and even if progress isn’t made in income or other material ways, I can know I’m being faithful to His calling.
David is very direct while also not being heavy handed. I appreciate his heart to stir up people for the good works God has prepared for us all to walk on.
Time to work.
This came with impeccable timing in my life. I struggled for a while with what seemed to be the tension between wanting to be ambitious but also content where I am. After reading this, though that tension will be present, it’s no longer a hopeless tension. I can be ambitious knowing that drive is a gift from God, and even if progress isn’t made in income or other material ways, I can know I’m being faithful to His calling.
David is very direct while also not being heavy handed. I appreciate his heart to stir up people for the good works God has prepared for us all to walk on.
Time to work.
July 18, 2024
This book does a lot to helpfully clear away a lot of bad reflexive thinking on the subject of work which plagues evangelicalism. One particular strong point of Bahsen's is his ability to correctly understand what someone is saying, correctly understand what they are doing (instead), and point out the inconsistencies without being scurrilous.
August 11, 2024
I am conflicted about giving this only 3 stars, because it helped me greatly on my journey. I have to deduct 2 stars because Bahnsen is too self-referential and, in my humble opinion, doesn't make a strong enough case for his thesis. I shall keep an open mind. Perhaps over time my opinion will improve, like an aged red wine.
March 26, 2024
This book was written by the son of the late theologian Dr. Gregory Bahnsen, to whom the book is dedicated. The book argues that work is the meaning of life. Many believers will have a different answer to the what the meaning of life is. For example, the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks what the chief end of man is. The answer given is that the chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. I have a very high view of work, and have written and spoken of it often. I believe we glorify God in our work, but I can’t go as far as saying that work is the meaning of life.
This is the first of the author’s books I have read. He writes in a bold, confident manner. The author writes that he believes it is abundantly clear from the plain teaching of Scripture that God created mankind for the purpose of work. He writes of one Hebrew word that can be used for both work and worship. His goal with the book is to help the reader see that work is good, work is important, and work matters to God. Amen! He approaches his subject from an economic, theological and ontological basis.
Among the subjects touched on in the book are achievement, productivity, man made in God’s image, alienation, social isolation, unhappiness, purpose, worklessness, wealth, Gnosticism, generosity, retirement, dualism, pietism, critique of pastors in their preaching about work, critique of the book Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford, “work-life balance”, and working from home.
The book ends with an Appendix: “The Work-from-Home Craze as Part of the Anti-Work Movement” The author tells us that the excuses for the “work from home” aspiration can all be reduced to one fundamental thing: low regard for the work itself.
The author utilizes his knowledge from his private wealth management firm to include some information that you don’t usually find in books about a Christian view of work.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Purpose reverses a life where things are done for us, to a life where we do things for others.
• Sometimes work means doing what you have to do, not what you want.
• From the very creation of mankind, God intended us to be workers, producers, and agents of growth and dominion.
• Mankind’s ability to act as an image-bearer of God is directly tied to the mandate God gives: that they work to cultivate the potential of creation.
• Work was designed not only to meet the material needs of mankind but to provide fulfillment in our humanity.
• We work because we were created to do so, and because in our work we reflect the image of God, who transforms the ugly into the beautiful.
• God has called us to be image-bearers of Him in both work and rest.
• We work because God worked, and in working we find purpose and calling.
• Our work is quite literally worship—actual service—to God.
• A holistic understanding of work must integrate the practical and financial with the theological and spiritual.
• This is the evangelical dilemma: we want desperately to condemn entrepreneurial and vocational success without losing access to the rewards such success brings with it. This desire to condemn success is what needs to change.
• I am convinced that one of the greatest sources of a low view of work is a misunderstanding of economics.
• Our God-created purpose since the Garden of Eden is production. Work drives purpose, meaning, and wealth in a nation and society.
• Work builds personal and national wealth and offers the goods and services that enhance the quality of our lives.
• The oft-ignored problem with our present vision of retirement is that it cuts us off from the productive capacity of talented and experienced people.
• The underlying view that work is something we do in order not to do it anymore is wrong, and that retirement defined as several decades of vacation is unwise and ill-advised.
• While there is much I admire about Buford, this book (Halftime), and so many of its earnest adherents, I believe the book and its underlying message has done great harm in the cause of proclaiming a holistic view of calling, work, and vocation.
• If you aren’t taught that your work is inherently valuable to God, and is an integral part of His Kingdom, it’s no surprise that you’d panic upon finding yourself successful in a career you thought was existentially meaningless.
• We were created to produce, and that meaning is the meaning of life.
This is the first of the author’s books I have read. He writes in a bold, confident manner. The author writes that he believes it is abundantly clear from the plain teaching of Scripture that God created mankind for the purpose of work. He writes of one Hebrew word that can be used for both work and worship. His goal with the book is to help the reader see that work is good, work is important, and work matters to God. Amen! He approaches his subject from an economic, theological and ontological basis.
Among the subjects touched on in the book are achievement, productivity, man made in God’s image, alienation, social isolation, unhappiness, purpose, worklessness, wealth, Gnosticism, generosity, retirement, dualism, pietism, critique of pastors in their preaching about work, critique of the book Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford, “work-life balance”, and working from home.
The book ends with an Appendix: “The Work-from-Home Craze as Part of the Anti-Work Movement” The author tells us that the excuses for the “work from home” aspiration can all be reduced to one fundamental thing: low regard for the work itself.
The author utilizes his knowledge from his private wealth management firm to include some information that you don’t usually find in books about a Christian view of work.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Purpose reverses a life where things are done for us, to a life where we do things for others.
• Sometimes work means doing what you have to do, not what you want.
• From the very creation of mankind, God intended us to be workers, producers, and agents of growth and dominion.
• Mankind’s ability to act as an image-bearer of God is directly tied to the mandate God gives: that they work to cultivate the potential of creation.
• Work was designed not only to meet the material needs of mankind but to provide fulfillment in our humanity.
• We work because we were created to do so, and because in our work we reflect the image of God, who transforms the ugly into the beautiful.
• God has called us to be image-bearers of Him in both work and rest.
• We work because God worked, and in working we find purpose and calling.
• Our work is quite literally worship—actual service—to God.
• A holistic understanding of work must integrate the practical and financial with the theological and spiritual.
• This is the evangelical dilemma: we want desperately to condemn entrepreneurial and vocational success without losing access to the rewards such success brings with it. This desire to condemn success is what needs to change.
• I am convinced that one of the greatest sources of a low view of work is a misunderstanding of economics.
• Our God-created purpose since the Garden of Eden is production. Work drives purpose, meaning, and wealth in a nation and society.
• Work builds personal and national wealth and offers the goods and services that enhance the quality of our lives.
• The oft-ignored problem with our present vision of retirement is that it cuts us off from the productive capacity of talented and experienced people.
• The underlying view that work is something we do in order not to do it anymore is wrong, and that retirement defined as several decades of vacation is unwise and ill-advised.
• While there is much I admire about Buford, this book (Halftime), and so many of its earnest adherents, I believe the book and its underlying message has done great harm in the cause of proclaiming a holistic view of calling, work, and vocation.
• If you aren’t taught that your work is inherently valuable to God, and is an integral part of His Kingdom, it’s no surprise that you’d panic upon finding yourself successful in a career you thought was existentially meaningless.
• We were created to produce, and that meaning is the meaning of life.
August 12, 2024
4.5/5 Stars
As a young man of 21 years, David L. Bahnsen’s heart broke when his father passed away. He was shaken to his core. He loved and admired his father, Dr. Gregory Bahnsen, who was a well-known theologian and thinker in Presbyterian circles. David often watched his father work late into the evenings on his research and writing. The example of his father’s work ethic and David’s many jobs growing up (from Sizzler server to financial advisor) helped him embrace a life of meaning in his work.
For decades, David Bahnsen has ruminated on the themes of his newest book, Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, as a part of his personal story and his interest in theology. Though the intersection of Christian faith and work is a well-worn topic, David Bahnsen writes a different kind of book—one that draws on both his professional background in economics and business and his personal interest in theology and philosophy. Quotations from British writer Dorothy Sayers (see Sayer’s essay, “Why Work?”) reinforce the strongest themes of Full-Time throughout the book. One such (lovely) quotation reads:
Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.
Bahnsen’s thesis is simple on its face: work is a God-given gift for all humanity, and “in work we function as an image-bearer of and cocreator with God.”
Bahnsen then, perhaps to generate some controversy, takes this generally agreed-upon claim a step further. He argues that work should be just as much a priority as one’s family and friendships.
Have you ever been advised that you should put “God first, family second, work third”? Bahnsen tells his readers to stop listening to that common refrain. Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life is a thorough assessment and critique of modern American work culture, and pokes and prods at its readers’ underlying beliefs. (A note: at times, Bahnsen in his passion for the topic pokes a little too hard, detracting from his work’s persuasiveness.)
To establish the context for his main arguments, Bahnsen provides data and statistics on the current state of American work. Americans are increasingly lonely and isolated. An increase in drug use and suicide rates, combined with a decline in close friendships and increase in the divorce rate, point to a workforce that is less reliable than in decades past. Labor force participation, especially for those ages 16–24, is also down significantly. So, how can we begin to combat this national malaise? Connection to God and meaningful work, although by no means a silver bullet, can help address some of the underlying causes of the problems found in American society today.
Bahnsen’s book, which is a relatively quick read, makes many polemical arguments against modern work culture and flawed theological positions. Summarized below are nine that he addresses in Full-Time.
1. Work is not a result of sin. In the Garden of Eden, the curse of Genesis Chapter 3 was not the need to work itself. Both Adam and Eve worked in the garden before turning against God in their sin. The curse led to some work being toilsome and frustrating, “but Christ’s redemptive work now calls us to a restored notion of stewardship—the notion announced in the Garden at the very creation of the world.”
2. The term “work-life balance” sets up a false dichotomy. Why? Because it pits life against work, as if work is in conflict with life, not a part of one’s meaning in life. Theologically speaking, they are equally important, although one or the other might take temporary priority, depending on the season of one’s life.
3. Pastors should preach more against laziness than they should against people idolizing work. Bahnsen points out that current societal trends indicate that people are working less or not at all, especially younger men. Though he admits that work can become an idol to some people, causing husbands to neglect their wife and children, oftentimes the opposite is true. Despite this, pastors rarely—if ever—address idleness or laziness as sin today.
4. People should aim for financial freedom later in life, but not with the goal of retiring. If one’s entire goal in life is to retire and go on a fun, decades-long vacation, the pre-retirement years are going to be a slog. A leisurely retirement is a relatively new trend, and for good reason: it is fundamentally detrimental to the human soul. We are made to work and cocreate with God, not live out an indolent existence in retirement.
5. The value distinction made between vocational ministry and secular work is invalid. All work done to the glory of God has equal intrinsic value. This is evidenced by the Hebrew word adovah, which is translated as “work,” “worship,” or “service.” Those who choose vocational ministry do not necessarily bring more glory to God than those who are called to non-ministry work.
6. Spiritual study and prayer are not more holy than work for the glory of God. Both are glorifying to God and, in fact, God calls us to do both. Nowhere in the biblical text does it say that one’s spiritual life is more important that one’s vocational and physical work. We are both spirit and body (or spirit, soul, and body, for the trichotomists out there).
7. We should work six days and rest one day. This is, in general, the healthiest way to live. God says as much in the Third Commandment, where he directs us to keep the Sabbath Day holy.
8. The claim that the first half of one’s professional life should focus on success and the second half on significance is false. Bahnsen strongly opposes this false dichotomy. A person can experience professional success while also living with significant purpose and meaning. The flaw of “presenting these things as at odds leaves an incomplete and errant understanding of work and the meaning of life.”
9. Working from home is bad for business and for workers. A business cannot establish good work culture without an in-person element. Simply put, “the excuses from the ‘work from home’ aspiration can all be reduced to one fundamental thing: low regard for work itself.” Bahnsen says there are very few exceptions to this rule, stating that working from home has “nothing to do with ‘work-life balance’ or ‘more time with kids’ or even ‘reduced expenses at the office.’”
As evidenced by some of the quotes above, the author’s passionate and at times combative tone may be off-putting to some readers. Nonetheless, his arguments are almost always spot-on, countering common cultural beliefs about work that are neither biblical nor good for the worker’s soul.
The one spot where Bahnsen may not be so on-the-mark is his hardline view that working from home is bad for both businesses and workers. While I am sympathetic to Bahnsen’s belief that company culture is nearly impossible to establish with a fully remote staff, I am a big believer in providing hybrid options (working from home 2–3 days a week) or at the very least requiring employees to meet in person on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly or monthly). In-person connection is crucial, especially for younger and less-experienced staff who need more support and coaching. Other than for those managing more junior employees, the more senior the role, the more feasible hybrid or remote work is.
One counterargument to Bahnsen’s working-from-home position is that not having to commute allows for greater, or at least equal, productivity. If one has the financial means to live close to a major downtown area, then sure, his pro-office argument holds up. But if the tight housing market relegates one to the outskirts of the suburbs, that 90-minute roundtrip commute eats into the workday. Also, working from home allows for more flexibility. If someone is able to work later in the evening, they can be present for their child for one-off events during the day. Bahnsen supports engagement with family, yet it seems like he is pitting work priorities against family priorities by holding such a firm stance against working from home.
Bahnsen is bold and, at times, brash in his claims, intentionally provoking readers to disagree with him. Nuanced argumentation sometimes takes a backseat as he drives home the nine points above. Setting the tone of Full-Time aside and focusing on the content, I agree with nearly every major claim Bahnsen makes throughout his book about work and I appreciate his passion for the subject matter.
Bahnsen’s book is a worthwhile read that connects economic and theological concepts, speaking to the practical Christian ethic of work. The research and the innovative arguments in Full-Time are worth the work of reading and address important trends in America’s current work culture.
Review also on Philanthropy Daily: https://philanthropydaily.com/no-such...
As a young man of 21 years, David L. Bahnsen’s heart broke when his father passed away. He was shaken to his core. He loved and admired his father, Dr. Gregory Bahnsen, who was a well-known theologian and thinker in Presbyterian circles. David often watched his father work late into the evenings on his research and writing. The example of his father’s work ethic and David’s many jobs growing up (from Sizzler server to financial advisor) helped him embrace a life of meaning in his work.
For decades, David Bahnsen has ruminated on the themes of his newest book, Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, as a part of his personal story and his interest in theology. Though the intersection of Christian faith and work is a well-worn topic, David Bahnsen writes a different kind of book—one that draws on both his professional background in economics and business and his personal interest in theology and philosophy. Quotations from British writer Dorothy Sayers (see Sayer’s essay, “Why Work?”) reinforce the strongest themes of Full-Time throughout the book. One such (lovely) quotation reads:
Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.
Bahnsen’s thesis is simple on its face: work is a God-given gift for all humanity, and “in work we function as an image-bearer of and cocreator with God.”
Bahnsen then, perhaps to generate some controversy, takes this generally agreed-upon claim a step further. He argues that work should be just as much a priority as one’s family and friendships.
Have you ever been advised that you should put “God first, family second, work third”? Bahnsen tells his readers to stop listening to that common refrain. Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life is a thorough assessment and critique of modern American work culture, and pokes and prods at its readers’ underlying beliefs. (A note: at times, Bahnsen in his passion for the topic pokes a little too hard, detracting from his work’s persuasiveness.)
To establish the context for his main arguments, Bahnsen provides data and statistics on the current state of American work. Americans are increasingly lonely and isolated. An increase in drug use and suicide rates, combined with a decline in close friendships and increase in the divorce rate, point to a workforce that is less reliable than in decades past. Labor force participation, especially for those ages 16–24, is also down significantly. So, how can we begin to combat this national malaise? Connection to God and meaningful work, although by no means a silver bullet, can help address some of the underlying causes of the problems found in American society today.
Bahnsen’s book, which is a relatively quick read, makes many polemical arguments against modern work culture and flawed theological positions. Summarized below are nine that he addresses in Full-Time.
1. Work is not a result of sin. In the Garden of Eden, the curse of Genesis Chapter 3 was not the need to work itself. Both Adam and Eve worked in the garden before turning against God in their sin. The curse led to some work being toilsome and frustrating, “but Christ’s redemptive work now calls us to a restored notion of stewardship—the notion announced in the Garden at the very creation of the world.”
2. The term “work-life balance” sets up a false dichotomy. Why? Because it pits life against work, as if work is in conflict with life, not a part of one’s meaning in life. Theologically speaking, they are equally important, although one or the other might take temporary priority, depending on the season of one’s life.
3. Pastors should preach more against laziness than they should against people idolizing work. Bahnsen points out that current societal trends indicate that people are working less or not at all, especially younger men. Though he admits that work can become an idol to some people, causing husbands to neglect their wife and children, oftentimes the opposite is true. Despite this, pastors rarely—if ever—address idleness or laziness as sin today.
4. People should aim for financial freedom later in life, but not with the goal of retiring. If one’s entire goal in life is to retire and go on a fun, decades-long vacation, the pre-retirement years are going to be a slog. A leisurely retirement is a relatively new trend, and for good reason: it is fundamentally detrimental to the human soul. We are made to work and cocreate with God, not live out an indolent existence in retirement.
5. The value distinction made between vocational ministry and secular work is invalid. All work done to the glory of God has equal intrinsic value. This is evidenced by the Hebrew word adovah, which is translated as “work,” “worship,” or “service.” Those who choose vocational ministry do not necessarily bring more glory to God than those who are called to non-ministry work.
6. Spiritual study and prayer are not more holy than work for the glory of God. Both are glorifying to God and, in fact, God calls us to do both. Nowhere in the biblical text does it say that one’s spiritual life is more important that one’s vocational and physical work. We are both spirit and body (or spirit, soul, and body, for the trichotomists out there).
7. We should work six days and rest one day. This is, in general, the healthiest way to live. God says as much in the Third Commandment, where he directs us to keep the Sabbath Day holy.
8. The claim that the first half of one’s professional life should focus on success and the second half on significance is false. Bahnsen strongly opposes this false dichotomy. A person can experience professional success while also living with significant purpose and meaning. The flaw of “presenting these things as at odds leaves an incomplete and errant understanding of work and the meaning of life.”
9. Working from home is bad for business and for workers. A business cannot establish good work culture without an in-person element. Simply put, “the excuses from the ‘work from home’ aspiration can all be reduced to one fundamental thing: low regard for work itself.” Bahnsen says there are very few exceptions to this rule, stating that working from home has “nothing to do with ‘work-life balance’ or ‘more time with kids’ or even ‘reduced expenses at the office.’”
As evidenced by some of the quotes above, the author’s passionate and at times combative tone may be off-putting to some readers. Nonetheless, his arguments are almost always spot-on, countering common cultural beliefs about work that are neither biblical nor good for the worker’s soul.
The one spot where Bahnsen may not be so on-the-mark is his hardline view that working from home is bad for both businesses and workers. While I am sympathetic to Bahnsen’s belief that company culture is nearly impossible to establish with a fully remote staff, I am a big believer in providing hybrid options (working from home 2–3 days a week) or at the very least requiring employees to meet in person on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly or monthly). In-person connection is crucial, especially for younger and less-experienced staff who need more support and coaching. Other than for those managing more junior employees, the more senior the role, the more feasible hybrid or remote work is.
One counterargument to Bahnsen’s working-from-home position is that not having to commute allows for greater, or at least equal, productivity. If one has the financial means to live close to a major downtown area, then sure, his pro-office argument holds up. But if the tight housing market relegates one to the outskirts of the suburbs, that 90-minute roundtrip commute eats into the workday. Also, working from home allows for more flexibility. If someone is able to work later in the evening, they can be present for their child for one-off events during the day. Bahnsen supports engagement with family, yet it seems like he is pitting work priorities against family priorities by holding such a firm stance against working from home.
Bahnsen is bold and, at times, brash in his claims, intentionally provoking readers to disagree with him. Nuanced argumentation sometimes takes a backseat as he drives home the nine points above. Setting the tone of Full-Time aside and focusing on the content, I agree with nearly every major claim Bahnsen makes throughout his book about work and I appreciate his passion for the subject matter.
Bahnsen’s book is a worthwhile read that connects economic and theological concepts, speaking to the practical Christian ethic of work. The research and the innovative arguments in Full-Time are worth the work of reading and address important trends in America’s current work culture.
Review also on Philanthropy Daily: https://philanthropydaily.com/no-such...
July 17, 2024
"How does one profit without producing?"
There may be a hint in the 2350 verses about money Bahnsen mentions, but that's not the course of the book. With subtitles parallel to the author's career, Full-Time spends little time on empirics or economics, developing a theological argument in most of the text. Said theological argument applies presumably to Evangelicals; At one point - "we live in a combination of material and spiritual realities" - the close reading is still one of dualism, as long as it's not the wrong kind, but my interest waned with the refusal to identify specifically offending preaching: There are plenty of reasons to dodge both Evangelicalism and Calvinism. At the same time, the prose hedges and hedges and hedges, with one exception.
Early, the invocation of alienation is promising, but it is all but identified with the "God-shaped hole" which doesn't even merit a sentence. Arthur Brooks gets a mention: faith, friends, family, and work. But the book provides no analysis of the way these things might interact, just a straight line from the latter through Bahnsen's own youthful experience to "purpose". Pages earlier, Steve Jobs contributes much to society, judged presumably by profit allocated by the market. How much purpose the hands actually assembling iPhones generate goes unremarked; Blaming Communism would be the standard conservative move, but Bahnsen doesn't even touch it.
The book makes the case that profit is the best way to determine productive contribution, ambition has its fruits in that profit, and the macroeconomic picture improves with increased production. The second part of that argument receives an entire chapter, but all the logic contains rather significant holes. That is, we have the standard move from Smith to Keynes, with a brief detour for Say's law. Concern with production ought to lead one to consider some other parts of economic history, I think. "Pick a lane. If someone’s diligence, drive, and ambition really bother you ... don’t seek to benefit from their prosperity on another day." covers the more affective vision of the book.
Bahnsen is correct that work life ought to reflect some kind of Good, but is more concerned with the defense of investment banking than the interesting dimensions of that question. The appendix is telling: A crowing screed against work-from-home with as much specificity as any other chapter. Full-Time is a short read, which suits a text that can basically only balm. Drop the false dichotomies Bahnsen identifies, sure, but spend some time with work that has a denser historical view. Or read The Family Man as anti-work and become a Calvinist: It's your life, after all.
There may be a hint in the 2350 verses about money Bahnsen mentions, but that's not the course of the book. With subtitles parallel to the author's career, Full-Time spends little time on empirics or economics, developing a theological argument in most of the text. Said theological argument applies presumably to Evangelicals; At one point - "we live in a combination of material and spiritual realities" - the close reading is still one of dualism, as long as it's not the wrong kind, but my interest waned with the refusal to identify specifically offending preaching: There are plenty of reasons to dodge both Evangelicalism and Calvinism. At the same time, the prose hedges and hedges and hedges, with one exception.
Early, the invocation of alienation is promising, but it is all but identified with the "God-shaped hole" which doesn't even merit a sentence. Arthur Brooks gets a mention: faith, friends, family, and work. But the book provides no analysis of the way these things might interact, just a straight line from the latter through Bahnsen's own youthful experience to "purpose". Pages earlier, Steve Jobs contributes much to society, judged presumably by profit allocated by the market. How much purpose the hands actually assembling iPhones generate goes unremarked; Blaming Communism would be the standard conservative move, but Bahnsen doesn't even touch it.
The book makes the case that profit is the best way to determine productive contribution, ambition has its fruits in that profit, and the macroeconomic picture improves with increased production. The second part of that argument receives an entire chapter, but all the logic contains rather significant holes. That is, we have the standard move from Smith to Keynes, with a brief detour for Say's law. Concern with production ought to lead one to consider some other parts of economic history, I think. "Pick a lane. If someone’s diligence, drive, and ambition really bother you ... don’t seek to benefit from their prosperity on another day." covers the more affective vision of the book.
Bahnsen is correct that work life ought to reflect some kind of Good, but is more concerned with the defense of investment banking than the interesting dimensions of that question. The appendix is telling: A crowing screed against work-from-home with as much specificity as any other chapter. Full-Time is a short read, which suits a text that can basically only balm. Drop the false dichotomies Bahnsen identifies, sure, but spend some time with work that has a denser historical view. Or read The Family Man as anti-work and become a Calvinist: It's your life, after all.
August 1, 2025
While I agree with Bahnsen’s point that work is essential to being human, made in the image of God, I think he could have said it in fewer pages.
Maybe I am ignorant of the church culture to which he continually refers, but I think I know more Christians who view work and productivity as a natural and blessed part of sanctified living, than those who have a dualistic view of work and ministry. Just a couple of examples (from what I hear,not from the book):
Are you a real estate agent? Wow, you get to help people find “home,” a picture of the way God dwells with us! You bring blessing and stability and comfort to families and communities every day and provide ministry launching pads for Christians to their neighbors.
Are you a stay-at-home Mom? You get to reflect God’s image by bringing order into daily chaos, by nurturing your children and imparting wisdom to them to become productive in their own unique gifts.
Are you a city planner or economic developer? You are bringing order to communities and creating an environment where producers and entrepreneurs and businesses of all types can thrive and neighborhoods can offer both stability and opportunity for growth.
The examples could continue indefinitely, but this is the teaching I hear all around me in the church and in my reading of Christian authors, so I was a bit puzzled by the book’s vehement tone of argument with other Christians (not surprised that he would address American culture as a whole).
Still, I found the book theologically sound and offering practical application for living the life God created us for.
Maybe I am ignorant of the church culture to which he continually refers, but I think I know more Christians who view work and productivity as a natural and blessed part of sanctified living, than those who have a dualistic view of work and ministry. Just a couple of examples (from what I hear,not from the book):
Are you a real estate agent? Wow, you get to help people find “home,” a picture of the way God dwells with us! You bring blessing and stability and comfort to families and communities every day and provide ministry launching pads for Christians to their neighbors.
Are you a stay-at-home Mom? You get to reflect God’s image by bringing order into daily chaos, by nurturing your children and imparting wisdom to them to become productive in their own unique gifts.
Are you a city planner or economic developer? You are bringing order to communities and creating an environment where producers and entrepreneurs and businesses of all types can thrive and neighborhoods can offer both stability and opportunity for growth.
The examples could continue indefinitely, but this is the teaching I hear all around me in the church and in my reading of Christian authors, so I was a bit puzzled by the book’s vehement tone of argument with other Christians (not surprised that he would address American culture as a whole).
Still, I found the book theologically sound and offering practical application for living the life God created us for.
August 19, 2025
"My aspiration for this book is a dramatic reframing of the role work plays in our lives. My goal is to help the reader see that work is good, work is important, and work matters to God" (14).
David Bahnsen does exactly that. He brings a timely and needed prophetic voice to the subject of vocation. He demonstrates the problem, diagnoses the solution, and delivers an impassioned plea for the reader to embrace a biblical worldview of work.
One of Bahnsen's more effective arguments is his dismantling of the sacred/secular paradigm. He argues effectively that we have created a false dichotomy, relegating menial things like work to the secular realm and elevating things like corporate worship and spiritual disciplines to the status of spiritual. Bahnsen will have none of that. He sees all of life as Kingdom domain. Our vocation is a sacred gift, a charge from the Almighty. We were made to be producers. We glorify our Lord when we give an honest day's work. And to diminish such a high calling is theological sabotage.
Be forewarned: Bahnsen is hard on the church, especially pastors. He calls them out for refusing to preach a biblical work ethic, and even wonders if the reason why they don't preach on work is because so many of them lack a strong work ethic. He is also hard on the younger generation. He calls out their obsessions with social media and video games. And he hits both groups pretty hard.
David Bahnsen does exactly that. He brings a timely and needed prophetic voice to the subject of vocation. He demonstrates the problem, diagnoses the solution, and delivers an impassioned plea for the reader to embrace a biblical worldview of work.
One of Bahnsen's more effective arguments is his dismantling of the sacred/secular paradigm. He argues effectively that we have created a false dichotomy, relegating menial things like work to the secular realm and elevating things like corporate worship and spiritual disciplines to the status of spiritual. Bahnsen will have none of that. He sees all of life as Kingdom domain. Our vocation is a sacred gift, a charge from the Almighty. We were made to be producers. We glorify our Lord when we give an honest day's work. And to diminish such a high calling is theological sabotage.
Be forewarned: Bahnsen is hard on the church, especially pastors. He calls them out for refusing to preach a biblical work ethic, and even wonders if the reason why they don't preach on work is because so many of them lack a strong work ethic. He is also hard on the younger generation. He calls out their obsessions with social media and video games. And he hits both groups pretty hard.
May 1, 2024
Bahnsen offers a helpful perspective on the way Christians should view their vocation. He takes issue with the way that some Christian leaders and churches have adopted the world's negative stance towards ambition and hard work. He believes that although nothing (including work) should be idolized, Christians should view their work as part of the Creation mandate and part of what it means to be a faithful human in God's world. Working hard and producing is serving others and cultivating the world just as God commanded in the garden. Instead of pitting vocation against "real life," what we accomplish in every sphere God has given us (work, family, church, etc) must be viewed as part of who we are created to be. Every one of these responsibilities should be pursued to the fullest as a service to the God worthy of worship/service in every sphere. Instead of a work/life balance, we ought to cultivate the 6:1 work/rest balance modeled in Genesis.
Overall Bahnsen's work is a helpful corrective on an over-emphasis on "balance" when most people in the church need to be told to get off their rears and to work hard as an act of service to God. This work ought to be celebrated and encouraged, not viewed as a necessary evil so that we can get on with the other more important things in life—vacation, church-volunteering, etc.
Overall Bahnsen's work is a helpful corrective on an over-emphasis on "balance" when most people in the church need to be told to get off their rears and to work hard as an act of service to God. This work ought to be celebrated and encouraged, not viewed as a necessary evil so that we can get on with the other more important things in life—vacation, church-volunteering, etc.
June 25, 2024
Very Good read. Bahnsen covers the difficult topic of work and "work-life balance" from a scriptural, and economical perspective. He starts with the creation story and biblically provides a reason for work being a primary source of fulfilment in one's life. For the non-religious reader, he then goes on to talk about the economic effects of people beginning to work less, and how this negatively impacts society as a whole. He also adds in a good chapter about "work-life" balance as he pokes fun of the whole idea. Particularly he points out the faulty view of pinning two things, work and life, against each other, when in reality they coincide to create an overall meaningful life. Continually, he spends a chapter on people working from home and the negative effects of that, such as lack of mentorship and lack of being seen working hard. In all, this book was motivating, informative, and refreshing in an age of WFH, Quiet quitting, and an overall negative view of working too much. Would definitely recommend especially for those with less of a secular outlook on life.
March 5, 2025
Already a candidate for best non-fiction of the year for me. God created humans for work. It gives our lives meaning and purpose. Wrong-headed ideas about so-called “work-life balance” and “work so we can stop working” have crept in to not just the wider cultural zeitgeist but also the church. Work is not a necessary evil only there to fund our “real life” outside of work or even to fund the “important work” of church ministry. Of course there is more to life than working 24/7, we should not be derelict in family responsibilities, and supporting ministries and charities is of vital importance; Bahnsen affirms these truths. But they do not negate the central point of the book: work is the meaning of life. It is a good and fundamental aspect of God’s pre-fall creation, and it is our calling as people made in the image of God. Lack of a biblical view on work has had and will continue to have profound consequences in terms of our cultural crisis of meaning and shrinking workforce as outlined so clearly in the opening chapters. So let’s work hard, work long, and glorify God with the productivity of our hands and minds as we fulfill our vocational calling six days a week.
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