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Life Work
What does minimal human ethics look like? Can Christians really be followers of Jesus in the way they live today? In his own unique style, Randy Harris wrestles with these and other ethical issues facing Christians and all humanity.
In a world gone crazy, what would basic human decency look like? Are there principles that all humans could follow to make their neighborhoods, countries, and world more just and peaceful? Randy Harris, from his long experience as a teacher of philosophy and ethics, calls us to those principles of fair play, justice, and peace.
But Christians are called to an even higher standard. As a follower of Jesus, Randy, sometimes humorously, always pointedly, focuses on the call of Jesus for a higher righteousness. He places Christian behavior in the context of the philosophical and cultural contexts of our day, making profound concepts accessible to all his readers.
This book offers down-to-earth wisdom from a lifetime follower of Jesus. Out of his own practice of the spiritual disciplines, his presentations before hundreds of churches and university audiences, and his deep love for his students, Randy draws us into the circle of love for God and for our neighbors.
In a world gone crazy, what would basic human decency look like? Are there principles that all humans could follow to make their neighborhoods, countries, and world more just and peaceful? Randy Harris, from his long experience as a teacher of philosophy and ethics, calls us to those principles of fair play, justice, and peace.
But Christians are called to an even higher standard. As a follower of Jesus, Randy, sometimes humorously, always pointedly, focuses on the call of Jesus for a higher righteousness. He places Christian behavior in the context of the philosophical and cultural contexts of our day, making profound concepts accessible to all his readers.
This book offers down-to-earth wisdom from a lifetime follower of Jesus. Out of his own practice of the spiritual disciplines, his presentations before hundreds of churches and university audiences, and his deep love for his students, Randy draws us into the circle of love for God and for our neighbors.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 19, 2015
If you like Randy Harris' style of writing, this is another great book. It discusses various topics:
Four Major Ethical theories:
Utilitarianism - right/wrong determined by outcome
Deontology - some acts are right/wrong regardless of their consequences
Relativism - no object principles, what is right for you is right
Virtue Ethics - based on the kind of person you are
A minimally decent ethic:
1. non-malfeasance - do no harm
2. beneficence - do good
3. truth telling
4. promise keeping
5. justice (fairness)
6. respect autonomy - allow you to make all of your own decisions
7. reparations - fix what you break
cruciformity - a subversive ethic - it's not about me, my power, my wants, my desires; it's about laying my life down
principles of the cruciformed life
1. since the story of fear and power is constantly working around us and in us, one should always put that on the table rather than having it under the table
2. practice submission or obedience
3. move towards weakness
4. engage with open palms, not clenched fists
5. relentless love
distraction is the single greatest threat to our spiritual lives
The rest of the books gives some great insights into prayer and what it means and can do for our lives (both as individuals and as members of the kingdom).
Four Major Ethical theories:
Utilitarianism - right/wrong determined by outcome
Deontology - some acts are right/wrong regardless of their consequences
Relativism - no object principles, what is right for you is right
Virtue Ethics - based on the kind of person you are
A minimally decent ethic:
1. non-malfeasance - do no harm
2. beneficence - do good
3. truth telling
4. promise keeping
5. justice (fairness)
6. respect autonomy - allow you to make all of your own decisions
7. reparations - fix what you break
cruciformity - a subversive ethic - it's not about me, my power, my wants, my desires; it's about laying my life down
principles of the cruciformed life
1. since the story of fear and power is constantly working around us and in us, one should always put that on the table rather than having it under the table
2. practice submission or obedience
3. move towards weakness
4. engage with open palms, not clenched fists
5. relentless love
distraction is the single greatest threat to our spiritual lives
The rest of the books gives some great insights into prayer and what it means and can do for our lives (both as individuals and as members of the kingdom).
June 20, 2014
Ethics is rarely a fun subject. Regardless of whether it is at a state university or a seminary, there is something inherently dreadful about having a discussion with other members of humanity about living well. This is not simply a matter of living in a pluralistic or secular society; it is genuinely difficult to tell someone else how to live. Why? This simple reason: none of us are completely capable of being ethical 100% of the time. We break our own rules, not to mention how often we break the ethical imperatives of scripture.
Randy Harris, in this final volume of his “work” trilogy (Soul Work, God Work and now Life Work), lets us in on a little secret about why we dread ethics so much—we get wrapped up in keeping the rules than focusing on how to life ethically. He says that the problem is that we have made living ethically too difficult, and his goal in Life Work is to offer “a particular way of doing ethics from Scripture that makes sense” (p. 13). That particular way, according to Harris, is pluralistic deontology, which is basically an approach that says there are some actions that are always right or always wrong and that we have multiple duties to fulfill. The problem, Harris says, occurs when these “duties come in conflict with each other” and we “have to decide which of those duties is going to trump the other one” (p. 31). However, Harris believes firmly that this approach to ethical living and Christian practice can be accomplished and lead to a meaningful life.
Harris sets forth his argument in four units of thought—ethics (chapters 1-4), cruciformity (chapters 5-9), learning from other Christians (“fellow travelers,” chapters 10-12), and shalom (chapters 13-14). The chapters in the book, according to Harris, are presentations that have been reworked for this volume. As such, Harris’ folksy, humorous speaking style flows through the pages of each chapter. If you have ever heard him speak, you can close your eyes and almost see him in his black t-shirt and black jeans with his pocket Bible in hand speaking with a big smile on his face. The opening chapters look at various approaches to ethics, boiling relativism and utilitarianism down to their base parts and then discarding them in favor of the basic principles of what Harris calls “a minimally decent ethic.” He then unpacks his concept of pluralistic deontology in the next section by focusing on how Christians can live a “cruciformed” (or cross-shaped) life by practicing the disciplines of not being easily distracted, not reacting, and dying happy. This section is followed by a series of examples of both living and dead Christians who have lived according to these various principles. I found chapter 12 especially challenging because Harris lays himself bare for the reader by giving us his personal ethic. The book concludes with a couple of chapters devoted specifically to developing and implementing the Old Testament concept of shalom in contemporary culture. The book is marvelously engaging at every turn. You may not always agree with Harris, however you cannot ignore his ardent devotion to his faith. As a result, you will be enriched by reading this volume.
As fine as this volume is, there are, however, a couple of minor flaws that need to be highlighted. As a reviewer, it is my responsibility to point on problems, great and small, that I see with the volume. In some cases, the theological argument is so flawed it is almost heretical. In some cases, the research conducted does not justify the author’s conclusions. In the case of Life Work, my critique comes more on the technical side. His content, as noted above, is marvelous engaging. His comments are challenging and pastoral at the same time, much like his preaching (and I would imagine his work with college students). My issue, then, is small yet necessary: there’s no bibliography! There are several places where Harris will reference an author or a work (without naming the author), tell us how wonderful the book is and how it relates to his discussion, then move on to his next topic without even so much as a footnote. For example, Harris writes, “One of my favorite recent books is Punk Monk by these guys in England who have a prayer renewal think going among young people” (p. 128). As one is always looking for something good to read, it would have been helpful if just a simple list of cited works had been included.
Other than this technical matter, I thoroughly enjoyed Life Work, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book on Christian spiritual formation. Specifically for college educators, I think this would be a wonderful addition to either a college-level spiritual formation or basic course in Christian ethics. It would also make an excellent resource for a small group study (to which I would also add Harris’ previous book Living Jesus, from ACU Press). There is plenty here to have a good discussion on.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers as part of their ACU Press Bookclub Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Randy Harris, in this final volume of his “work” trilogy (Soul Work, God Work and now Life Work), lets us in on a little secret about why we dread ethics so much—we get wrapped up in keeping the rules than focusing on how to life ethically. He says that the problem is that we have made living ethically too difficult, and his goal in Life Work is to offer “a particular way of doing ethics from Scripture that makes sense” (p. 13). That particular way, according to Harris, is pluralistic deontology, which is basically an approach that says there are some actions that are always right or always wrong and that we have multiple duties to fulfill. The problem, Harris says, occurs when these “duties come in conflict with each other” and we “have to decide which of those duties is going to trump the other one” (p. 31). However, Harris believes firmly that this approach to ethical living and Christian practice can be accomplished and lead to a meaningful life.
Harris sets forth his argument in four units of thought—ethics (chapters 1-4), cruciformity (chapters 5-9), learning from other Christians (“fellow travelers,” chapters 10-12), and shalom (chapters 13-14). The chapters in the book, according to Harris, are presentations that have been reworked for this volume. As such, Harris’ folksy, humorous speaking style flows through the pages of each chapter. If you have ever heard him speak, you can close your eyes and almost see him in his black t-shirt and black jeans with his pocket Bible in hand speaking with a big smile on his face. The opening chapters look at various approaches to ethics, boiling relativism and utilitarianism down to their base parts and then discarding them in favor of the basic principles of what Harris calls “a minimally decent ethic.” He then unpacks his concept of pluralistic deontology in the next section by focusing on how Christians can live a “cruciformed” (or cross-shaped) life by practicing the disciplines of not being easily distracted, not reacting, and dying happy. This section is followed by a series of examples of both living and dead Christians who have lived according to these various principles. I found chapter 12 especially challenging because Harris lays himself bare for the reader by giving us his personal ethic. The book concludes with a couple of chapters devoted specifically to developing and implementing the Old Testament concept of shalom in contemporary culture. The book is marvelously engaging at every turn. You may not always agree with Harris, however you cannot ignore his ardent devotion to his faith. As a result, you will be enriched by reading this volume.
As fine as this volume is, there are, however, a couple of minor flaws that need to be highlighted. As a reviewer, it is my responsibility to point on problems, great and small, that I see with the volume. In some cases, the theological argument is so flawed it is almost heretical. In some cases, the research conducted does not justify the author’s conclusions. In the case of Life Work, my critique comes more on the technical side. His content, as noted above, is marvelous engaging. His comments are challenging and pastoral at the same time, much like his preaching (and I would imagine his work with college students). My issue, then, is small yet necessary: there’s no bibliography! There are several places where Harris will reference an author or a work (without naming the author), tell us how wonderful the book is and how it relates to his discussion, then move on to his next topic without even so much as a footnote. For example, Harris writes, “One of my favorite recent books is Punk Monk by these guys in England who have a prayer renewal think going among young people” (p. 128). As one is always looking for something good to read, it would have been helpful if just a simple list of cited works had been included.
Other than this technical matter, I thoroughly enjoyed Life Work, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good book on Christian spiritual formation. Specifically for college educators, I think this would be a wonderful addition to either a college-level spiritual formation or basic course in Christian ethics. It would also make an excellent resource for a small group study (to which I would also add Harris’ previous book Living Jesus, from ACU Press). There is plenty here to have a good discussion on.
Rob O’Lynn, ABD
Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry
Kentucky Christian University
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers as part of their ACU Press Bookclub Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 8, 2025
Excellent book. I just picked up from my husband’s “library,” had not read the first two in this series (not necessary to appreciate and follow this one). I have heard Randy Harris speak and he writes in a similar, humorous but oh so thought provoking way! Very practical advice, observations, and take-aways.
May 12, 2014
Randy Harris’s latest, Life Work, just made it to my “Must Read” shelf on Goodreads, I’ve preordered copies for my church, and already purchased another copy in Kindle format to make sure I have it in my travels. For me, this was quite a timely read. I had just been to one of the largest bookstores in the world a few weeks ago looking for something on ethics from a Christian worldview, a daunting task when things are loosely categorized and you only have an hour or so to browse, and came out empty handed. I’ve been taking my brothers and sisters on a journey through political theology—how we as citizens of the Kingdom of God engage with those within and those outside—and have reached a point that begins to deal with our immediate context. Life Work fits right in (if only I could get enough advanced copies without waiting until summer!), saving me the time it would have taken to pull together (likely not as well) similar information and more.
Randy is a professor of philosophy and ethics at Abilene Christian University, and his writing is representative of one who thinks about and spends a lot of time with students—he mentions them quite often; but his latest work is not written for readers of a certain age or stage in life. Life Work is easily accessible for non-academics but not so fluffy as to be uninteresting by those wanting a bit more, and its application is far reaching. Beginning with four major ethics, Randy encourages and discourages certain ways of thinking from a Christian worldview for judging between right and wrong and offers a bit of his own ethic without trying to force the reader into one or the other. I recommend the reader take time with this first section before moving on, really thinking about one’s own ethic and if or how it may be altered in some way. The second section describes in more detail what a cruciform life—one of taking up one’s cross and following Christ—looks like as a Christian ethic is applied. This is a counterintuitive and subversive ethic that goes against the leaning and pushing of the world. Looking at Scripture from the perspective of first-century Christians, Randy convincingly offers interpretations of a few passages—those often looked at differently—as claiming Jesus Christ is King, not Caesar/Rome, and what that looks like in the way we live. The final third of the book looks at the lives of people past and present who have lived and are living lives that in some way express the way of the cross, noting a few things he would and would not recommend imitating but considers their lives worth looking at nonetheless. Randy concludes his book with a bit more on peacemaking and shalom.
Randy and I hold much in common, but perhaps have just as much not so. I always enjoy and appreciate his perspective even when we don’t agree, and it’s always challenging. In fact, Randy admits he doesn’t even live up to his own words and challenges, something I think we can and should all admit. Life Work was not only a timely read and a fit for some teaching material, but it also challenged me and made me rethink my own ethic and how that affects my cruciform living. It reignited and reaffirmed old and new passions and encouraged me to think more pragmatically than I may have been, something I’ve been working through for some time.
Lastly, which should probably mentioned first in any other review, Life Work: Confessions of an Everyday Disciple is the end of a trilogy, the first two being Soul Work: Confessions of a Part-Time Monk and God Work: Confessions of a Standup Theologian. Since I have not read the first two and find Life Work wonderfully applicable without precursors, I still highly recommend picking up a copy even if the others have yet to be read. I’m sot sure if I’ll be getting to the others anytime soon, but feel free to let me know if readers of this review have read them and would like to offer their thoughts! Now, go pre-order your copy of Life Work right now!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers as part of their ACU Press Bookclub Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Randy is a professor of philosophy and ethics at Abilene Christian University, and his writing is representative of one who thinks about and spends a lot of time with students—he mentions them quite often; but his latest work is not written for readers of a certain age or stage in life. Life Work is easily accessible for non-academics but not so fluffy as to be uninteresting by those wanting a bit more, and its application is far reaching. Beginning with four major ethics, Randy encourages and discourages certain ways of thinking from a Christian worldview for judging between right and wrong and offers a bit of his own ethic without trying to force the reader into one or the other. I recommend the reader take time with this first section before moving on, really thinking about one’s own ethic and if or how it may be altered in some way. The second section describes in more detail what a cruciform life—one of taking up one’s cross and following Christ—looks like as a Christian ethic is applied. This is a counterintuitive and subversive ethic that goes against the leaning and pushing of the world. Looking at Scripture from the perspective of first-century Christians, Randy convincingly offers interpretations of a few passages—those often looked at differently—as claiming Jesus Christ is King, not Caesar/Rome, and what that looks like in the way we live. The final third of the book looks at the lives of people past and present who have lived and are living lives that in some way express the way of the cross, noting a few things he would and would not recommend imitating but considers their lives worth looking at nonetheless. Randy concludes his book with a bit more on peacemaking and shalom.
Randy and I hold much in common, but perhaps have just as much not so. I always enjoy and appreciate his perspective even when we don’t agree, and it’s always challenging. In fact, Randy admits he doesn’t even live up to his own words and challenges, something I think we can and should all admit. Life Work was not only a timely read and a fit for some teaching material, but it also challenged me and made me rethink my own ethic and how that affects my cruciform living. It reignited and reaffirmed old and new passions and encouraged me to think more pragmatically than I may have been, something I’ve been working through for some time.
Lastly, which should probably mentioned first in any other review, Life Work: Confessions of an Everyday Disciple is the end of a trilogy, the first two being Soul Work: Confessions of a Part-Time Monk and God Work: Confessions of a Standup Theologian. Since I have not read the first two and find Life Work wonderfully applicable without precursors, I still highly recommend picking up a copy even if the others have yet to be read. I’m sot sure if I’ll be getting to the others anytime soon, but feel free to let me know if readers of this review have read them and would like to offer their thoughts! Now, go pre-order your copy of Life Work right now!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers as part of their ACU Press Bookclub Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 30, 2014
Life Work: Confessions of an Everyday Disciple by Randy Harris is the third in a trilogy of books. Harris divides the book into 4 different sctions: Ethics (chapters 1-4), Cruciformity (chapters 5-9), Fellow Travelers (chapters 10-12), and Shalom (chapters 13-14). It starts out with a series of ethical questions that prove that many decisions are harder to make than one thinks. Sometimes there simply is not a perfect answer, and even the greater good of all can be blurred on what is personally invested in the outcome. For a Christian, it goes beyond simply good morals and ethical decisions to looking at the situation through a cross-shaped vision, or, as Harris call it, "cruciformity". A follower of Jesus is bound to look at any situation through their Biblical worldview, but that does not mean that it is easy or mistakes never made.
His fellow travelers include both the dead and the living. Harris gives us insight into things he has learned from reading the works of some the historical leaders and from learning from those who are still forming a pathway and making differences today. Some he agrees with and some he doesn't, but he uses all to come to his own conclusions of best to live his life as a philosopher, ethicist, and theologian. He ends the book with finding the importance of finding peace.
Honestly, I sometimes got a bit bored or had trouble making the leap to the same conclusion Harris made. He has a good writing style, so it may have simply been that my mind was filled with other matters. However, I do plan on reading it again. Sometimes ideas just need to marinate for a while. If you are looking for light reading, this is not the best choice. But, if you want something to think about, I do recommend the book. It is only 157 pages, so you can spread out the reading a bit without losing sight of what you have already read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
His fellow travelers include both the dead and the living. Harris gives us insight into things he has learned from reading the works of some the historical leaders and from learning from those who are still forming a pathway and making differences today. Some he agrees with and some he doesn't, but he uses all to come to his own conclusions of best to live his life as a philosopher, ethicist, and theologian. He ends the book with finding the importance of finding peace.
Honestly, I sometimes got a bit bored or had trouble making the leap to the same conclusion Harris made. He has a good writing style, so it may have simply been that my mind was filled with other matters. However, I do plan on reading it again. Sometimes ideas just need to marinate for a while. If you are looking for light reading, this is not the best choice. But, if you want something to think about, I do recommend the book. It is only 157 pages, so you can spread out the reading a bit without losing sight of what you have already read.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 14, 2017
Easy to read and offers much to think about. Randy's books never disappoint and always challenge.
November 18, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads first read program.
After I won this book, I read God Work and Soul Work by Harris as they were tied together somewhat. I really enjoy Harris and loved his first two books. This one is still a good book but if you have read his other books you will see that he repeats some of the stories from his other books.
This book focuses on ethics and living out Christian ethics in this world. I enjoyed the ideas brought forth by Harris and will try to implement them in my life. He has a great way of getting a deep theological point across in a fun, easy to understand way.
Read Randy Harris. He is certainly a gift from God.
After I won this book, I read God Work and Soul Work by Harris as they were tied together somewhat. I really enjoy Harris and loved his first two books. This one is still a good book but if you have read his other books you will see that he repeats some of the stories from his other books.
This book focuses on ethics and living out Christian ethics in this world. I enjoyed the ideas brought forth by Harris and will try to implement them in my life. He has a great way of getting a deep theological point across in a fun, easy to understand way.
Read Randy Harris. He is certainly a gift from God.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews