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The Fabric of This World: Inquiries into Calling, Career Choice, and the Design of Human Work
An in-depth historical, philosophical, theological--and practical--exploration of work from an evangelical perspective. Hardy discusses several historical views of work from the ancient Greeks onward, highlighting the Christian concept of vocation as articulated by Luther and Calvin; these expositions lead to practical applications regarding the personal issue of career choice and the important (but often neglected) social issue of job design.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 3, 2021
If Keller is Reformed Vocation 101, Hardy is 201. Really good. Should have read it in college.
September 24, 2010
Hardy's book starts by examining the history of the doctrine of work ("why does work exist" from the Christian worldview) and then anchors his doctrine of work in the Reformed tradition. He then moves from doctrine to practical items of 1) understanding how to find the right job based on the doctrine of work and 2) how current management theory accords with the Reformed doctrine of work.
I found this book incredibly interesting and challenging to my preconceived notions of what work should be about. Hardy's writing is engaging and wonderfully balances the theoretical with the practical.
I found this book incredibly interesting and challenging to my preconceived notions of what work should be about. Hardy's writing is engaging and wonderfully balances the theoretical with the practical.
May 25, 2023
Very helpful to think about work, vocation, and occupation.
I read chapters 3&4 for my technology and society capstone class. I should read the first couple of chapters at some point.
I read chapters 3&4 for my technology and society capstone class. I should read the first couple of chapters at some point.
August 29, 2023
The author, now Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Calvin College, based this book on a course he and others taught at Calvin College titled “Christian Perspectives on Work and Vocation”. He writes that the book, readings from which were on the syllabus for one of my seminary courses, might be read as an attempt to help revitalize the concept of work as vocation or calling, at least within the professing Christian community. He states that his primary intent is “to flesh out the concept of vocation, to delineate its historical background, to mark out its place in the array of possible attitudes towards the meaning of work in human life, to illuminate its full religious content, and to explore its practical implications, both personal and social.”
The author begins the book with a history of the philosophy of work, looking the teaching of Aristotle, Plato, the philosophers of the Renaissance, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. He then looks at vocation, calling and career choice. The author then gives us a historical overview of the development of American management theory from Frederick Taylor’s scientific management, the Hawthorne Experiment, Chris Argyris, Frederick Herzberg, Douglas McGregor, Peter Drucker on responsible work, to Robert Levering on workplace quality. After looking at recent (the book was written in 1990) advances in work design, he states that in all situations the aim of the appropriate design of human work remains the same: making a job the kind of place where a vocation can be pursued.
I really enjoyed reading this book, but can understand that not all will appreciate the lengthy historical overviews included.
Below are 15 of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Our work can count as a vocation only if it occurs in the kind of social structures that make it a genuine service to others through the responsible use of our talents and abilities.
• Work itself, then, is a divine vocation.
• By working we affirm our uniquely human position as God's representatives on this earth, as cultivators and stewards of the good gifts of his creation, which are destined for the benefit of all.
• All work, provided it contributes to the common good, possesses an inherent religious dignity, no matter how mean or low it may be in outward appearance. For the divine intent for human life is that we be employed in mutual service.
• Human life is to be lived out in a society of mutual service and support, each member contributing according to his specific talents and receiving according to his need.
• One need not have a paid occupation in order to have a vocation. Indeed, all of us have, at any one time, a number of vocations-and only one of them might be pursued as a paid occupation.
• In making a career choice, we ought to take seriously the doctrine of divine providence: God himself gives us whatever legitimate abilities, concerns, and interests we in fact possess. These are his gifts, and for that very reason they can serve as indicators of his will for our lives.
• As Christians we are obliged to evaluate a job by its actual social content-the way in which it benefits, or harms, others.
• An occupation must be first considered in terms of how it provides a fitting place for the exercise of one's gifts in the service of others.
• The most important things we do in life may not be those for which we are paid.
• Work and vocation are not the same thing. Work may be a part of my vocation, but it is not the whole of my vocation; work may be one thing that I am called to do, but it is not the only thing I am called to do.
• Our work, then, is just one facet of our overall vocation, and it must be integrated with the other facets of our vocation if we are to hear and heed the full scope of God's call within our lives.
• Work ought to be a social place so structured that it is possible for people to serve others through the free and responsible use of a significant range of their gifts, talents, and abilities.
• Work is a social place where we can employ our gifts in service to others. God calls us to work because he wants us to love our neighbors in a concrete way.
• Jobs ought to be designed so that we can in fact apply ourselves-our whole selves-to our calling.
The author begins the book with a history of the philosophy of work, looking the teaching of Aristotle, Plato, the philosophers of the Renaissance, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. He then looks at vocation, calling and career choice. The author then gives us a historical overview of the development of American management theory from Frederick Taylor’s scientific management, the Hawthorne Experiment, Chris Argyris, Frederick Herzberg, Douglas McGregor, Peter Drucker on responsible work, to Robert Levering on workplace quality. After looking at recent (the book was written in 1990) advances in work design, he states that in all situations the aim of the appropriate design of human work remains the same: making a job the kind of place where a vocation can be pursued.
I really enjoyed reading this book, but can understand that not all will appreciate the lengthy historical overviews included.
Below are 15 of my favorite quotes from the book:
• Our work can count as a vocation only if it occurs in the kind of social structures that make it a genuine service to others through the responsible use of our talents and abilities.
• Work itself, then, is a divine vocation.
• By working we affirm our uniquely human position as God's representatives on this earth, as cultivators and stewards of the good gifts of his creation, which are destined for the benefit of all.
• All work, provided it contributes to the common good, possesses an inherent religious dignity, no matter how mean or low it may be in outward appearance. For the divine intent for human life is that we be employed in mutual service.
• Human life is to be lived out in a society of mutual service and support, each member contributing according to his specific talents and receiving according to his need.
• One need not have a paid occupation in order to have a vocation. Indeed, all of us have, at any one time, a number of vocations-and only one of them might be pursued as a paid occupation.
• In making a career choice, we ought to take seriously the doctrine of divine providence: God himself gives us whatever legitimate abilities, concerns, and interests we in fact possess. These are his gifts, and for that very reason they can serve as indicators of his will for our lives.
• As Christians we are obliged to evaluate a job by its actual social content-the way in which it benefits, or harms, others.
• An occupation must be first considered in terms of how it provides a fitting place for the exercise of one's gifts in the service of others.
• The most important things we do in life may not be those for which we are paid.
• Work and vocation are not the same thing. Work may be a part of my vocation, but it is not the whole of my vocation; work may be one thing that I am called to do, but it is not the only thing I am called to do.
• Our work, then, is just one facet of our overall vocation, and it must be integrated with the other facets of our vocation if we are to hear and heed the full scope of God's call within our lives.
• Work ought to be a social place so structured that it is possible for people to serve others through the free and responsible use of a significant range of their gifts, talents, and abilities.
• Work is a social place where we can employ our gifts in service to others. God calls us to work because he wants us to love our neighbors in a concrete way.
• Jobs ought to be designed so that we can in fact apply ourselves-our whole selves-to our calling.
December 24, 2023
Excellent. Re-read after first reading it 27 years ago and it is as relevant as ever, slinging reality checks like this:
"The ranking of occupations in our society and in the kingdom of God are often two very different things. And it's important to keep the difference in mind. The garbage collector performs an infinitely more valuable social service than the advertising executive about to launch a campaign to convince the American homemaker that Pink Froth dish detergent is indispensible to gracious living. But the latter, for reasons difficult to fathom, enjoys more social status" (90).
"The ranking of occupations in our society and in the kingdom of God are often two very different things. And it's important to keep the difference in mind. The garbage collector performs an infinitely more valuable social service than the advertising executive about to launch a campaign to convince the American homemaker that Pink Froth dish detergent is indispensible to gracious living. But the latter, for reasons difficult to fathom, enjoys more social status" (90).
December 1, 2021
This one was required reading for a Human Resources class at Liberty University. Hardy proposes a Christian understanding of work as a calling or vocation- a way to participate in God’s ongoing creative work and to serve others. Work is a way to demonstrate our love for God as we love and serve our neighbor. An excellent read.
July 3, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it. In his first chapter, Hardy mentioned some of the hardships that make work almost 'unbearable' for many. At the same time, he noted that a lack of work is equally daunting, and not just for monetary reasons. He pointed out that work gives us a 'sense of identity and purpose in life . . . we acquire a sense of where we fit into the scheme of things . . . it puts us in touch with people. In his next chapter, the author carefully explained the positions of Luther and Calvin. 'Through the human pursuit of vocations across the array of earthly stations the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the sick are healed, the ignorant are enlightened, and the weak are protected. That is, by working we actually participate in God’s ongoing providence for the human race.' According to Luther, the doctrine of creation shows us that God 'fashioned a world filled with resources and potentials', and 'chose to continue his creative activity in this world through the work of human hands . . . in the activity of work, God is present.' I hate to admit it, but it looks like the concept of Immanuel Labor originated with Martin Luther long before I came up with the phrase. Hardy's third chapter on vocational choice is the heart of Hardy’s book. He discusses a variety of topics, such as vocational aptitude testing, spiritual gifts, counseling, and other indicators that can help us discover what career paths we should pursue. I was encouraged when I read this statement, considering my own journey: 'Career paths are rarely straight. Typically they are afflicted by detours, unmarked intersections, forced exits, blind alleys, and cul-de-sacs.' Perhaps my own story is not as atypical as I had originally thought. Another helpful idea that can narrow down our career search is that of a growing concern that God places on our hearts. Hardy recommends that 'we ought to take seriously the doctrine of divine providence: God himself gives us whatever legitimate abilities, concerns, and interests we in fact possess. These are his gifts, and for that very reason they can serve as indicators of his will for our lives.' He urges his readers to consider the type of work we choose for its social value, reminding us of what Calvin stated, in terms of choosing jobs that 'yield the greatest advantage to their neighbors.' Hardy provides some thoughts on how to influence society. Participating in Christ’s redemptive purposes should involve opposing 'evil, sin, and the perversion of God’s good order for human life', and calling us to 'unrelenting reform'. He continues, 'While harboring no illusions of establishing a Christian society by our own efforts prior to the complete realization of God’s reign on earth, we must nonetheless labor to heal and restore a broken world where we can, in anticipation of what God will accomplish in the future.' I wholeheartedly concur.
May 26, 2015
Disengaged
The latest Gallup poll on employee engagement, now a couple of years old, tells a dark story. 70% of the workforce is disengaged. Even worse, 30% of the workforce actively inhibits the productive means of industry.
In other words, we hate work. The majority of people find work barely tolerable at best. But not something upon which you can build purpose and meaning.
For some, the engagement question means very little. Work doesn’t have purpose; work doesn’t need purpose. Instrumentally, work provides a pay check and it allows you to do the things you actually want to do.
That’s fine and all. And I’m not trying to suggest you should put every ounce of purpose into your job because that can imbalance you just as much as not having any purpose. But it seems like the notion of calling proceeds down a path far removed from career choice.
Bringing Purpose Back
Given my previous suppositions, Lee Hardy’s The Fabric of this World explores ways in which we can bring the purpose component back into career design.
Split largely into two major sections, The Fabric of this World explores the historical conceptions of work as well as the building of a theology of work. In the second section, Hardy ventures into job design, deconstructing and reconstructing the popular theories of work, suggesting specific ways in which calling might assist in choosing a career path.
At his most basic premise, Hardy suggests work to be an integral part of who we are:
“Wrapped up in our jobs is also our self-esteem and our sense of identity and purpose in life. At work we find out what we can do. Our talents are identified, and our skills put to use” (5).
The tasks we enjoy and the industries we are passionate about inform what and how we work. Even more, our roles and occupations embody who we are. Whenever you meet someone new, the work you do is one of the first discussions you perform.
And yet, Hardy presents a key distinction to ensure that work does not equate your entire life.
Seeking Human
So then how do you address work in such a way that gives it purpose but not at the expense of the rest of your life?
The answer resides in the human person. Too often work treats the human person as a machine. This approach fundamentally dehumanizes and disengages. Work is a uniquely human activity, one that requires address on many levels. Hardy suggests:
Calling has been a key question for me over the years. We work for such a large portion of our lives, we should do our best to make the most of that time and connect it to who we are. As the numbers suggest, the business world is a long way from securing these sort of insights, but that shouldn’t stop the next wave of job seekers about thinking deeply about purpose and what it means for a thriving life.
Recommended.
Originally posted at http://www.wherepenmeetspaper.com
The latest Gallup poll on employee engagement, now a couple of years old, tells a dark story. 70% of the workforce is disengaged. Even worse, 30% of the workforce actively inhibits the productive means of industry.
In other words, we hate work. The majority of people find work barely tolerable at best. But not something upon which you can build purpose and meaning.
For some, the engagement question means very little. Work doesn’t have purpose; work doesn’t need purpose. Instrumentally, work provides a pay check and it allows you to do the things you actually want to do.
That’s fine and all. And I’m not trying to suggest you should put every ounce of purpose into your job because that can imbalance you just as much as not having any purpose. But it seems like the notion of calling proceeds down a path far removed from career choice.
Bringing Purpose Back
Given my previous suppositions, Lee Hardy’s The Fabric of this World explores ways in which we can bring the purpose component back into career design.
Split largely into two major sections, The Fabric of this World explores the historical conceptions of work as well as the building of a theology of work. In the second section, Hardy ventures into job design, deconstructing and reconstructing the popular theories of work, suggesting specific ways in which calling might assist in choosing a career path.
At his most basic premise, Hardy suggests work to be an integral part of who we are:
“Wrapped up in our jobs is also our self-esteem and our sense of identity and purpose in life. At work we find out what we can do. Our talents are identified, and our skills put to use” (5).
The tasks we enjoy and the industries we are passionate about inform what and how we work. Even more, our roles and occupations embody who we are. Whenever you meet someone new, the work you do is one of the first discussions you perform.
And yet, Hardy presents a key distinction to ensure that work does not equate your entire life.
“Work and vocation are not the same thing. Work may be a part of my vocation, but it is not the whole of my vocation; work may be one thing that I am called to do, but it is not the only thing I am called to do. As a husband I am called to love, honor, and encourage my wife; as a parent, to care and provide for my children; as a citizen, to be an informed participant in the political process; as a parishioner, to identify and make use of my spiritual gifts, edifying the community of faith; as a teacher, to instruct and advise my students” (111-112).
Seeking Human
So then how do you address work in such a way that gives it purpose but not at the expense of the rest of your life?
The answer resides in the human person. Too often work treats the human person as a machine. This approach fundamentally dehumanizes and disengages. Work is a uniquely human activity, one that requires address on many levels. Hardy suggests:
“Human beings are not one-dimensional. The created order of human life has numerous dimensions—physical, psychological, social, ethical, and political. The appropriate design of human work must seek to realize the norm of vocation in a way that addresses each of these dimensions of human existence as they pertain to the job” (179).
Calling has been a key question for me over the years. We work for such a large portion of our lives, we should do our best to make the most of that time and connect it to who we are. As the numbers suggest, the business world is a long way from securing these sort of insights, but that shouldn’t stop the next wave of job seekers about thinking deeply about purpose and what it means for a thriving life.
Recommended.
Originally posted at http://www.wherepenmeetspaper.com
February 5, 2013
This is first book I read in this topic. It reveals how concept of work from historical and theological perspectives, from the Greek philosopher to Luther and Calvin. Hardy also incorporates modern thinker in the field such as Drucker. I commend how he puts the theory into practice within contemporary contexts. I enjoyed the reading so much and I shared the blessings I got to my friends!
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