Discerning a Purposeful Work/Life:

Sep 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 in 312

With the explosion of remote work, strikes across various sectors of the economy, proposals of a four-day workweek, and the invention of terms like "quiet quitting," it seems our relationship to labor is changing. In a world where the demands of work are at odds with other meaningful pursuits, the often-cited ideal of "work/life balance" remains utterly elusive, even inadequate. How are faith communities to respond? Even our celebrated notion of "vocation" has come under scrutiny in recent years--the belief that our labors are inextricably linked to divine purpose and personal fulfillment. As people of faith in this fast-changing world, how do we take seriously the spiritual disciplines of rest and sabbath while laboring with integrity? What wisdom does our faith tradition offer beyond notions of "self-care" or simple slogans like "rest is resistance"? This course will offer space to contemplate a purposeful work/life in conversation with ancient and contemporary thinkers within the Christian tradition. Together, we will wrestle with issues as global as labor trends and as personal as the daily practices that sustain us.