Dr. Greg Bahnsen and Work

David goes through countless sermons and lectures from his late father, renowned 20th century theologian and philosopher, Dr. Greg Bahnsen, to look at his theology of work, rest, and productivity. What he finds is prescient, prophetic, and powerful. And the model David’s dad set for him was, well, full-time! Links mentioned in this episode: https://fulltimebook.com https://bahnsen.com

Kuyperian thought says “Christ is Lord over white collar professional work,” right? Those of us who believe in a total world-and-life view of Christianity believe that Christ is Lord over white collar work, blue collar work, and even … CREATIVE work. And what better way to talk about work in the creative sector than with Rev. Joel Pelsue, founder with his wife, Michelle, of Arts & Entertainment Ministries. A sober, broad, and fun discussion of the arts, of artists, and of the both practical and ideological components of this discussion most particular to creatives. Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

The CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project joins us with 35 years of enlisted experience to talk about one of the greatest examples of work as the fundamental source of dignity and self-worth in our lives available – our disabled veterans. If you are not moved to either tears or action or both by this episode, you are a lost cause. Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

David is joined by two of his best pals, who also happen to be two of the smartest Christian thinkers out there, on the whole landscape today of evangelical thought and practice around work. They pontificate on why Proverbs was so focused on those working too little, and avoided any focus on those working too much. They wax and wane about how it got to be this bad, and what we can do to make it good again. Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

Sometimes a little heavier theological flair may be needed, and David pursues just that this week with neo-Calvinist intellectual, Dr. Gray Sutanto, as they unpack the meaning of common grace and its role in a post-fall, creational understanding of work and Kingdom. Links mentioned in this episode: Cultural Mandate and the Image of God: Human Vocation under Creation, Fall, and Redemption https://fulltimebook.com https://bahnsen.com

Developing a criteria by which we think about work, about career decisions, about the harmonization of work with other responsibilities and commitments, requires a standard. By what standard does one think about vocational calling, ethical duties, the inherent dignity of a given task or function? For that matter, by what standard does one think about the marketplace, societal spheres of activity, and basic economic structure? The faith/work movement needed to exist before it could be good, but now that it exists it is time to start asking – by what standard is the faith/work movement thinking about faith and work? David is joined by Pastor Douglas Wilson of Moscow, Idaho to explore all this, and so much more. Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

What does the message of work mean to middle-aged folks who have been successful and aren’t sure what to do in their lives now? On the other hand, what does it mean to younger people in a church not yet in the midst of career success? Finally, what does it mean for a church staff that might want “not working late” to be a core church value? David is joined by Pastor Jason Smith of St. Andrews Church in Southern California for a discussion of all these issues, and much more! Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

Jon Tyson currently pastors Church of the City in New York City, a large, energetic, vibrant community of young, aspiring career-oriented people with an intense commitment to mission and community. A long, long time ago, before Jon was one of the most dynamic pastors in the country, he cut meat with a knife. His path from butcher to pastor has always maintained his belief in the dignity and purpose of work, and applying it in a 21st century Manhattan context is a discussion worth listening to! Links mentioned in this episode: http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com

On the Hook - A Podcast Mini-Series Launching January 16, 2024 David and his guests discuss the notion that 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. http://fulltimebook.com http://bahnsen.com