A Working Theology of Labor: Justice, Dignity, and the Common Good

This book offers a fresh take on faith and work that enlarges the conversation to think more about working class laborers, uncompensated work, structures at work, and how all of this relates to theology and ethics. "A fascinating and much-needed theological reflection on labor" This book takes stock of the church's track record on working-class issues and shifts the conversation about faith and work to examine power structures and the social hierarchy of labor--considering what makes work dignifying, what makes compensation just, and how Christians should approach all this theologically and ethically. "This book covers pressing issues related to human dignity in the marketplace and helps Christians think theologically about the meaning of work and the link between a right theology of labor and the pursuit of justice. Gustine gives us all much to consider." -- Esau McCaulley, Wheaton College "An approachable, loving, and theologically deep dive into the gospel perspective on work. A Working Theology of Labor encourages us to see Christ in laborers whom the modern economy ignores and marginalizes. This book will convict you to see 'all who labor' the way God sees them." -- Meghan Sullivan, University of Notre Dame; founding director, Institute for Ethics and the Common Good "Evangelical workers once helped to power the rise of the labor movement--and precisely because the Bible told them to do so. A Working Theology of Labor makes the case that contemporary believers have much to learn from their example. Gustine underscores why Jesus followers should resist the siren call of upward mobility and instead rejoin the fight for economic justice. A timely and compelling read." -- Heath W. Carter, Princeton Theological Seminary "Evangelical discourse on work has been contradictory, emphasizing the intrinsic dignity of work while also allowing exploitative labor conditions to persist. Gustine traces the historical and theological origins of the contradiction, charts a faithful theological path forward, and restores evangelical Christian witness." -- Robert Chao Romero, UCLA Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies "A fascinating and much‑needed theological reflection on labor, reminding us of God's deep love for the worker and our shared calling to pursue a kingdom vision of redemptive work and the common good." -- Paul Hawkinson, executive director and cofounder, Transform Capital A Christian Case for the Dignity of Ordinary Work Moving beyond the typical focus on professional and creative classes in faith-and-work discussions, this book brings the concerns of working-class laborers, hourly employees, and unpaid workers into the center of theological reflection. Drawing from Scripture and Christian ethics, A Working Theology of Labor reveals a God who is passionately pro-worker--a God who hears the cries of the marginalized and desires a world where every person's skill and calling serve the good of all. In this book, Adam L. Gustine ● takes stock of the church's track record on working-class issues; ● shifts the conversation about faith and work to examine power structures and the social hierarchy of labor; ● considers what makes work dignifying and what makes compensation just; ● shows how Christians should approach this topic theologically and ethically; ● examines whether solidarity is possible between workers and owners in an economy built on unequal power; ● equips workers to resist exploitation and reclaim agency over their own labor; and ● addresses disability, artificial intelligence, and uncompensated work as modern challenges to human dignity. Ideal for professors and students, A Working Theology of Labor provides a vital framework for courses in theology, ethics, business, and vocation, as well as religion and society. It will also appeal to pastors, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to integrate faith, work, and justice in everyday life.