Social And Theological Interactions Of Work Exposing The Sacredness And Wholliness Of Marketplace Work Culture

By PhD I.U. TANIMU-SAMINAKA

This book exposes the sacredness and wholliness of marketplace work culture and brings to light the concepts of social relationships that exist amongst human beings and the divine mandate which is clearly defined in the Scripture for humankind to associate freely. In social sciences and in the field of anthropology, work

• Language: English
• Publisher: Midas Touch GEMS
• Release date: Jun 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088182628

Book preview

About The Book

This book explores the sacredness and wholliness of marketplace work culture and brings to light the concepts of social relationships that exist amongst human beings and the divine mandate which is clearly defined in the Scripture for humankind to associate freely. In social sciences and in the field of anthropology, work and social interaction are synonymous to socio-economic and cultural stardom of a society. For an appropriate social and economic interaction, God the Father must be understood and believed as the One who created work and was the first worker. He designed, fashioned, engineered, molded the universe and made it so beautiful and suitable for man to live in, with a clear mandate to work for the benefit of mankind and for the glory of God. In essence, a bond of relationship through work is established between God and humanity. A good theology of God therefore, must include work.

About the Author

Dr. IU TANIMU-SAMINAKA, Ph.D. holds a doctor of philosophy degree from the International University Bamenda Cameroon, Central Africa. He is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the International University Bamenda. He owns degrees in agricultural extension and management, education, missiology, theology and transformational development. He is an independent researcher in Sustainable Development and senior lecturer and researcher with the American International University West Africa, The Gambia campus. He is the current Rector of ECWA International Theological Seminary, The Gambia. He has taught for more than 10 years in various bible colleges, seminaries and universities in Africa. He is the author is several works: foundation for social transformation; translating human dignity, work and labour, advocacy for social justice, transforming the dignity of Africans, and lots more which combine an interdisciplinary approach with a deep burden for social justice, good governance and sustainable development processes in Africa.

DEDICATION

To God for the Wisdom and the Inspiration to WRITE

PREFACE

In social sciences and in the field of anthropology, work and social interaction are synonymous to socio-economic and cultural stardom and identity of human beings. It brings to light the concepts of relationship and dignity and communication amongst individuals found in a social class. For an appropriate social and economic interaction, God the Father must be understood and believed as the One who created work and was the first worker. He designed, fashioned, engineered, molded the universe and made it so beautiful and sweetable for man to live in, with a clear mandate to work for the benefit of mankind and for the glory of God. In essence, a bond of relationship through work is established between God and humanity. A good theology of God therefore, must include work. If we want to understand God, His attitude to work is unquestionably significant to research on. God again, grants people such inherent essence of equality as a moral, theological, or supernatural idea that evolutionism can’t support... because evolution is a theory created to explain inequality in nature...which is contrary to the discovery of Martin Luther in the New Testament doctrine of the priesthood of all believes.

First and foremost, we must make clear that this book considers everyone important as integral entity, people who would benefit a lot from the wealth of experience and expertise of the author which the book offers it readers. The idea is that our attitude towards work might change for good and thereby make significant impact in our world.  Our attitude towards work is characterise by the kind of view people hold to work. Based on personal experiences and observations over the years in the area of agricultural science and practices, teaching and training and in Christian mission[1], I found out that many workers feel unfulfilled and frustrated in their work, including Christians, largely because they probably lack a proper understanding of why they work. Many a times though, work can be boring, mundane, stressful, and insignificant. No wonder Woolley (2007) reminds us that many do not see a bigger purpose for their work than simply earning money or meeting temporal needs of those served. He maintains that Christians often feel that the majority of their time is wasted on things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of God, and if they really loved God and people, they feel they should dedicate their lives wholeheartedly to God and minister to the spiritual needs of people on a full-time basis. I see a lot of people found culprit to Woolley’s assertions. Professional gospel ministers who, for whatever reason (could be the fear of being stereotyped), abandoned their professional skills for only pulpit ministry. The other day I asked two of my friends who’re local church pastors of why they abandoned their skills and stay glued to pulpit ministry? The first said, you see, it is true I am a professional tailor. But, it is shameful for me to continue sawing for people as a pastor. The other pastor revealed to me that as a professional carpenter before becoming a ‘full-time’ church pastor, he might not be appreciated by his church members when they suddenly find him doing it. I however made them to understand that God gave them these skills to glorify His name and for the benefit of their individual families. As a trained and practising farmer, I encouraged them to reconsider practising their skills alongside pulpit ministry. I do it well and I also teach my children to value work because that will give them respect and dignity in the eyes of people in their world. It is complementary. The carpenter picked up his tools and started working. There’s dignity in labour. By the way, the people they minister to would have some respect for them also.

I suppose that a lot of workers do not see a connection between what they do and what they believe God wants done in the world, and within their circle of influences. A theology of work is necessary therefore to see work from God’s perspective and to realize that one’s work is significant to God. Through the years, Woolley discloses that many have had a misconception that in order for a person to be fully pleasing to God and serving Him, they have to go into full-time Christian work by becoming a monk, a pastor, a missionary, a teacher of the Bible, a worship leader, or by performing some other ministry work. Since most people spend a majority of their waking hours at work, it is critical that Christians see their work as having significance to God and how it can be used to further His purposes on earth, otherwise frustration results. That isn’t the whole truth. It was half truth.

But, we preach and practice Marketplace Work Culture (MWC) all the way. In April 2003, during an august visit to a medical doctor friend of mine in Nigeria; he impressed me the other day I visited his work place (Clinic). He told me that, as a Christian medical personnel, I have resolved to use every apparatus within my reach in the hospital to promote the name of Christ even though majority of the people I consult on daily basis are Moslems. All I do is to serve humanity not minding who they are or what religion they uphold or their social or economic backgrounds. For me, my line of work does not matter much but my calling and mandate inform my decision to value marketplace work culture (MWC) as integral part of ministry. I was so thrilled and overwhelmed by his disposition and what I personally saw in the hospital environment couple with the good testimonies about him from the locals. I see a true tentmaker and crucified follower of the Lord Jesus Christ who is determined to live to serve with everything he’s been blessed with by the Lord. I see a man who understands his calling. I see a man who understands his social responsibility to his immediate community. I see a man who understands his divine mandate and role in the socioeconomic interactions within his circle of influence, balancing theology and professional skills resulting to a balanced-dualised Christian theology. This is a man who is determined to add value to his community by becoming light and salt; using his great skill and biblical knowledge and understanding while impacting the lives of people positively. As a Christian, he bridges the gap of religiosity and promotes peaceful coexistence amongst peoples and facilitates good relational interaction with people of diverse social and economic strata. This is to agree with Apostle Paul’s exposition in I Corinthians 10:31 which say, ...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.[2] And so, we have a responsibility to glorify God in whatever we do. In the police, military, hospital work, church, in teaching, building, engineering, as salesmen, in agricultural sector, in the corporate world, banking and industries, etc; it is a marketplace and an opportunity for us to make Him (Christ) known.

Therefore, work culture should be observed and kept so that work can be pleasant and not burdensome.  In my