Full-Time

Work and the Meaning of Life

By: David L. Bahnsen

Narrated by: David L. Bahnsen

Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

We were created to work, and our work provides unique meaning and purpose in our lives. Yet today, we are living in a crisis of apathy and ignorance regarding work’s theological and existential nature.

There is no shortage of books pleading with people to work less, to find “balance”, to think less of career and more of the things that bring them “happiness”. Likewise, there is no shortage of books making the case that work matters a great deal—that good things come from fruitful labor. This book belongs in neither of those categories.

In Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, David Bahnsen makes the case that our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose". He argues that the time has come to stop tip-toeing around the issues that matter, that separating one’s identity from what they do is demonstrably false, and that this era of alienation is, for many, a direct result of a low view of work. 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.

This book is not your normal “defense of work” book. Whether you are a leader, a follower, a boss, an employee, in a white-collar or blue-collar job, highly paid or “just getting by”, this book is for you. A life of meaning is right under your nose, and with it the joy and peace of a life well-lived.

©2024 David L. Bahnsen (P)2024 Post Hill Press

Critic reviews

“David Bahnsen is a theologically grounded, vocationally minded, and Biblically focused man with a vision to make work a gift to the world. In this book, he does just that. Combining thoughtful cultural analysis, conservative economic theory, and practical application for how to live these ideas out in the real world, I am grateful for the keen insights he lays out here. This book is a great combination of ideas and application that I think will serve many well.” (Jon Tyson, author, pastor, Church of the City NYC)

“Far too many of us believe that we need to work in order to be able to live, and that’s it. We need to eat, and so we work. David Bahnsen’s new book leans heavily in the opposite direction, meaning that God gave us the gift of life so that we might have the grace and privilege of working. Highly recommended.” (Pastor Douglas Wilson, Christ Church)

Outstanding!

Finally, a book expounding on the benefits of work! This is a book that explains how work glorifies God while feeding our soul.

Biblical view of work

Bahnsen's work serves as a compelling rebuttal to the prevailing belief that work lacks intrinsic value. He adeptly reasserts the significance of work in human life, arguing that it is an integral part of our existence, rooted in our very nature as beings created by God. By elevating the importance of work, Bahnsen restores its rightful place in our understanding of human purpose and fulfillment, affirming that our vocational endeavors are not merely incidental but fundamental to our calling.

Compelling

The author’s message is very much needed and be makes his argument well. Highly recommended

A modern and relevant defense of work

A very timely and insightful Biblical defense of our high calling to work. David providers a spirited reading of his excellent book.

work isn't bad, man was created for this purpose to serve others

author is factual and straight forward, tackling work as something to delight in and not drudge.

Another excellent book from David Bahnsen

This book captures the essence of work and presents productivity as something integral to human nature. He gives a biblical framework for understanding work, argues for finding meaning and worth in productivity, articulates an ethic for the flourishing of mankind, and provides practical real-world application for all of life. A must read.

What a Great Reminder and Encouragement

David Bahnsen has given the World not just his wealth of wisdom and knowledge, he has given the inscrutable Wisdom and Knowledge straight from the Mouth of God! Every worker and future worker would gain value in this writing ! Thank You for your gift of time and boldness David.

Hard hitting truth that matters

I love the apologetic that man was created to work and work for man. This is communicated in a creative and powerful way.

Timely Truths for all People

A refreshing yet challenging look at the purpose of work, especially for the Christian believer, employer, and employee.
David presents a cogent case for dismantling some “tried and true” beliefs in the church about work, shaking the dust from the rug as he eloquently presents his arguments for the joy of work to honor our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for this clarion call!

Loved this book!

I needed to hear this book and the timeless message. America as a whole needs this book as well