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.

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.

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.

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.

Recovering a Christian Work Ethic

This is a very important book that gets to the heart of the American evangelicals antipathy toward "work" as a good and necessary part of life and not a necessary evil. Man was created to be like his Maker and the Maker is a worker. Work is good.

While this book is a necessary corrective I doubt it will be as impactful as it should because it doesn't address the issue that Millennials and younger generations are facing: a job market that is not providing the benefits or stability that previous generations have enjoyed. I am in the middle of the Millennial generation and in my 16 year career I have been laid off or had to transition to another company 6 times all for reason having nothing to do with my individual performance. When this is the market that people are trying to build a career in do not be surprised when they prefer to just put in 40hrs and then clock out. I hope the employment market improves, but until it does, Millennials and the younger generation will only give the minimum amount of effort necessary to keep a job and not care about developing a career. This may be a sin on their part, but it is the reality we currently live in. I'll be talking about this topic for a long time to come.

Great Book!

A must read for any Christian who takes seriously the blessing that is work. David does a great job laying out the data and exegeting the scriptures to support his argument.

Work Matters

Bahnsen provides a stellar overview of the reasons why work brings dignity and purpose along with the economic means to fulfill one’s desires. Check it out for yourself.

David matches his father's legacy

Having been privileged to meet and be taught by David's father Greg Bahnsen I knew David had some pretty big shoes to fill. While David is not a theologian like his father he squarely brings the scripture to bear on the meaning of life and work. He delivers a direct hit in pointing out that God created Adam to WORK in the garden and that the work is meaningful and meant to advance God's kingdom. If you are a Christian and struggle with finding meaning or fulfillment in your work you would be doing yourself a disservice to pass this one by. Right from the beginning David delivers blow after blow that will change your life and the way you look at work and the entire world around you.

Waste

Premise of the book has good points. The Book had poor delivery and self serving.