From God’s perspective, does a calling to business have intrinsic value? Is it part of God’s plan? Or is it just something we do while we try to be nice, share our faith with co-workers and make money that can be used to support the church?
For many Christians in business, the actual business work they do seems to have little direct “kingdom” meaning. But in my recently published book Why Business Matters to God (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed), I offer theological arguments and practical examples for the importance of business in the world. Contrary to the oft-prevailing perspective, I believe that a calling into business is a noble calling and leads to a vocation rich in meaning and purpose.
Before I became the dean of Seattle Pacific University’s School of Business and Economics, I practiced law for more than 20 years with a large international law firm concentrating in commercial transactions and environmental law. Drawing on this experience, I have come to believe that pursuit of work in the marketplace is every bit as important as work that we have traditionally referred to as “full-time ministry.”
Whether you manage a large company or you just recently entered the job world, it is my hope that this book will provide you with helpful insights into the relationship between Scripture, work, and business.
— Jeff Van Duzer, Dean, School of Business and Economics; Professor of Business Law and Ethics
