CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO WORK NOTES

CHRISTIAN APPROACHES TO WORK NOTES

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the topic you should be able to;

1. Define the term “work” and “vocation”
2. Explain and appreciated the traditional African attitude towards work
3. Explain the role of professional ethos, ethics and code in society
4. Explain virtues related to work
5. Discuss the moral duties and responsibilities of employers and employees
6. Discuss Christian approaches to issues related to employment 

LESSON THREE: CHRISTIAN TEACHING ON WORK

Learning outcomes; By the end of the lesson you should be able to: –

Describe the christens teachings about work

The Christian teaching on work is based mainly on the interpretation of the bible, the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles. Some of the teachings are: –

1. God himself instituted work. He created the heavens and the earth and all in it. Since God worked man should work. (Gen. 2:1)
2. God’s work of creation is good (Gen. 1:31) Christians should endeavor to produce good works
3. Work is a duty, an obligation, a command Christians are responsible for God’s creation (Gen.2: 15). They are to protect it – animals, birds, plants, marine life are all under the care of man.
4. Human beings should work to acquire their basic needs (Genesis. 1:29 – 30, 3:19) God blesses the work of our hands
5. Human beings are co – creators with God (Gen.1: 28) God continue to create through human beings. Human beings glorify God through their work.
6. God reveals himself through his work of creation. God had a purpose for his creation. He is orderly, source of life, Almighty etc.
7. Work is a co – operative undertaking. Eve was created to be Adam’s helper (Gen. 2:20) Christians should co – operate in their undertakings
8. Hard work is praised and laziness is looked down upon. (Proverbs 31:27). Christians should work for their daily needs and not become a burden to others.
9. Work should be accompanied with rest (Gen.2: 2) God rested on the 7th day from all his work. God commanded the Israelites to rest on the 7th day.
10. People should enjoy what they have worked for (Ecc.3: 22)
11. Work should be done for the glory of God and for the good of the society.
12. People should work honestly not steal but work to earn an honest living (Eph.4: 28)
13. Those who do not work should not eat
14. They should always work since God is always at a work (John 15:17)

LESSON FOUR: ROLES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHOS, ETHICS AND CODES IN THE SOCIETY

Learning outcomes: By the end of the lesson, you should be able to: –

1. Define the following terms, professional ethics, professional codes and professional ethos
2. Describe the role of ethics

Definitions

Professional ethics

Principles of behaviour / conduct that guide members of a particular profession; what workers are allowed to do and not to do.

Professional ethos

The group identity of members of a profession, their unique custom or character e.g. what identifies doctors, lawyers etc.

Profession codes or code of ethics

Collection of laws arranged systematically according to major concerns and core functions of the profession.

Roles of Ethics

1. To regulate the behaviour of professional (workers)
2. Enables professionals to understand their role
3. Ensures professionals provide quality of services to their clients
4. To encourage respect among professionals
5. Give guidance on how professionals should relate to one another
6. They safe guard professionals against being compromised / misused
7. They determine expected level of performance
8. They serve as a measure of competence
9. Act as a measure of quality service
10. They protect the professionals
11. They provide a reference point for disciplining (used to discipline the errant professional)
12. They inspire respect and high esteem for professionals
13. Through professional codes, ethics, ethos, professional earn public trust

LESSON FIVE: VIRTUES RELATED TO WORK

Learning outcome: By the end of the lesson the learner should be able to: -es

1. Define the term virtue
2. Give examples of virtues related to work

Definition

A virtue is a good human habit. It’s a moral principle, moral quality or goodness of character and behaviour.

Examples of virtues elated to work

1. Diligence
   hardworking
2. Honesty, integrity
   ability to be relied upon (Integrity) Honest is being truthful.
3. Faithfulness
   being trustworthy and loyal
4. Responsibility
   ability to make decisions and take action independently. Being mindful of other people’s welfare
5. Tolerance
   ability to bear with others or with difficult situations