Lecture Notes on Vocation and Calling

Introduction to Vocation

• The 21st-century question of vocation: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
• Vocation as a culmination of biblical study.
• Origin of the term:
  • Latin: vacatio.
  • Greek: kaleo (meaning "calling").
  • Hebrew: qara (sense of calling out in joy, pain, or duty).
• Vocation defined as a calling.

Biblical Basis of Calling

• Old Testament Examples:
  • God calls light "day" and darkness "night" (Genesis 1:5).
  • God calls stars by name (Psalm 147:4).
  • God calls humanity into existence.
• Israel called as a witness to the world.
• Specific vocations in the Old Testament:
  • Prophets, priests, kings.
  • Example: Bezalel called to artistic craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2-6).
• Vocation as both communal and individual, encompassing sacred and secular roles.

New Testament Perspectives

• Culmination in Jesus Christ:
  • Jesus fulfills roles of prophet, priest, and king.
  • Gospel accounts link Jesus to royal, prophetic, and priestly lines.
• Incarnation and Logos:
  • John’s Gospel associates Jesus with Logos (reason/wisdom).
  • Max Stackhouse's view: divine wisdom links to material world.

Christian Vocation

• Church and Discipleship:
  • Disciples called to preach and teach.
  • Communal and individual callings.
• Paul's Writings:
  • Romans 1:7: Christians called to be saints.
  • Christian calling extends beyond traditional roles.

Modern Understanding of Vocation

• Douglas Sherman’s View:
  • God calls individuals to specific vocations.
  • Three reasons:
    1. Paul’s use of calling in 1 Corinthians 7.
    2. Household codes in Ephesians: duties as unto the Lord.
    3. Redemption of all creation through Christ.
• AJ Conyers and Elizabeth Newman:
  • Vocation as an experience and divine summons.
  • Christian practices sustain and nourish calling.

Christian Vocation in Secular Work

• Misunderstandings:
  • Medieval church’s dichotomy between clergy and secular work.
• Integration:
  • Christians called to secular employment as well as ministry.
  • Love God and neighbor in all vocations (healthcare, business, journalism).
• Work Ethic:
  • Follow Jesus’ example as a carpenter.
  • Work as unto Christ, act as ambassadors for God.

Conclusion

• Christian vocation is a response to God's call.
• Every role in life can serve a divine purpose.
• Christians are to build God’s kingdom through their vocations, secular or sacred.