We added another dimension to our task - an interactive one. Here is an example of one response to the WORK topic.
cf also THINK , Work Aboriginals 1 Aboriginals 2 Jesus
Subject: Comments on Your Think/Theology group
Dear Thinkers,
I commend you for your attempt to explore theology and issues via the group and then share them on the internet. You have approached the topic of work, employment, unemployment, leisure: from many perspectives.
I agree with your interpretations, but as you say in point two it means different things to different people and so your list is not exclusive. It is difficult to tap into your thinking directly, as we see your results and not the process. One thought that came to me on the topic is from a scriptural basis expanding into my life experience and reflection. In Gen. 1;26 it is said that 'we are created in the image of God and called to grow to the likeness of God'. There is incredible meaning within those words - the image of God ... the likeness of God? One element of our God that seems undeniable is that God is a creator, a maker. That is part of most understandings of Work. And we are called to be similar. Yet when is work creative and when is it demeaning? When is it being true to the call of Genesis, and when is it leading us away from life?
It seems to me that another useful path to explore is the boredom within Australian youth, and I would suggest that it is linked to a lost sense of true work, true creativity. Wars and violence are another consequence of a lost sense of work and creativity - obviously there is much more to it, I don't want to sound too simplistic, but it is a major factor as I see it. In school, boredom usually leads to trouble - Don Bosco also spoke to us about this, and there is a saying from our tradition about the Devil using idle minds and hands.
One of your interpretations was that "People need to feel useful and/or creative." so you have explored this partly. My small contribution is to see it within the scriptural context of Genesis, and also the negative results within society when this doesn't happen."
Good luck with your journey,
Mick Court
