RL: The 3 Theories of the New Dualism (Chapter 3)

[Robert K Naumann]

The challenge with posting this early in the reading is that thus far the book is primarily expounding on the problems and only hinting at the solutions, but I will take the opportunity to I.D. a "problem" of my own which I have already uncovered. I just finished Ch 3, and honestly, I finished the chapter much different than I started it. At first, the more I read Prof Schutt's explanation of the false dualism, the more self-satisfied I became. I was sure I had this wrapped up. I understand that "full-time ministry" is not a higher calling, just a different calling, etc., etc. As I read through the 3 theories at the end of the chapter, however, I discovered that I had adopted every one of them as my own at some point in time or another in my career and even earlier than that. Can anyone else relate?

To me, the hook seems to be that every one of the “means” in those three “means-to-an-end” views of vocation is good and Christ-like: be a witness in your workplace, be an abundant giver, do great exploits for the kingdom. It’s that next mental step, “this is the only way to make something useful of my career,” that seems to be the challenge. I think we understand that is not true as husbands and wives and fathers and mothers, probably even if we were physicians it would be easier to avoid the pitfall, but really grasping the truth of this as a lawyer—that is a challenge, and it will be fun to watch it sink in.

Perhaps it is just as easy as Mr. Shigley’s response to Mr. Brooks: I’m a sheep dog!

[Mike Schutt]

I can absolutely relate! I wonder if others have thoughts before I jump in?

I've said plenty . . . . : )

[David Nammo]

I think the biggest trap into which we can fall is the following: we become apathetic about our vocation. Discovery, paperwork, depositions for some corporate giant, motions, etc. etc. on some useless, obscure issue that nobody really cares about can't really be something the Lord cares about...this becomes more than a creeping belief but a lifestyle. Therefore, we all volunteer to do nursery duty, lead Bible studies at church to feel that we are doing something spiritual. The apathy sets in. And that alone is bad enough, but when we continue to live on auto-pilot and let the apathetic concrete set by not really seeking the Lord and asking Him to force us outside our comfort zone for him every day (because we are surrounded by nonbelievers at the least), when the Lord finally drops the overt opportunity in our laps through a client, coworker, or an obscure motion that might make a difference in many Christians lives we will never know - we just look and think about it as we do everything else - through a concrete lawyer sheen.

[Heather Geertsma]

I agree with Robert, the three theories are three things that are Christ-like and that we should see all Christian lawyers doing. But do we really believe that simply being an excellent lawyer brings glory to God? I think perhaps we don't see our careers as glorifying God because we often take the credit for our work. How often do we recognize that our skills, gifts, and talents come from God? We accept the praise for work well done and become proud of what we have accomplished.