About the Book
Work, whether from home, in cyberspace, or in a factory or office, occupies a major chunk of our time, energy, and soul. This book seeks to make sense of our work in the world through adapting the pithy statement of the Puritan William Perkins to define marketplace theology as the "science of working blessedly forever." It is a science involving investigation, but not just with the head (thought), but also with heart (prayer) and hand (practice). But it is a science of working. So the book investigates a theology of work undertaken in the light of God's blessing and purpose. And our work is not just for this life but "forever," since some of it could last into the new heaven and new earth where, guess what, Scripture says we will work as fully human and resurrected beings. Stevens gathers his lifetime of research and teaching into this book showing through biblical research and contemporary analysis the meaning of work and human enterprise. It could change your lifestyle, your work style, and your soul.
About the Author :
R. Paul Stevens is professor emeritus of marketplace theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and chairman of the Institute for Marketplace Transformation. He teaches, writes, and practices what he writes as a carpenter, a homemaker, a professor, and a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His most recent book among many is The Kingdom of God in Working Clothes: The Marketplace and the Reign of God (Wipf & Stock, 2022).
Review :
"In this volume, R. Paul Stevens embarks on a journey to guide his readers to live a blessed life through working for the glory of God. The book integrates marketplace theology concepts with the author's personal stories and experiences, providing readers with provocative insights towards being blessed, to bless, and to stay blessed in our daily work. We learn that we can experience spiritual growth and actively contemplate God's presence through our daily work."
--Jean Lee, professor of theological studies, China Graduate School of Theology
"In a world of anxiety, societal breakdown, global insecurities, and the all-pervasive threat of climate change, it is easy to become self-focused and defensive, even as Christians. But R. Paul Stevens's marketplace theology calls us into a very different way of thinking and being. Rather than only a Sunday faith, marketplace theology provides the vision of living the kingdom of God in the most basic of human activity--our daily work. What a vision! How incarnational! How practical! And so needed, today!"
--Charles Ringma, professor emeritus of missions and evangelism, Regent College
"R. Paul Stevens's approach is grounded in practical and life-giving interpretations of Scripture, avoiding fluff and generic recipes. He uses history and contextualization to synthesize the essence of the marketplace, making the theology both highly academic and intensely practical. The writing style is accessible to both academics and non-academics. The author does not seek to convince but rather enlightens readers with his insights. His approach is compelling, providing a rich and relevant understanding of work through a theological lens."
--Willy Kotiuga, chair of the Board of Regents, Bakke Graduate University
"R. Paul Stevens is the most experienced teacher of the theology of work in our generation--and possibly in any generation. He is also the rare theological professor who has taught as many marketplace Christians as he has pastors and academics, maybe more. Here he distills a lifetime of experience, study, wisdom and passion for anyone who wants to understand how the Bible applies to work."
--William Messenger, executive editor, Theology of Work Project
"R. Paul Stevens had sensed 'something missing' in his experience of working, so he left his pastor-role for several years to become a day-laborer. No wonder his words on work are so authentic. Now, decades later, as he says, 'Marketplace theology takes time, indeed a lifetime.' Stevens has spent his own long lifetime exploring God's revelation about our daily work. Now, in this book, he has distilled for us the essential elements of his hard-won insights."
--Larry Peabody, author of God Loves Your Work
"Much of marketplace theology starts with the hands (right action) or the head (right orthodoxy) or the heart (right passion). Each is helpful but limited. R. Paul Stevens, in this beautiful book, The Shape of Marketplace Theology, calls us to see the interaction between these often-isolated views. With helpful and personal examples from his sixty years on this journey, Stevens brings these parts together in wonderful way."
--Al Erisman, author of The Accidental Executive
"In The Shape of Marketplace Theology, R. Paul Stevens has once again showcased his erudite insights in the study of marketplace theology. Stevens provides a fresh integrated and effective framework to reflect on how faith can best be expressed in the marketplace in the broadest sense of its context, be it in the workplace, at a commercial hub, on a political area, or at home. Stevens is to be applauded for offering a fresh perspective and a unique addition to the discussion of marketplace theology."
--Enoch Wong, director, Centre for Leadership Studies, Tyndale Seminary
"For many decades, R. Paul Stevens has called for liberating the laity not just in the church but for the work of God in the world. In this volume, he harvests a lifetime of teaching, practice, and friendships to give us a transformative vision and real-world practices for the 'marketplace' that can--and must--be lived if the gospel is to be made known in a time when the church has been dismissed by most of our culture."
--Jonathan R. Wilson, senior consultant for theological integration, Canadian Baptist Ministries
