“Work: The Power to Create a New World”

1. “Work: The Power to Create a New World” Creating a Christian Lifestyle Chapter 3

2. Section A: “Work is Essential” (Pages 47—49) (CCC: 32433; #2436.) Work, any sustained effort that has a purpose, essential to human dignity. We express our power and our creativity through work, and it plays a significant role in shaping our identity. To be deprived of work leads to a sense of powerlessness and frustration, which promotes deep, hopeless anger. “For Review” questions, page 49. 1. What is work and why is it important? Work is a sustained effort ht at has a purpose. It is important to us because it occupies a large part of our life, it plays a major role in shaping our identity, it gives expression to our power and creativity, It enables us to the building of the world, ant it provides us with a sense of dignity and purpose in life.

3. 2. Describe the dynamics that are often a part of unemployment. When people are deprived of work because of forced unemployment, they experience powerlessness and a loss of meaning. This often leads to feelings of frustration and deep, hopeless anger. Section B: “Why Work?” (Pages 49—53.) People usually work to earn money, to fulfill ambitions, to develop a sense of identity, to do what they love to do, to build the earth, or to answer a call. (CCC, #2434) “For Review” questions, page 53. 1. List and briefly explain the six motives for working discussed in this section. 1. To earn money: Most of us work to earn money so that we can meet our basic needs—clothing, housing, food, and other fundamental goods and services. Even when money is our primary motive, work can be fulfilling for other reasons as well.

4. 2. To fulfill ambitions: The ambition to do some particular work may be part of a life dream. For example, an engineer who has always wanted to work in the space program and finally has the chance to do so finds work meaningful and energizing. 3. To develop a sense of identity: Work is one way that we clarify who we are. It gives us an arena within to answer questions about what we have to offer and how we react in certain situations. 4. To do what one loves to do: People who love their job work with a special enthusiasm; they bring to their tasks joy and commitment. People who enjoy their job are renewed by their work. 5. To build a better world: Building a better world means building conditions for a better life for the earth and its inhabitants. All jobs performed with a dedication to quality can contribute to a better world, provided that their results are not detrimental to life. 6. To answer a call: Some people see their job as a vocation, or calling. They feel that some need in the world is calling them to respond and that this work is very specially theirs to do. They have a passionate conviction that they are meant to do this work.

5. Section C: “A Christian Vision of Work” (Pages 53—59.) (CCC: #2427—2428.) In the Christian worldview, work has dignity because it is a form of co-creation with God. If the type of work we do and the way we do our work builds up the world and promotes the welfare of humanity, our work can be profoundly meaningful. “For Review” questions, page 59. 1. According to Pope John Paul II, what is the basis for determining the value of a particular work? The basis for the value of given work is that the one doing the work isa person.

6. 2. If we believe that all creation is God’s work, building the earth becomes a form of participating in the process of creation, a co-working with God. By working for the good of humankind and nature, of which we are a part, we become involved in the process of creation.

7. 3. Give two examples each of “jobs that help” and “jobs that hurt.” • “Jobs that help” • a contractor who builds solid, decent houses • a medical lab technician who is careful about doing tests accurately • an engineer who designs a can opener that works more easily • “Jobs that hurt” • the manufacture of cigarettes • the manufacture of and sale of dangerous and untested drugs • the manufacture of chemical, nuclear and biological weapons • 4. What are the three dimensions of how we work that affect the • meaning of our work? • An emphasis on quality, care for people who are customers or clients, and concern for coworkers.

8. Section D: “Toward a Life’s Work” (Pages 60—65.) • High School students may prepare themselves for their life’s work by first taking action on some suggestions for career selection: assessing themselves, looking beyond stereotypes about careers, considering work environments, looking at work clusters, contacting people in their field of interest, and transferable life skills they may need to be effective, contributing and satisfied workers. • “For Review” questions, page 65. • 1. List six suggestions that can help a person to select a career. • Assess yourself. • Look beyond stereotypes. • Consider work environments. • Look at clusters of work. • Contact people in your fields of interest. • Try out careers.

9. 2. What is the difference between career-content skills and transferable life skills? Which are most crucial in a changing world? Career-content skills are those skills that belong to a specific job; transferable life skills are those skills that we carry from one job or situation to another. Transferable life skills are most crucial in a changing world.