This thesis seeks to locate an ethic of work in the thought world presented by the book of Ecclesiastes. It proceeds first by exposing the lack in extended theological-ethical considerations of Ecclesiastes in both biblical studies and theological ethics, proposing modestly to make a start in filling this lack by exploring Qoheleth’s work ethic. In the first chapter, six topics pertinent for a theological-ethical consideration of Ecclesiastes are introduced: the significance of the figure of Solomon; the meaning of hevel (traditionally rendered, ‘vanity’); perception and epistemology; cult, economy and politics; time; and the socalled carpe diem refrain. The chapter closes by enlisting two figures, St. Bonaventure and Martin Luther, for assistance in further exploring these topics. In Chapter 2, Bonaventure’s Commentary on Ecclesiastes is encountered. Reading Ecclesiastes within a penitential framework, Bonaventure offers a version of the contemptus mundi tradition rooted in his metaphysics of emanation, exemplarity and consummation. Bonaventure’s commentary is ethically significant in that he detects the vice of curiositas as precipitating the fall from the vanitas mutabilitatis to the vanity of sin and guilt. Chapter 3 considers Luther’s ‘Notes on Ecclesiastes.’ Luther interprets Solomon as a wise economic-political administrator who preaches the good news of God’s involvement in the quotidian. This positive understanding of the character of Solomon enables Luther to read Ecclesiastes eschatologically, with labour being seen as a locus of divine activity. The upshot is that one may read Solomon’s refrain as an invitation to labour with the expectation of receiving God’s gifts in the present. The fourth and final chapter is the constructive portion of this thesis. It draws upon the previous chapters in order to make positive claims about Qoheleth’s work ethic. In sum, Ecclesiastes enhances conversations surrounding the theology and ethics of work by working protology and eschatology through christology.

Thesis (Ph. D)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 127 p.: ill. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: David S. Stein, School of Physical Activity and Educational Services. Includes bibliographical references (p. 120-127).

Thesis (M.A.T.S.)--Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 57-64).

M.A. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Ed.

The problem addressed in this study pertained to the prevailing attitudes toward work and the relationship between religious orientation and work ethic dimensions. The study probed the most frequent or very common attitudes toward work among students in the Teacher Education Program at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and explored whether religion affected the work ethic characteristics. Work ethic dimensions were referred to as Self-Reliance, Morality/Ethics, Hard Work, Leisure, Centrality to Work, Wasted time and Delay of Gratification. Religiosity was presented from the point of view of its expressions relating to human society and its members' practical life including occupation, economy and work rather than the essence of the religion. Results indicated that Teacher Education Program students who participated in this study portrayed a strong work ethic in dimensions of Morality/Ethics, Hard Work, Delay of gratification, and Centrality of work. Students reflected a weaker work ethic in regards to Wasted Time, Self-Reliance and Leisure (Anti-Leisure). In regards to religious relations to work ethic dimensions, the results piloted a proposal that religious orientation had an inconsequential relationship to the work ethic dimensions measured in this study. These associations remained stronger for the religious oriented rather than the non-religious oriented. This study was extremely descriptive and exploratory. As such, the prevailing work ethic dimensions and the relationship between religiosity and work ethic dimensions were extremely tentative and applicable only to the subjects involved in this study and revealed the need for further research.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Pennsylvania State University, 2005. / Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Reformed Theological Seminary, 1991. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-193).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--Acadia University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.