Gary D. Badcock
Gary D. Badcock in The Way of Life: A Theology of Christian Vocation. (2002, Wipf & Stock Publishers. Originally published in 1998 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)
“… the fundamental human vocation is to do the will of God.” (15)
“…‘What will I do with my life?’ is vocation’s question. God does not act out the details of my living for me, or even in me; instead, my existence is one of created freedom. Even though my entire being is dependent on God, I nevertheless choose and act, and I build my own life story through the decisions and projects that I undertake.” (53)
“My argument has been that the question ‘What ought I to do?’ really leads to another: ‘What kind of person ought I to be?’ There is no clear answer to the first – insofar, at least, as it is a question concerned solely with career choice. However, much clearer answers can be given to the second question. I ought to be a person for whom love, service, and obedience to God are the major priorities. The Christian ethic is flexible insofar as it allows a multitude of possibilities by which one can fulfill such goals, but there is nevertheless an irreducible core concern within it, which can never be relinquished.” (136)
Gary D. Badcock is a lecturer of theology at University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
