Meaningful Work and Human Flourishing: Communication Lessons from the Judeo-Christian Tradition

Abstract

Judeo-Christian origin narratives connect work with communication to begin all creation and to begin humanity. God speaks the universe into existence and breathes His image to life, giving dominion to name and replenish and fill the earth. In this world-view, communication drives relationships; it is divine creative power at work advancing both personal and sociocultural history. From this ancient idea a broad wisdom tradition has grown for millennia that continues to offer a profound resource for understanding workplace well-being. This chapter details select Hebrew, Christian, Rabbinic, Augustinian, Protestant, and modern Catholic texts to show how work is relational and that dignifying work can generate meaning and peace. Workers join a divine dynamic of giving and receiving, flourishing as we commune with God and neighbor. Lessons drawn from key authors across the tradition outline the Judeo-Christian work ethic and describe communicative work that is both instrumentally effective and morally good. A conclusion on the ontology of “gift” rounds out the chronology and summarizes spiritual implications for workplace well-being.