Back during Advent, members of St. Philip’s Beloved in the Desert community shared some presentations on the theme of Rest (one of seven elements in the Episcopal Way of Love being pondered and practiced in churches across the country). One of those presentations caught my attention, and I’ve decided I want to contemplate the theme of rest over the next few weeks.
I’m beginning with some reflections on the idea that caught my attention: finance-dominated capitalism. The term comes from a book by Kathryn Tanner, Christianity and the New Spirit of Capitalism. I have not read the book, but this link takes you to an informative interview about the book by Christian Century. (FYI, my blog is part of Christian Century’s CC blogs network.)
Tanner says that finance-dominated capitalism “encourages people to think of themselves in the same way that profit-maximizing businesses think of them: their persons represent capital that must be put to maximally productive use.”
Ponder that for a moment. Stretching back to the beginnings of the industrial revolution and reinforced through the creation of efficiencies like the assembly line, humans have been put to “maximally productive use” for generations, without regard for the effect on our souls and bodies. Tanner points out that early capitalists actually capitalized(!) on the Protestant work ethic, because such dutiful Christians made compliant and committed workers. In contrast, she wants to encourage “an antiwork ethic that extends a Protestant understanding of God’s free grace to everyday life.”
As a solopreneur, I welcome that idea. I know I’ve bought into the “strive for success” model and struggle to live it out while still wanting to balance my own work-and-rest life. As I’ve reflected elsewhere, one word I’ve used to remind myself is “enough.” Studies show that the human brain can only do so much focused work in one day. My heart can only take so much of the world’s pain. In strong contrast to the constant push to maximize every moment of our time, most of us desperately need more rest in our lives.
I’ve pondered the idea of rest on this blog before and even changed the day I post because of the need for rest. As we dive/walk/run/slide into a new year, I invite you to consider how you might need to embrace grace and find rest rather than maximizing your capitalistic potential every day in every way. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll share some of my further thoughts and suggestions for embracing different kinds of rest.
During our recent Sunday Way of Love series at St. Philip’s in the Hills, we talked about some of the differences between relaxing and resting, which triggered some interesting contemplation for me.
Thank you, Eileen. There is definitely a difference, and one of my upcoming posts will ponder that. Thanks for setting the stage for me!
Peace,
Shirin
Thank you for this post! I now want to look at Tanner’s work!
In that I’ve been studying church history in seminary studies and have just had a conversation on Pelagius vs Augustine, I have to say that I see so much Pelagianism in the spirit of capitalism. The message that we can strive and work hard and maximize our worth is rooted in the Pelagian idea that if we work hard enough, we can be good enough, and saved (without much grace involved). The “anti-work” ethic is anti-Pelagius, relying on grace in the form of rest.
You’re welcome, Sondra. I’m glad my post connected with your studies, and thank you for adding the church history element to my ponderings!
Peace,
Shirin
I have a great quote from Joan Chittister posted on the bathroom mirror: “God did not create the world in a day and neither shall we. But we do create what it will become every day of our lives. You are a sign and a signal of the world to come”.
Its the first line that smacks me up side the head when I am rushing around with a mile long to do list and failing to take time to rest. Thank you for yet another reminder of the importance and priority rest should be in my life.
You’re welcome, Joyce! Joan’s quote is an excellent reminder, and rather more positive than the one I’m likely to quote, from Thomas Kelly: “We cannot die on every cross, nor are we expected to.”
May you create some beautiful moments of rest this week.
Peace,
Shirin