Most would agree that finding meaningful work is important for our quality of life, but once upon a time – work was looked upon with contempt.
The remains of Whitby Abbey in England where monks once worshipped. PICTURE: Kirsten Dew/Unsplash
Work was for slaves, the oppressed, and those defeated in war. To have to labour was to be subject to someone greater!
How did this change? It was the development of monasteries and their success that rehabilitated work.
With the growth of Christianity, monasteries sprang up everywhere. The reality of living in a monastery was that the monks had to work: growing, cleaning, building. They came to find value in the discipline of physical, spiritual and mental work!
Such holy men were admired so it caught on! Work was no longer the domain of slaves, but an act of self-respect.
The amazing things Christianity has done for us.
