Christian theology can be seen in workplace, writer says

In his new book, “After Sunday: A Theology of Work,” Armand Larive argues that the work world has strong religious connections often ignored by organized religion. He blames that lack of understanding on the church’s focus on Sundays and institutional needs.

He’ll read from that book on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington in downtown Spokane.

An Episcopal priest, Larive served as the rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Pullman from 1975 until his retirement in 2001. He also taught philosophy at Washington State University. Today, he’s relishing a new career as a carpenter in Bellingham.

He says his book lays a positive theological framework for a Christian understanding of work.

“There are lots of theology books coming out at any given time, but rarely a theology about everyday work,” Armand notes in an e-mail interview. “True, people write about work ethics and religion, or ‘spirituality’ (a vague term) and work, but practically never about the foundational issues that underpin a Christian approach to work.

“That’s probably because the churches have such a voracious appetite to concentrate on themselves and don’t look outward despite the fact that many people regard their secular vocations as a major commitment in life.”

Larive hopes his book pushes churches away from a Sunday focus toward helping churchgoers manage everyday life in the secular world.