Theologian Offers New Views on Purpose
Professor Kirk Byron Jones
Is it wise to challenge traditional Christian understanding, especially when that understanding has helped to sell over 30 million copies of The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren's best-selling book about finding your true calling? Wise or not, a challenge is being waged by Kirk Byron Jones, a professor at Andover Newton Theological School.
In a new book published by Jossey Bass, Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose, (www.holyplay.com) Jones suggests that purpose is not something we receive from God but something we create with God. Jones contends that a belief which allows more room for human choice regarding purpose can free up believers to explore various vocational choices over a lifetime without feeling that they are being unfaithful to God. Jones says, “Such vocational mobility is especially necessary in a time of uncertain and unpredictable job security. Believing that God intends for you a set singular purpose is not only theologically limiting but economically dangerous.”
Fueled by biblical stories that seem to place God’s will over human desire, traditional Christianity doesn't always point in the direction of our choosing our life’s work. Jones responds, “Whenever God calls anyone to do anything in the Bible, that call is always presented as an invitation, not a demand. Seeing purpose as an open invitation from God as opposed to a closed decree, frees us to creatively and joyfully explore countless godly aspirations and ambitions bubbling inside of us.”
Jones sees the runaway success of Warren's book as an indication of how many people hunger for a definitive spiritual road map. But the purpose driven life notion of a divine plan for every human may not satisfy everyone. Jones says, “Many are either stuck not knowing their true purpose or stifled by a purpose that does not bring them genuine fulfillment because they believe God’s will is something other than their wholesome dreams and aspirations.” Jones offers, “Purpose was never meant to be secretive, mysterious, or drudgery. Your purpose has to do with the wholesome aspirations and dreams God is constantly inspiring in you. We must be less hesitant and afraid about playing those holy inspirations.”
