Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN)

COURSE OLD PUBLIC ETHICS CRS:581

TUDENT NAME
BAMANI, UMARU
UJ/2021/MD/0169

CLASS
Mdi2 Online
LECTURER Dr. Abednego D.

QUESTION:
ASSIGNMENT: WRITE A SUMARRY REVIEW OF Godwin N. Toryough’S Article: The biblical ethics of
work: A model for African nations.

OURS IS A WORLD OF ETHICS

 INTRODUCTION

The author attempted to establish the biblical view of work, to present the biblical ethics of

work and demonstrate how an application of the biblical ethics of work could be of

invaluable benefit to the nations of Africa using synchronic method of exegesis and did great

justice in using existential method of exegesis in trying to proffer solution to this major

developmental problem of Nigeria and Africa at large. The author first pointed out the lack of

knowledge of sound work ethic in Nigerian and many African nation pointing out that work

in Africa is often greeted with unlawfulness by both employer and employee and this is

evident in backwardness in technological development in Africa.

THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF WORK

The author noted that a person’s opinion on work is usually built on two things: one’s

experience and knowledge on the origin of work. While free thinker sees work as man’s quest

for survival people of the book (Judaism, Islam Hinduism etc.) Hold that the concept of work

arises after man disobeyed his maker thus, a kind of punishment. The author aptly noted that

if this notion is upheld the concept of work will be seen as retributive act thus, evil.

THE BIBLE ON THE ORIGINS OF WORK

The Biblical perspective of work was drawn by the author from the book of Genesis. The

writer pointed out that God who created the cosmos as depicted in Genesis chapter one is a

working God who works and fits the earth for six day and rested on the seventh day. He also

created man as part of His work in His Image to take after Him. The creator even before the

rebellion of man charged man to work in Genesis 1:28 and 2:15. The author vividly draws the

attention of readers to the fact that the command to work was given even before the fall of

man; also noted the fact that Jesus took his ministry as work. ‘My Father is still working, and
I also am working’ (Jn 5:17 NRSV). Hence, concept of work as an evil idea or punishment

holds no ground as far as sound truth is concerned according to the author.

The double perspective of scripture on work

Two perspectives of works exist in the Bible, the wariness, tireless work without God which

the Bible pointed out as the labour of fools which destroys them and blessed labour which is

works which is done with God at the centre of affirms. The early church held this view and

did not view work as evil according to the author but however, things turned around in the 4 th

century when gnostic teaching crept into the church and influence some believers. The

teaching which held that all other work apart from the work of the work in God’s temple is

evil. This development led to dichotomy between circular and church work where people

assume a holy tone in church service and suddenly turns devils at work place. This according

to the writer is a great mistake by the early church.

THE BIBLICAL ETHICS OF WORK

The author highlighted biblical ethics of work noting the Bible gave both employer and

employee’s ethics of work. The author pointed out employer’s ethics such as: the principle of

discipline in the workplace- the employee is commanded to obey his superior or master and is

to be done with respect, fear and sincerity of heart void of eye-service. Similarly, the

obedience required is to be given not to win favor of any kind, be it promotion or anything

else. The reason why believers are to obey their master is because they are working for the

Lord. That means that the Lord is the ultimate Employer. The employee also is to be

hardworking, diligent and conscientious and finally, to be o be honest and sincere. The

employer on his part is to show respect and sincerity to employees and also employers are not

to take undue advantage of their employees or those working under them. They are not to
overwork them but remember that they are also human beings made in the image and likeness

of God.

NIGERIA AND BIBLICAL WORK ETHICS: A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE FOR

AFRICA

The author finally uses Nigeria as an Xray to explicate why many African nations are

undeveloped. The author noted that many scholars have studied the cause of development and

have come out with relevant findings such as: cultural diversity, role of physical policy etc.

While such findings are relevant in their context, they are never complete and adequate

without the Biblical perspective.

The author pointed out that Nigeria as an African nation craved for her independence and

only 40 years later after her independence to wish and desire the good old days because of the

deplorable nature of the country. The author pointed out that if the nation is to imbibe good

work ethics as enshrined in the Bible the nation will be better: African workers should stop

thinking that they are working for government. They should see themselves as working for

the Ultimate Master or Employer, that is, God; They should also remember that the Lord

would reward them for whatever they do, either good or bad. They should, therefore, see their

jobs as a vocation or God’s calling and must exhibit diligence and hard work and must show

commitment and enthusiasm in doing their job. While the employer must allow honesty to be

their guiding principle in all that they do to those working under them and the consumers of

their products. This should begin with the kind of policies they push forward and the

implementation of constitutional provisions of their countries. It should also affect their

management of state finances and personnel resources. The recruitment of staff should be

based on quality rather than nepotism, gratification and ethnic considerations.

CONCLUSION

The article pointed out that the desire and effort of many African governments to build

world-class economies and technologies in the 21st century is quite laudable. But such

desires will be a mirage if corresponding action doesn’t accompany it. This article has argued

that one good way of bringing about this desired change is first to change the orientation of

the workers of the African nations about work. It means to adopt a new ethics of work, which

is none other than the biblical work ethics. If the biblical work ethics is adopted and adhered

to strictly by every stakeholder in Africa, the whole world would soon start singing a new

song about the African continent.