Surveys twentieth century theologies of work, contrasting differing approaches to consider the “problem of labor” from a theological perspective.

• Aimed at theologians concerned with how Christianity might engage in social criticism, as well those who are interested in the connection between Marxist and Christian traditions
• Explores debates about labor under capitalism and considers the relationship between divine and human work
• Through a thorough reading of Weber’s Protestant Work Ethic, argues that the triumph of the "spirit of utility" is crucial to understanding modern notions of work
• Draws on the work of various twentieth century Catholic thinkers, including Josef Pieper, Jacques Maritain, Eric Gill, and David Jones
• Published in the new and prestigious Illuminations series.

John Hughes is Curate of St David’s with St Michael’s Exeter and holds a Cambridge PhD. He has published a number of articles in top journals such as Telos and Modern Theology.