The language of vocation emerged from within the Christian tradition. Yet other religions have similar terms to explain how people and communities gain a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning.
Beginning in 2014, a group of scholars has been exploring concepts, perspectives, and challenges related to a sense of calling from Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, Christian, and secular traditions. Together they have written Calling in Today’s World: Voices from Eight Faith Perspectives, Kathleen A. Cahalan and Douglas J. Schuurman, eds. (Eerdmans, 2016).
Find out more about Calling in Today’s World »
Watch a panel discussion from several of the book’s contributors:
Buddhist tradition
Mark Unno
Professor of Religion, University of Oregon
Confucian tradition
Mark Berkson
Professor of Religion, Hamline University
Hindu tradition
Anantanand Rambachan
Professor of Religion, St. Olaf College
Islamic tradition
John Kelsay
Richard L. Rubenstein Professor of Religion, Florida State University
Jewish tradition
Rabbi Amy Eilberg
Secular tradition
Edward Langerak
Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, St. Olaf College
Protestant tradition
Douglas Schuurman
Professor of Religion, St. Olaf College
Catholic tradition
Kathleen A. Cahalan
Professor of Theology, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
