The Politics of Spiritual Work in Christian Movements

Aini Linjakumpu

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
06 August 2025

Christianity; Christian spirituality & religious experience; Sociology: work & labour

Series: Routledge Focus on Religion

This book examines how three conservative Christian movements – Jehovah’s Witnesses, Conservative Laestadians and the Old Order Amish – attribute spiritual meanings to both paid employment and voluntary work, and how work functions as a tool of governance within these communities. A central concept developed in this book is spiritual work, used to describe forms of labour imbued with religious meaning and purpose. This book offers a detailed analysis of how religious interpretations of work regulate members’ lives and sustain internal power dynamics. By tracing both the theological roots and social consequences of these interpretations, the study demonstrates that work is not merely an economic necessity but a central component of the moral and spiritual order within these movements. Framed by perspectives from the study of power and governance, this book identifies three key dimensions through which governance operates via work: shaping individual spirituality, reinforcing communal belonging and cohesion, and regulating the boundary between the religious community and the outside world.

By: Aini Linjakumpu
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
Weight: 380g
ISBN: 9781041083610
ISBN 10: 1041083610
Series: Routledge Focus on Religion
Pages: 112
Publication Date: 06 August 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

1. Introduction 2. Examining the theology of work 3. The meanings of work and the governance of a religious community 4. Jehovah’s witnesses: Preaching as spiritual work 5. Conservative Laestadians and working for the Kingdom of God 6. The Amish: The many meanings of farming 7. The politics of spiritual work. Index

Aini Linjakumpu is Professor of Politics of Religions and Cultures at the University of Lapland, Finland.