Called by God: A Theology of Vocation and Lifelong Commitment

By Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs

Book Overview

A burning theological and pastoral issue of our times is that of vocation - not only priestly and religious vocations (or the lack of them) but also marriage and singlehood. In Called by God, Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs offer an invigorating theology of the mystery of vocation and lifelong commitment from an evolutionary and relational perspective. They first reexamine the mystery of God's will as it bears on vocational discernment. Next they explore several biblical notions converging on that theme: chosen, called, and consecrated. The authors then discuss at length the development of vocation and the unfolding of vocational consciousness necessary for a lifelong commitment. Lastly, Nemeck and Coombs present insights into further vocational progress, once mature commitment has been established.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579107834
• ISBN13: 9781579107833
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

A well researched account of the theology of life in God.

In this slim volume entitled "Called by God:A Theology of Vocation and Lifelong Commitment," Nemeck and Coombs have done a fine job of presenting the theological foundation and implications of living ones life in union with God's will. This is accomplished by defining not only what it means to "do" God's will, but also by defining what "is" God's will. This book is not only concerned with religious vocation, (i.e. priesthood, religious life, ministery, etc.) but rather one that concerns itself primarily with the fundamental human vocation of accepting who one is within the paradigm of creation, redemption and sanctification/transformation (divinization)by means of God's outpouring of love in Jesus Christ. This small gem is an excellent introduction to the ancient Christian theology of divinization (theosis)by participation in God's life through the power of God's Spirit present within. (They are also very proficient in the theology of St. John of the Cross.) I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the transformative power of God's love, and the response this initiates within the heart of one who experiences it.