Regent College Podcast Dr. Gordon T. Smith: Vocation and Human Agency as Antidote to Despair
Apr 4, 2025
Dr. Gordon T. Smith, a renowned Canadian theologian and educator, dives deep into the complexities of vocation and human agency. He discusses the nuances of navigating vocational disappointments and emphasizes the importance of resilience. Gordon explores the balance between multiple callings, the significance of saying no, and the integration of manual and intellectual labor. He encourages listeners to embrace companionship on their journeys, highlighting how faith and work intertwine in fostering personal and communal growth.
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Human Agency in Vocation
- Gordon Smith emphasizes the importance of human agency in vocation, rejecting the idea that individuals are merely vessels for God's will.
- He highlights the significance of individual particularity and the potential of human contribution.
Multiple and Lateral Vocations
- Smith discusses the concept of multiple vocations and seasonal callings, recognizing that individuals are rarely called to just one thing.
- He also highlights mid-career transitions as significant moments of vocational discernment and emphasizes lateral callings.
Mary's "Yes"
- Smith uses the example of Mary accepting God's call to bear Jesus, to illustrate the power of human agency in vocation.
- He emphasizes that Mary's "yes" was a pivotal moment in history, highlighting the potential impact of individual choices.
