David Larsen on Christian Placemaking

Exploring the Theology of Place and Work‍

The intersection of place and work is a rich and complex area of theological exploration. In a recent episode of the Working Theology podcast, guests David Larson, Brandon Giella, and Parker Smith delved into the topic of Christian placemaking and its connection to the theology of work.

Placemaking and the Kingdom of God

‍At the heart of Christian placemaking is the idea of creating a place that reflects God's kingdom. This goes beyond the instrumental and relational aspects of work and asks the deeper question of what kind of kingdom we are building. The Bible provides a grand narrative that includes both a mini narrative of fall and redemption and a larger narrative of the creation and restoration of God's place. Christian placemaking seeks to align with this larger narrative and create a place that reflects God's values and judgments.

The Three Components of Place

‍David Larson, a senior research fellow at the Kirby Lang Center for Public Theology, explains that place is made up of three components: location, locale, and sense of place. Placemaking involves the construction or continued construction of these components to create a meaningful experience of place and space. This includes not only the physical environment but also the people and the relationships that exist within that environment.

The Role of Placemaking in Work‍

Placemaking is not limited to physical spaces like homes or cities but can also be applied to the workplace. Workplaces can be designed and constructed to reflect God's values and judgments, creating an environment that encourages flourishing and supports the common good. By viewing work through the lens of placemaking, we can see it as a part of our ultimate mission as human beings: to construct a place that reflects God's kingdom and brings glory to Him.

In summary, exploring the theology of place and work involves considering the larger narrative of creation and restoration, the components of place, and the role of placemaking in work. By seeking to construct a place that reflects God's values and judgments, we can participate in the ultimate mission of glorifying God and bringing His kingdom to earth.