Work and Happiness in Calvin’s Thought

A new interpretation of the justification of work according to John Calvin, denominated the duty of stewardship, reveals a definition of happiness as contentment and adjustment of relationships, independently of the pleasure and pain that is experienced. Suffering, considered to be an evil, nevertheless contributes to happiness when it is overcome in the pursuit of spiritual joy. Obtaining such happiness becomes a source of an ethics of work based on the sharing of joy within the community.