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The concept of Vain labour in Christianity

Vain labour, according to the Catholic Church and Early Christianity, denotes efforts and work that are ultimately unproductive or futile. It highlights the potential of human endeavors to be without lasting impact or success, particularly in a spiritual or religious context. This notion suggests that certain efforts lack genuine purpose and meaningful outcomes, emphasizing the limitations of human work when disconnected from divine intent or significance.

Synonyms: Fruitless effort

In Malay: Kerja sia-sia; In Spanish: Trabajo en vano; In German: Vergebliche Arbeit; In Swedish: Fåfängt arbete; In Finnish: Turhaa työtä; In Dutch: Nutteloze arbeid

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Vain labour'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Efforts or work that are futile or without genuine purpose, particularly in a religious or spiritual context.[1] (2) Refers to unproductive or futile efforts attributed to certain men, implying their actions lacked meaningful outcome.[2]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The city of God

(1) This describes the efforts of humans that are ultimately unproductive or fruitless, highlighting the potential for human endeavors to be without lasting impact or success.[3]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) The builders were expending effort on the tower's construction, which was ultimately rendered futile when their languages were confused, indicating the project's ultimate failure.[4]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Plural form: Vain labours.