Book Review: Biblical HR

Applying eternal truths to everyday work

Biblical HR. Applying Eternal Truths to Everyday Work (Morgan James Publishing, 2022) provides “a biblical map, of sorts, for employees at every level to navigate common HR workplace issues.” This is according to its author, Brett Billups, whose extensive career in the public and private sectors includes leading the human resources function for one of the largest employee-owned organisations in the United States.

A well-structured and smooth read, the book begins with a biblical view of workplaces. Then it devotes chapters to workplace issues—leadership, interpersonal conflicts, performance management, recruitment, how to approach unethical behaviour or harassment—and individual issues such as workplace stress or navigating feelings of under appreciation.

Using anecdotal evidence from his career and biblical texts, Billups’ point is that Christians have a higher calling, even in the trenches of the workplace. We are called, he says, to be a light. We handle workplace situations through the wisdom and discernment that comes from our relationship with God. 

The biblical examples inform and strengthen the practical steps in each chapter, making a convincing argument that Scripture is as relevant to our workplace issues as to our everyday lives. Billup also acknowledges not everyone approaches situations from the same faith-based context.

Biblical HR is unashamedly biblical in its views—translating texts from the Bible into practical examples applicable to our workplace today. Most helpful are the practical steps. Only a couple of references are to US-specific regulations.

The book is for anyone seeking to address workplace issues with a more Christ-like lens. It’s a great read: challenging, yes, but in a way that reassures us God has already given us the tools.