John Paul II states that through man's labour human dignity, brotherhood and freedom must increase on earth. By careful listening to the word of God, and by uniting work with prayer, Christians will know the true place that work has - not only in earthly progress but also in the development of the kingdom of God. This major teaching document on human work, seeks enlightenment on the true nature of work from the Scriptures. It analyses the conflict between labour and capital, and the basis and substance of the rights pertaining to workers. It examines the elements for a Spirituality of Work. It remains an important text within the Church's body of Social Teaching and a seminal text on the subject of work.