Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet



Sabbath Rest by Mark Scarlata 



A great book for anyone looking to explore the biblical background of sabbath alongside the tension of what it means to live it out in the world today



Sabbath Rest1Sabbath Rest - The Beauty of God's Rhythm for a Digital Age
By Mark Scarlata
SCM Press
ISBN: 978-0334058069
Reviewer: Ed Jones


There currently seems to be a steady steam of books on the theme of rest . In no way a new or suddenly relevant topic, but one in the midst of an ever busy and hectic world the church and disciples need to be taking seriously.

Mark Scarlata describes himself not as an expert, but a fellow pilgrim journey. A humble description. His own journey of discovery comes through powerfully in the way Sabbath Rest is written. He offers insight and input alongside sharing personal questions and exploration. With the backdrop of the many challenges that technology and the digital age set before us, he explores how rather than burying our heads in the sand, sabbath rest can actual empower and enthuse us for all of life.

The book delves straight into the theme of rest from a biblical and theological perspective and that is where it stays. In a busy marketplace where books on this theme are concerned, I found it sitting somewhere between Walter Brueggemann’s Sabbath as Resistance and Adam Mabry’s The Art of Rest, offering further insight and input.

From creation onwards he explores the foundation of sabbath, rest and how to take these truths and apply them in the world today. Rather than interweave application through every page, Scarlata ends each chapter with questions for reflection or discussion. These work well on a personal basis, but would also comfortably fit into a small group setting.

A great book for anyone looking to explore the biblical background of sabbath alongside the tension of what it means to live it out in the world today. 

 

Ed Jones is Lead Pastor at Battle Baptist Church, East Sussex




 
Baptist Times, 11/10/2019
    Post     Tweet
Psalms and Songs of Solace by Martyn Percy
'Aims to serve, to enable, to strengthen and to bless those who use it as a resource' through a focus on the Psalms
A Calendar of Carols by Gordon Giles
'A useful, well-researched tool for those who want to know more about how the carols we sing came about - but would have benefitted from some illustrations'
Wounded I Sing: From Advent to Christmas with George Herbert, by Richard Harries
​Devotional reading helps us avoid the too-soon collapsing of Advent into mere preparations for Christmas - and here Harries demonstrates how George Herbert is our most significant observer of the spiritual life through poetry
Do Not Be Afraid, by Rachel Mann
'In this Advent book Mann writes with a simplicity that conveys a depth of wisdom both scriptural and theological, and which is related to the ordinary things of everyday life'
The DNA of Healthy Discipleship by Dave Criddle
'Accessible, rich in insights and practical wisdom, this is a book for anyone who is serious about following Jesus and helping others to do the same – and just wants to get on with the job'
Jesus and the Powers by Tom Wright and Michael F. Bird
Rather than telling Christians how to vote, the authors focus on the relationship of God’s Kingdom to the powers that govern different countries and to democracy
    Posted: 04/10/2024
    Posted: 01/03/2024