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
Mindful Formation by Shaun Lambert
'Blends academic, practical, and devotional content seamlessly - a modern spiritual classic'
Slow Wisdom by Ruth Moriarty
'If taken on board, it should see the church meeting becoming more of what it should be: a dynamic, prayerful, joyful space of listening to God as we listen to one another'
What’s Up, by Joanna Adeyinka-Burford
Recommended devotional book for Key Stage 2 children who have some knowledge of Christianity, created by someone with a strong understanding of the world of the child
Mind Fuel for Young Explorers, by Bear Grylls and Will Van Der Hart
'A brilliant tool to aid our young people as they navigate our changing modern world, non-preachy yet shot through with Christian wisdom'
The Martyr and the Red Kimono by Naoko Abe
'I am personally very grateful to Noako Abe for this outstanding piece of work... Through her assiduous research she has retrieved the whole of Maximilian Kolbe’s life story'
Unforgiveable? by Stephen Cherry
'Explores forgiving and forgivability in the aftermath of serious, traumatic and life-changing harm. An important book, which deserves serious study'
    Posted: 04/10/2024
    Posted: 01/03/2024