Theologian Walter Brueggemann is the author of many books, mostly for the academic world, but here is one which is more accessible and on a topic which should be of interest to all Christians. The 2017 edition also includes a study guide in the second half, with a substantial and thoughtful study based upon each chapter, which very much adds to the value of the book.

Books on the biblical aspects of Sabbath are quite plentiful and while it is important to get a good grounding from the scriptures on this topic, there is also a need for practical advice on how to make this count in our lives. The author aims to give us a perspective on Sabbath which moves beyond legalistic prohibitions and cultural traditions. His title ‘Sabbath as Resistance’ indicates his concern that we break free from the frenetic, anxiety-laden, workaholic consumerism that afflicts our society. The subtitle also illuminates his main theme, ‘Saying no to the culture of now’.

Insightful Gems

There are many insightful gems all through the book, from the preface to the final page. The opening and closing chapters connect the Sabbath commandment with the first and tenth Commandments. Indeed, it is instructive to reflect on why the Sabbath commandment comes fourth in the list. Is it to help us understand better those that go before it and to help us keep those that go after it? For instance, taking a Sabbath mitigates the power of covetousness and reduces the temptation to steal.

The middle four chapters talk about Sabbath as resistance to anxiety, coercion, exclusivism and multitasking. In each case there is a Scripture passage to provide a biblical basis to the chapter which also feeds into the study session later in the book.

Overall, the book is a call to sanctify part of our lives on a regular basis, not necessarily in strict accordance with Jewish laws but in reaction to a society which will pull us away from God and the restfulness he both offers his people and requires of us if we are to work more effectively for him in the world. Having read several books on Sabbath I wondered if this would offer anything new, but the couple of pages of notes I took while reading it testify to the way Brueggemann opens up the topic in a way that will benefit everyone.

‘Sabbath as Resistance’ (148pp, paperback) is available from Amazon for £9.99. Also on Kindle.