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
The Hardest Problem: God, Evil and Suffering by Rupert Shortt 
'Not only helpful to Christians but worth passing on to thoughtful unbelievers who find the problem of evil and suffering an obstacle to belief'
Heroes or Villains by Jeannie Kendall 
'A gem of a book, thoughtfully and insightfully exploring the qualities we share with Bible characters'
Poverty, Riches and Wealth by Kris Vallotton
A book which makes you think with sections you might disagree with - but the golden thread that you are wealthy in proportion to your generosity, not according to your riches - is an excellent, Biblical principle
Lydia by Paula Gooder 
'Thoroughly recommended, not just as a historical novel, but also as a useful reference book kept close to the regularly-used commentaries'
Swansong by Jo-Anne Berthelsen
'This book certainly challenges us, but also encourages us that our words have real power to transform the lives of others'
Letting Photos Speak: Visio Divina and Other Approaches to Contemplative Photography
'The simple but profound definitions and practical examples and exercises make this an accessible book – in this sense everyone can be a contemplative photographer'
     Reviews 
    Posted: 01/03/2024
    Posted: 22/09/2023