Sunday: Keeping Christian Time

by Jack Franicevich

Sunday, the first day of the week, is a new liturgical institution that draws on the Old Testament liturgical traditions of the Sabbath, Passover, and the Feast of Firstfruits. What does Sunday mean? That's the question which Jack Franicevich answers in this new addition to the Theopolis Explorations series. In Keeping Christian Time, Franicevich studies the meaning of history and holidays and timekeeping in Scripture to stress the gift of rest embodied in the Lord's Day, considering not only the Old Testament feasts but the way in which Luke frame the story of the new covenant.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies

168 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2023

Reviews

[JonM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a long book. It also does not need to be, for it is packed with fresh biblical, liturgical, and cultural insights. This book leaves much for Christians to appreciate and explore further.

A few things within the book struck me:

First, the author is not academically naive. He is clearly not stuck within a myopic tradition, offering an apologetic for a small tribe that already believes what he teaches. Instead, this book reads like it is actually for every Christian, from various denominational backgrounds to pastors, priests, and paupers. Franicevich’s “arguments” are accessible to all, yet they’re not the kinds of content the average pastor, priest, or pauper would gather together or have interest gathering, let alone into one brief booklet. You will be surprised.

Secondarily, instead of offering minimalistic pabulum, as is expected with many Christian books about well-known themes and topics, Franicevich offers fresh and nourishing insights into specific readings of Pauline and Lukan passages. Even if one is not thoroughly convinced by all his arguments, it remains unquestionable that there are intrinsic connections between Sunday, Sabbath, time-keeping, and kingdom-building. I, myself, learned a lot from his unique insights. Although I am not persuaded by every claim made by him, I began as a sceptic and finished a believer. Well done, Jack.

Thirdly, the author offers an impressive array of practical insights surrounding liturgical/calendrical observances that can be implemented immediately and explored further. I was not expecting any new or intriguing advice, let alone practical advice, yet I found some (e.g., Juneteenth Day now intrigues me more than ever before). Again, very well done, Jack.

[J. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting content. Worthwhile read by Theopolis Books.

[James Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an oddly frustrating read. Totally on board with Theopolis and with the idea of this book. And the prose style is breezy and often fun. But I could never quite get the exact point he was making. There was a handy summary towards the end, but it almost felt like too little too late. I’ve never given this as feedback before, but I felt like I could have used some diagrams to really make those connections here was making. Also, at the start, there are a lot of American references with zero concession to an international audience, which was annoying as a Brit.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated and benefitted from the connections Jack makes between the Sabbath law, Passover, the feast of Firstfruits and the Christian celebration of Sunday. Definitely lots to continue thinking about with his points on festal speech and its role in anchoring a community in its ideals and calling that community to live in greater faithfulness.

4.5 rounded up

[Douglas Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good. Some of it went over my head. Still not comfortable enough defending Sunday as a day of rest down to the ground. But this was a good step in that direction for me.

[Jack Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best Biblical commentaries I’ve read. Masterfully connecting Genesis’ 7th day of rest, Exodus’s Sabbath, Levitical ceremonial laws, Jesus’ ministry in Luke, and the Christian Lord’s day in a way that frankly blew my mind, and stirred my heart.

There’s some flawed conflating of American political history with Jewish history, and the book gets a bit too Anglican for my liking towards the end, but the parts that were good, were good so, so good.

[Matt Garm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is an Anglican priest and clearly an up and comer as an author. His writing style is academic, worshipful, and yet still highly accessible.

This book helped me to see so many beautiful connections throughout the pages of Scripture, and put Sunday worship in a more profound light of remembrance, celebration, and liberation.

I would highly recommend!