Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World

by A.J. Swoboda, Matthew Sleeth (Foreword)

We live in a 24/7 culture of endless productivity, workaholism, distraction, burnout, and anxiety--a way of life to which we've sadly grown accustomed. This tired system of "life" ultimately destroys our souls, our bodies, our relationships, our society, and the rest of God's creation. The whole world grows exhausted because humanity has forgotten to enter into God's rest.

This book pioneers a creative path to an alternative way of existing. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Subversive Sabbath offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that leads to fuller and more joyful lives. A. J. Swoboda demonstrates that Sabbath is both a spiritual discipline and a form of social justice, connects Sabbath-keeping to local communities, and explains how God may actually do more when we do less. He shows that the biblical practice of Sabbath-keeping is God's plan for the restoration and healing of all creation. The book includes a foreword by Matthew Sleeth.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2018

About the author

A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham) pastors Theophilus Church in urban Portland, Oregon. He is executive director of the Seminary Stewardship Alliance, a consortium of Christian higher education institutions dedicated to reconnecting Christians with the biblical call to care for God's creation. Swoboda also teaches biblical studies, theology, and church history at Portland Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary, among others. He is an award-winning author or editor of nine books and speaks regularly at conferences, retreats, churches, and seminars. Visit his website and blog at www.ajswoboda.com.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an aspiring Sabbath keeper myself (I was raised doing so and mostly try to do it, tho without consistently enforcing the boundaries I think would add value), I respect the thorough way Swoboda assesses all the elements of the Sabbath. He’s a quite traditional Christian (maybe even conservative), but makes great pleas for the way Sabbathing can bless the animals, the marginalized and ourselves—even tho the reason we do it is because we are told to by God. Lovely self-revelation and an acknowledgement of how much we need to eschew constant consumption. I do find it odd that he thinks Adventists are legalistic in picking a specific day, when he’s advocating we do this because God asked us to—it’s clear biblically that Sabbath wasn’t just a random day....

[Cori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This topic is something I'm actively seeking to understand, and practice, better. Because of some incredibly legalistic attitudes and behaviors surrounding sabbath in some individuals in our church growing up, I really resented this concept. But as I get older, I realize I resented the pharasaical mindset in PEOPLE, not the sabbath as a gift from God.

Sabbath is shown in this book to be a precious, necessary part of our routines and rhythms, so much so that the humans, animals, and land suffer without it. Swoboda brings the receipts and offers examples even in science and research.

Speaking of, I was pleased and surprised that he brought in the impact on animals and farmland by designating an entire section to it. And then I realized... he designated an entire section, with several chapters, to this topic. And it really started to drag. He starts to grasp at straws a bit by the end. As a dairy farm kid, I found myself squinting incredulously in the general direction of the speakers a few times when he used some thin personal anecdotes and general statements that aren't necessarily true or practical. BUT he did make a valid point. Just probably could have condensed that section to... I don't know... 1/4 of what it is before he started stretching for filler.

Overall, great book I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more on this topic.

I'd rate this a PG.

Original review 10/31/24.

[Steve Frederick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having run a seminar in 2018 on Rest & Leisure, I was keen for this book on the basis of some online recommendations, however...

1. It conflates the category of Israel’s covenant obligation of Sabbath, with the theological category of rest.
2. As a result its theology of Rest is barely Christological.
3. It borrows as much from rabbinic tradition as it does from scripture. Some of the concrete concepts shaping application are more indebted to this rabbinic tradition than to scripture’s teaching.
4. It seems to express its sabbath ideas ALMOST exclusively in pragmatic service of human flourishing without sufficient theological recognition that the Sabbath is about receiving and delighting in God’s work.
5. The Book speaks of the “Sabbath as gospel” in a way that fails to engage at all with i.Sin ii. Grace iii. Judgement iv. Resurrection v. Justification... nor indeed, any aspect of Jesus’ work. Even though the book speaks of the restoration of creation, it seems to exclusively address a “gospel” of purely immanent concerns

UPDATE: the best book on Rest I’ve since found is
The Art of Rest: faith to hit pause in a world that never stops By: Adam Mabry

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really edifying and worth the read - especially in a day and age where we're all perpetually exhausted despite the fact that I myself do much less physical labor than probably many (or any?) of my ancestors.

I appreciate that Sabbath/Shabbat is explored in a Biblical context, as well as both Jewish and Christian traditions. I found the practical applications on an individual, family, and community level very helpful. I like that the book explored both the spiritual aspects of Sabbath as well as the functional aspects and how it applies to how we take care of God's creation around us.

The book definitely isn't perfect and there are some really baffling errors and alignments that make me question giving it five stars because what else do I not know well enough to identify as off? However, I felt this book caused me to grow and think and pray about things enough to warrant recommending it wholeheartedly. For the most part I found it to be very balanced - obviously it is very pro-Sabbath-keeping however I feel it does a good job, especially at the end, of pointing out that Sabbath-keeping legalistically is not beneficial.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most Christians don't give much thought to keeping Sabbath. It is one of the Ten Commandments. We certainly would not kill or covet, but keep the Sabbath? Swoboda reminds us it is a gift from God. Receiving a gift is one thing but knowing how to use it properly is something else.

I am impressed with Swoboda's heart felt desire to see Christians keep Sabbath. It is a holy time, he says, and it reminds us that all time is God's. The Sabbath rest was experienced in Eden before the Fall so it is not part of the curse. God created Adam and Eve to need a day of rest, even in their perfect state.

I appreciate the many insights in this book. Vacation is not something we find in the Bible. “Because if we kept a weekly Sabbath, we would not need vacation.” (18) Swoboda doesn't even want us to think about work on our Sabbath. The prohibition of work on the Sabbath allows us to center on being rather than doing. (34)

Swoboda also writes about keeping Jubilee and how that would change society. “When the church embraces the Sabbath, our society will change.” (107) Our not keeping Sabbath has an effect on creation. “Creation will simply not work the way it is created to.” (126)

Swoboda's is a convincing argument. His theology is sound. I like it when I see a business closed on Sunday. Because Swoboda is a pastor, they keep Sabbath on Wednesday. Each Christian would need to determine how and when to keep Sabbath but this book gives a solid foundation and many good ideas.

Swoboda's writing style is academic. This would be a good book for pastors and teachers. I am not sure the average layman would appreciate the extensive theological discussion the book contains. There are Questions for Reflection included at the end of each chapter. This book could be used as a small group study for thinking Christians.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Demetrius Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can tell the author has pondered the Sabbath for many years and from different angles. I think I've found my new favorite Sabbath read. Amazing insights and well researched. Definitely worth multiple readings.

[Alan Calvillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed my perception on how to Sabbath.
I grew up in a mainly seventh-day adventist household. I remember being told that Saturday was a holy day and therefore I should rest and by rest meaning going to the church which ironically was standardized full of activities. So my Saturday would look like: going to church, have a meal prepared the day before, take a nap of about two hours and then go back to church to finish it with another round of activities.

I wouldn't say that I remember those days having a particular type of rest, even the naps were tiresome, since as I wouldn't have anything else to do I would force myself to keep sleeping.

This text helped me discover that Sabbath is more about rest than obedience, a rest framed by generosity. That hurriness and production embedded in this world is not what will fulfill us.

I don't agree on some concepts that the author takes for granted but in general I'd say this is a good starting point to reevaluate the meaning of the way we Sabbath.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made a lot of good points. I especially enjoyed the Biblically based argument for why Christians should be environmentalists. However, this book needed better editing. It was too long, too redundant, and the chapters/topics were too loose.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are always in a hurry. Society moves faster and there are more conveniences that make life easier, but we have given up resting as individuals, and as a society. Resting for one day a week as a Christian of often seen as just one particular day of the week and even adhering to the specific day of the week can be a "religious" thing rather than the true spiritual rest of being with the Creator and his creations. Observing the Sabbath [whatever day you choose] gives an opportunity to be a good steward of your own time, rejuvenate and also be a good steward of the Earth by not using its resources constantly.

Relax, but don't be so rigid about it.

[Todd Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

A. J. Swoboda does an excellent job of compiling a host of reasons for why it is wise to take a Sabbath. Drawing from a lot of rabbinical insights especially, Swoboda is able to relate Sabbath to virtually every aspect of life in the created order.
Two thoughts: What was missing was some New Covenant interaction that teaches why, as followers of Christ, our consciences are bound to observe the Sabbath. I was ready to be convinced that I am required to do this. Swoboda convinced me of the utility and wisdom.
Second, AJ confused Dikembe Mutombo with Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem is Muslim and famously observed Ramadan. Mutombo is Christian. :)

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book tries to address an audience of both academics and laypeople and in so doing fails to do either well. Though it builds a strident case for Sabbath, it reads like a series of connected essays that offer many tangents and anecdotal arguments and little in the way of practical advice. I also found the suggestions for single folks laughably insensitive and ill-advised: “Hm, you don’t have a family to spend Sabbath with? Maybe you would find volunteering at a church restful? Ooh, or use Sabbaths to go on dates!” The chapters on animals were pretty decent, though.

[Shireen Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on Sabbath I’ve read yet! Swoboda does a beautiful job of deep Bible teaching along with practical application of incorporating this practice which is sadly overlooked and under appreciated. He really does a great job showing how the practice of Sabbath was a design by God from the beginning and still important for us and our world today. I love how he shows how the practice of Sabbath touches really every area of our lives and our world. Good read for a more deep study and understanding of Sabbath as you are growing in your personal practice. Would be a great group study as well with the questions after each chapter.

[Alexa Szymanowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was way too dense for me. I love AJ Swoboda’s writing but I think this was written for other theologians or people in ministry. I think this would be a great resource if you were wanting to teach on the sabbath because it talks through the practice in its entirety, but I was hoping for some practical teaching.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: An extended argument showing how keeping sabbath is a counter-cultural, subversive practice in every area of life.

Apart from Abraham Joshua Heschel's classic, The Sabbath, I would consider this the best book I have read on Sabbath. In a world focused on relentless doing, Swoboda challenges the Christian community to take the sabbath commands as seriously as we do the other nine, observing it is the only command speaking of something as "holy" to the Lord. His argument is that to begin to take this seriously is a subversive act, and perhaps one of the most significant way the church can bear witness to the transcendent reality of God. He writes:

"How is the Sabbath subversive? The truth remains that Sabbath will be challenging for anyone to live out in our busy, frenetic world. Sabbath goes against the very structured and system of the world we have constructed. Sabbath, then, becomes a kind of resistance to that world. Such resistance must be characterized as overwhelmingly good. In other words, if Sabbath is hard, then we are doing it right. It is never a sign of health or godliness to be well-adjusted to a sick society....Relating to our world of death, 'going along' is a sign of death. Living fish swim against the stream. Only the dead go with the flow" (p. xi).

The book consists of four parts, each with three chapters: Sabbath for Us, Sabbath for Others, Sabbath for Creation, and Sabbath for Worship. Beginning with Sabbath for Us, the first chapter explores Sabbath and Time, and the marvel that the first day life for Adam and Eve was a sabbath, where they rested along with God, and how hard it is for us to do the same. Sabbath and Work calls us to establishing rhythms of work and rest and challenges our worship of work instead of a reliance upon God when we do not work that carries into our work. Sabbath and Health speaks into how often we cannot say "no" when God says "no" and invites us for our health's sake to rest.

In Sabbath for Others, Swoboda begins with Relationships, and how Sabbath practiced together may overcome the isolation of our lives and strengthen community. In Sabbath, Economy and Technology, Swoboda challenges us to think about how we prepare for the Sabbath in advance, and how we might do so in ways that others also enjoy rest, and how to manage our technology so we step away from our screens (he just went from preaching to meddling here!). He takes this further in Sabbath and the Marginalized, considering the implications of practicing the Sabbath so that the poor, the marginalized, the under-employed also find rest.

Sabbath for Creation begins by focusing on the intricate balance of creation and how Sabbath neglected is part of the the degradation of creation. He proposes that Sabbath is the string that holds everything together and that Sabbath-keeping is earth-keeping. Sabbath and the Land focuses particularly on how land needs sabbath to be restored, fallow periods every seven years that enrich the soil to enrich us. Sabbath and Critters (!) focuses on how we treat our animals, even to the point of suggesting chickens get a Sabbath from laying, and that all our animals need rhythms of rest.

Part Four centers around Sabbath as Worship, the ways we glorify God in community and in the world. It is Witness, setting us apart as this weird, contrast society that might be intriguing to tired, burnt out friends. It is Worship, and sometimes what we sacrifice rest for tells us what we falsely worship. It calls us into the trust that believes by not doing but by resting, we will experience God's care. It is Discipleship that helps clear out what should not be in our lives, that exposes the noise inside us in times of silence, and helps us rightly order our lives into a new week.

While Swoboda interacts with a number of theological writers, literary figures, and others throughout this work, as well as the scriptures, his own stories of trying and failing and learning and pressing into Sabbath practice made this reader want to follow him into what appears a richer fuller way found by stopping and resting. He doesn't present Sabbath as a cure all, but does propose that this command/gift is God's way of liberating us from our hurried, distracted, alienated, consuming selves. Not only does this help liberate us from our false selves; Sabbath helps us to meet the true God. I will close with this:

"We worship the God who invented the weekend. This is why biblical scholar Al Baylis contends that 'Genesis 1 is one of the most remarkable put-downs ever administered.' The biblical creation account essentially served as a theological rebuttal of all the other 'gods' who never allowed anyone to rest. In a restless world, Yahweh required rest. Again, imagine what kind of first impression that would have given to an ancient person's understanding of Yahweh. The God of Scripture not only rests himself but invites the world to rest with him" (pp. 9-10).

____________________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Simon Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoboda skizziert die zahlreichen Facetten des Sabbats. Das Buch hilft dabei den Sabbat ganzheitlicher zu sehen. Besonders gut fand ich das Kapitel „Sabbath and Health“. Die Verknüpfung zwischen Gesundheit und Sabbat fand ich sehr gut und spannend herausgearbeitet.

[Trevor Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is important and needed. Many of the themes are good for the average American Christian to read. However, I usually get a little turned off by a book when the author seems to imply that if people followed their book it would solve most problems in the world. I just don't see that especially on a topic such as Sabbath. Yet it is such an important value for Americans to realign with

[Becky Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a difficult read. Take it slow and absorb it. So so much to learn and practice.

I struggle through reading nonfiction. It is like eating your vegetables. I know it is good for me but would rather have junk food.

[James Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! If you’re in a journey of slow down spirituality like I was a few years back, this is a must read!

[Andrew Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book to kindle a desire and love for Sabbath. This was recommended and I wasn’t disappointed.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty thorough working out of how the Sabbath helps in almost as many areas as one could come up with (and some one might not think of). A few things that didn’t sound right - some that I don’t think are and some that may just be different and need more thought.

Good things to think about and practice.

[Rick Bourque · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb and persuasive invitation to do what we ought with out sounding like it could: 'we should.' An ending comment in the book portrays this well:

"There are two propensities in the life of the church that must be guarded against: what I call the “legalizing” and “spiritualizing” tendencies toward the Sabbath. To rigidly argue that everyone must observe one particular day is approaching legalism....The other extreme is to spiritualize the Sabbath, turning it into some kind of abstract, nonrooted idea—not something actually to be practiced but rather something that symbolizes a deeper reality. Jesus, of course, did not come to abolish the law, as spiritualists would perhaps believe. Yet, sadly, the idea of a spiritualized Sabbath has a long history in the church....All of my money is the Lord’s; still, I give him a portion of it. The same goes for the Sabbath. Every day is God’s day, but I actualize that reality by setting aside one day to pray and play with God."

And a quote from the prologue gets at the heart of the invitation:
"The Sabbath is a gift we do not know how to receive—a day to stop, breathe, cease, enjoy, feast....It is subversive—a kind of resistance to the world that’s hard work but worthy of the agony."

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are at least two sorts of approaches one can take to a book like this.  On the one hand, one can point out its clear flaws and the point that it advocates a typically unbiblical and typically Protestant one day out of seven approach to rest that does not obey God's Sabbath commands in full, which I just did.  On the other hand, one can appreciate this book for what it is, and that is a sincere (if not always on point) attempt to grapple with the commandments and laws of God involving rest and their importance in our society in a way that points out the larger picture of justice and graciousness that God had in mind with them.  In that light there is far more to praise about this book than to criticize.  As a Sabbath-keeper myself, I found a great deal to appreciate about this book in the support it gave to my own efforts to point out the broader social implications of the Sabbath laws and what they mean for us as well as for those around us.  And if you too are interested in the Sabbath, there is a lot you will likely find worthwhile here as well.

The contents of this book are pretty straightforward.  After a foreword and a prologue that connect the author to other thinkers interested in the Sabbath (namely the Sleeths), the author divides this look at the Sabbath into four parts with three chapters each, in a rather typical approach for this sort of work.  The first part of the book looks at what the Sabbath means for us (I) with regards to our approach to time (1), our view of work (2), and the need to rest in order to maintain our health (3).  The author then moves to a look at what the Sabbath does for others (II) in terms of improving our relationships with others (4), making sure that our lives are not run by economic or technological concerns (5), and that we give appropriate care and rest to the marginalized among us (6).  The author discusses the Sabbath in a wider sense in terms of creation (III) with a discussion about the origins of the Sabbath as a capstone of creation (7), the land Sabbath and its importance in preserving agricultural yields (8), and the way that Sabbath provides a rest for those critters that serve us (9).  Finally, the author concludes with a discussion of the Sabbath and worship (IV), with chapters on witnessing (10), worship (11), and discipleship (12), followed by notes and an index.

Yet although there is a great deal in this book I highly enjoy, there is something that slightly bothers me as well, and that is the author's framing of the Sabbath as being subversive.  For starters, given the author's apparent social justice leanings, it would make sense that the author would celebrate being hostile towards or able to undermine a pro-business culture of work addiction and exhaustion that he likely opposes not only on moral but also on political grounds.  He also likely wants to market this book towards those people who will be more inclined to support a practice that they view as being hostile to capitalism and conservative thinking.  My other source of unease with the author's approach is that as a Sabbath keeper I find it unsettling that my religious practices would be viewed as subversive simply because I believe that God commands that people and animals and the land be allowed to rest on every Seventh day in imitation of God's rest in Eden and as a reminder of the freedom that the Sabbath brings from the exploitation of slavery.  It is one thing to deal with repercussions because one actually has hostility to the powers that be, but wholly enough to be viewed with suspicion merely to satisfy someone's marketing campaign and desire to make the Sabbath appear hip to progressives who otherwise delight in rebelling against God's commands.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disturbingly Disappointing

Here’s Why:-

1. This book is about Sabbath, but NOT about THE Sabbath. Perhaps that’s the reason for the title.

2. The author waxes lyrical about how God created the Sabbath. How the Sabbath was the crowning achievement of creation, that the Sabbath is God’s gift to man and (ironically), mankind doesn’t know how to use it.

3. Amongst all of this beautiful and compelling prose, he then tells us that he keeps sabbath on Wednesdays!!! What! Why?

4. After quoting Exodus 20:8 REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY… and Deuteronomy 5:12 OBSERVE THE SABBATH DAY… why is he both keeping and observing Wednesday’s?

5. Further on, in the ‘Critters’ chapter he states (& I quote)
“I take the words of Jesus literally… I literally am compelled to do them… I have no permission to select which words of Jesus I must obey and which to drop by the wayside. I am bound to ALL of Jesus’ words.” Chapter9.
So again I ask, “why Wednesdays?”

I can’t get past this contradiction. It takes away from all of the Really Good points he is making and bringing to our awareness about the validity of The Sabbath. Surely, as he propounds, if keeping a regular Sabbath day helps, not only us, but the whole of creation (& he makes a valid argument for this), it would be better for us all to keep The Sabbath on the same day every week. I would go further to say, that we keep the day that The Lord TOLD US to keep! The day that He created for us!

I’m disappointed with this book. It has all the right concepts, for non Jewish Christians to take onboard and make the shift from a 24/7 lifestyle to a 12/6 living. But the one key thing that he errs on, is the Actual day of rest!

SOAPBOX:

I’ve written this review for those who are wondering about ‘Subversive’ in the title, it can be taken both ways; “to disrupt an established system” the system being our hectic way of life or, the original system of God’s Sabbath. The author is advising us to choose a day (any day we want) and make it our sabbath day! His caveat is, that by insisting that everyone observe 1 specific Sabbath day, it would make that particular Commandment, legalistic! I don’t see how? All of the other Commandments are meant to be kept - that doesn’t make them legalistic (or no more so than they already are), by breaking a few of them, you’re liable to face some judicial challenge in our society! These are God’s laws. There are only 10. God gave specifics. So, by breaking even one of them, we break them all. God’s judgment is more to be considered than man’s.

The Sabbath wasn’t given to the Jews. They were reminded of it. The Sabbath was given to mankind, Adam and Eve, at creation. The author acknowledges that - in detail - himself.

[David Batten · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing this book does is present the Sabbath as a sweeping way life, and not only a particular practice of resting once a week. The principle of Sabbath has a lot to say to a modern world focused on more and more achievement.

That said, the book is only mediocre at any of the things it attempts to do. It has very few practical examples of Sabbath, it's biblical exposition feels like its throwing a bunch of things against the wall to see what sticks, and I've read better cultural critique using the same general ideas. I'd recommend reading Wendell Berry and listening to the Bible Project podcast on Sabbath rather than picking up this book.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book on the Sabbath. Swoboda helped me to process why Sabbath is an essential practice for us as humans, the ways in which Sabbath positively forms us as the people of God, the common challenges people face is practicing Sabbath, and practical ways to practice Sabbath well.

This book will heavily influence my thinking on Sabbath for a long time to come. It is a must read for all Christians, especially in the go-go-go world we live in.

Thank you, Swoboda!

[Danny Lamonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

time to stop talking & stop doing

One of the most jarring illustrations in this work is the authors use of staring at fruit versus eating it. Sabbath is something that I have not understood fully and never practiced, but after reading this it seems possible, good for my heart and soul, and ultimately an act of obedience of trusting in God. I’m not sure how to start but I now know that I need to start.

[Jon Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Updated review: January 26, 2020) - Finished a reread as preparation for a four-part sermon series on the Sabbath. An ancient discipline desperately needed in the modern world.
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(Original review: November 26, 2019) Excellent work exploring the Sabbath from a Christian perspective. I plan to explore these thoughts further.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were some good points I didn't finish it. I was hoping for a book that would help me and a small group I was leading. I can't change the whole world which is what this book was really about toward the end. The first part of the book was worth reading. Last part was not helpful.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest is a four-letter-word. It is one of those words many of us have an unhealthy relationship with. Some rest too much and, in reality, it is simply laziness. Others rest not enough, and it very quickly becomes workaholism.

Leaders are, by nature, driven. It is that same asset that can become a potential liability. It is more often unacceptable to be lazy than it is to overwork, but both are dangerous. Both lead to problems in many different areas of life.

The pace of the world we live in is 24/7 with a ceaseless pursuit of productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency. These three (productivity, effectiveness, efficiency) are not bad things—they can be very positive! But, when they are pursued in an unhealthy manner, they can lead to a destructive way of life.

This book, Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World, tackles some of the prevailing myths about work and rest and seeks to provide an honest view on what biblical Sabbath is. It is essentially a textbook on healthy living in the midst of an unhealthy lifestyle promoted by much of culture. A.J. Swoboda, the author, writes, “In a world of doing, going, and producing, we have no use for a gift that invites us to stop.” The reality of Sabbath, of taking a rest, is a gift from God to all people, not just leaders. The Sabbath, Swoboda contends later on in the book, is for plants, animals, land, poor, rich, Christian, atheist—literally all of creation needs Sabbath because God wrote Sabbath into the fabric of creation prior to the Fall.

I think most of us have a general idea of what Sabbath is. Swoboda writes, “Sabbath is that ancient idea and practice of intentional rest… Sabbath is not new. Sabbath is just new to us.” I could probably count on one, maybe two hands the number of times I’ve heard a teaching, sermon, podcast, read a blog or book or article, regarding the idea of Sabbath keeping. It is a rare conversation because not keeping the Sabbath is usually rewarded with perks and higher pay, while at the same time, not keeping the Sabbath brings about heavy consequences such as damaging our bodies, minds, and relationships with family and friends.

Here is a truth-seeking question: When is the last time you’ve intentionally rested from work, productivity, and even entertainment? This means putting the phone away, not binging on Netflix, not checking e-mail on your “day off,” and that sort of thing. When is the last time you’ve truly and intentionally rested? I know, personally, I don’t like my answer to that question… additionally, there is no real consistency or frequency with which I experience this kind of intentional rest.

One of the hardest-hitting points for me in the book, primarily because I am a pastor and work in the Church, was this: “Sabbath forgetfulness is driven, so often, in the name of doing stuff for God rather than being with God. We are too busy working for him.” This is one of the temptations for those who work in Church ministry. We can get so busy doing stuff and being productive in the name of furthering the ministry, helping others mature in their faith, etc. that we forget about simply being with God and resting in His presence.

What I know I need, and I’m sure many other leaders need, is “To keep the Sabbath is to give time and space on our calendar to the grace of God.” When I turn my calendar and schedule over to the grace of God, I am trusting that He can do more with me and through me in six days of work and one day of rest than I can do through seven days of work. It is the same principle applied to that of tithing (i.e. God can do more with my 90% than I can with 100%).

My prayer for each one of us is that we would learn how to rest hard after we’ve worked hard and that we might work rest into the natural rhythm of our week. This book is an absolute must-read for every leader, pastor, volunteer, and person who has a tendency to be a good, strong, hard worker but poor at resting. May we all learn to Sabbath well.

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabbath Rest Is A Process Of God Repairing Our Broken Bodies

I confess, I find most theological books to be duller than dirt. I am delighted to report, however, that SUBVERSIVE SABBATH is the opposite. In fact, I found SUBVERSIVE SABBATH to be a delightful book—fun to read, inspiring, and practical.

Pastor and Professor A.J. Swoboda explains that Christians mistakenly think of the Sabbath as some drab requirement we must keep—and certainly not a day of fun. The author argues, however, that that view is not at all what the Scriptures teach. The Bible teaches that the Sabbath is above all, a GIFT to us--something to savor and anticipate. It's to be a day of rebuilding our body, mind and soul; it's to be a day of rejuvenation.

Yet, we are so busy, we can 't handle such a concept; we can't accept this gift without kicking and screaming: “The Sabbath is a gift we do not know how to receive. In a world of doing, going, and producing, we have no use for a gift that invites us to stop.”

There are practical consequences to not having a sabbath. We suffer in many ways, the most obvious being our health: “The truth is, if we do not rest, we will not be well. We might be fine for a while. But over the course of time, our bodies, minds, and souls will pay a hefty price for ignoring gravity.”

A difficult part of keeping a Sabbath is turning off all our devices. We just can’t stand the idea of not being productive. The Sabbath shows the way, and "dismantles the tyranny of multitasking.” The author shares his own Sabbath plan: To start, they turn off all their phones (except one for emergencies.) Their Sabbath is not somber--it is a fun, positive day, with zero thought about work. The idea is to not even THINK about work. So, if you have a desk job, your Sabbath may involve outdoor activities, such as hiking (yea!) The whole point is to “Reconnect To Our Creator.”

So all in all I found SUBVERSIVE SABBATH to be a WONDERFUL book, full of practical wisdom on how to plan your own Sabbath. I found the Professor's ideas to be solid as well as Biblical. I have a new perspective on the Sabbath after reading this book.

I thought this one passage nicely summed up this book: “The Sabbath is an interval in which we can admire beauty around us, to take it in and enjoy it, appreciating the work God has done in the land.”


Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.

For more reviews, see Bassocantor.com