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Rethinking Rest: Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn’t Working
Today's concept of biblical rest… isn't working. Our numerous discussions about “which day” and “how” the seventh-day sabbath should be observed have distracted, confused, and caused apathy within an entire generation of believers. But biblical rest is dramatically different than most suppose. Dr. Gregory D. Hall explains how we went off course and offers fresh insight into the original intent of sabbath rest. Have you abandoned the sabbath? Do you feel disenfranchised with the practices of the modern Church? Are you willing to rethink what you thought you already knew? This book will challenge you to expand your scope and reengage the topic in new ways. Its simple practicality is a breath of fresh air for what has become a stagnant discussion along party lines.
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2023
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Gregory D. Hall
1 book7 followersGregory D. Hall is a husband to his high-school sweetheart, and father to two fine young men. He hosts the Rethinking Scripture Podcast (and RethinkingScripture.com), where he challenges listeners to rethink what they thought they already knew about the Bible. He’s been a college athlete, public school teacher, real estate broker, triathlete, small-business owner, pastor, tour-leader to Israel, and university professor. This medley of life-experiences has meshed nicely with Greg’s biblical training (MA in Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching and Teaching) producing a unique perspective on some of life’s most important themes. Greg lives in the Pacific Northwest. He teaches whenever he can, enjoys swimming laps, and doesn’t spend enough time at the Oregon coast.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 8, 2023
Why is finding rest so much work? If you’re like me, this is a paradox of life and something that is worth rethinking . . . .
Rethinking is important. There is a discipline to rethinking. There is great benefit in challenging the long worn ideas we hold and considering a different answer . . . or maybe even asking an entirely different question.
As I read Scripture, I see that Jesus was a master at rethinking. He challenged people to rethink and courageously asked the hard questions. He shook the strongly held traditions and presented new and better answers. By rethinking we may validate our ideas and reinforce our understanding, or we may find those ideas reframed in a completely new way - a way that is more clear, more useful, and perhaps life-altering.
In his new book, Rethinking Rest, Dr. Gregory Hall introduces new concepts around a very old topic - Sabbath rest. Rest has existed since the garden. It is a command, and it is a concept that is woven from cover to cover in the Bible. It is a familiar topic for sure, yet Hall convincingly suggests that it is a concept that is overwhelmingly misunderstood - when it comes to rest we are thinking too small.
By using the whole of Scripture, and connecting the concept of rest from Genesis to the wilderness to the Psalms to the Gospels and to Hebrews, Hall presents rest as an expansive concept well beyond a one day per week aspiration. Dr. Hall challenges the reader to look at the theme of rest as it is woven throughout the entire Bible. This expansive approach reframes what Sabbath rest is, bringing both meaning and practicality. While the book draws centrally from Scripture, the understanding of the concept is further amplified with cultural references of ancient times, helpful references from modern times, as well as his own personal life experience. In fact, if you are like me and appreciate references to pop culture and movies from the 1980’s/1990’s, or if you like self-deprecating humor, you will find yourself laughing as you read this book.
Dr. Hall confronts important questions about Sabbath rest head on. What is Rest? Why does it matter? And how do I find it? But he also walks the reader through other important questions and offers thoughtful insight and careful answers.
I found that these were questions I had, but had never had really wrestled with. Here are some of the questions that this book helped me rethink:
- What is godly, Sabbath rest?
- What is the practical meaning of Jesus’ offer to give us rest?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be the fulfillment of the law?
- What does it mean to observe the Sabbath today and how do we observe Sabbath rest in Jesus?
- And importantly . . . Why does any of this matter and what can I do about it?
When I finished reading this book, I found that I wanted to (and in fact did) read it a second time. I think this speaks to both the depth and importance of the concept, but also to Hall’s compelling writing style. However, you won’t need two readings to come away from this book with a deeper understanding of rest (and perhaps like me a completely new understanding) as well as very practical steps to take in your own life to find this Sabbath rest.
Normally in my quest to finish books, I rarely slow down to read the Endnotes. However, I strongly encourage the reader to refer to the Endnotes. You won’t be disappointed. Hall’s careful and rigorous research as well as his humor are on full display.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to find rest, to anyone pursuing a deeper understanding of the Bible, and to anyone yearning for a life where you are living in your sweet spot and using your God-given gifts, abilities, and passions.
Rethinking is important. There is a discipline to rethinking. There is great benefit in challenging the long worn ideas we hold and considering a different answer . . . or maybe even asking an entirely different question.
As I read Scripture, I see that Jesus was a master at rethinking. He challenged people to rethink and courageously asked the hard questions. He shook the strongly held traditions and presented new and better answers. By rethinking we may validate our ideas and reinforce our understanding, or we may find those ideas reframed in a completely new way - a way that is more clear, more useful, and perhaps life-altering.
In his new book, Rethinking Rest, Dr. Gregory Hall introduces new concepts around a very old topic - Sabbath rest. Rest has existed since the garden. It is a command, and it is a concept that is woven from cover to cover in the Bible. It is a familiar topic for sure, yet Hall convincingly suggests that it is a concept that is overwhelmingly misunderstood - when it comes to rest we are thinking too small.
By using the whole of Scripture, and connecting the concept of rest from Genesis to the wilderness to the Psalms to the Gospels and to Hebrews, Hall presents rest as an expansive concept well beyond a one day per week aspiration. Dr. Hall challenges the reader to look at the theme of rest as it is woven throughout the entire Bible. This expansive approach reframes what Sabbath rest is, bringing both meaning and practicality. While the book draws centrally from Scripture, the understanding of the concept is further amplified with cultural references of ancient times, helpful references from modern times, as well as his own personal life experience. In fact, if you are like me and appreciate references to pop culture and movies from the 1980’s/1990’s, or if you like self-deprecating humor, you will find yourself laughing as you read this book.
Dr. Hall confronts important questions about Sabbath rest head on. What is Rest? Why does it matter? And how do I find it? But he also walks the reader through other important questions and offers thoughtful insight and careful answers.
I found that these were questions I had, but had never had really wrestled with. Here are some of the questions that this book helped me rethink:
- What is godly, Sabbath rest?
- What is the practical meaning of Jesus’ offer to give us rest?
- What does it mean for Jesus to be the fulfillment of the law?
- What does it mean to observe the Sabbath today and how do we observe Sabbath rest in Jesus?
- And importantly . . . Why does any of this matter and what can I do about it?
When I finished reading this book, I found that I wanted to (and in fact did) read it a second time. I think this speaks to both the depth and importance of the concept, but also to Hall’s compelling writing style. However, you won’t need two readings to come away from this book with a deeper understanding of rest (and perhaps like me a completely new understanding) as well as very practical steps to take in your own life to find this Sabbath rest.
Normally in my quest to finish books, I rarely slow down to read the Endnotes. However, I strongly encourage the reader to refer to the Endnotes. You won’t be disappointed. Hall’s careful and rigorous research as well as his humor are on full display.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to find rest, to anyone pursuing a deeper understanding of the Bible, and to anyone yearning for a life where you are living in your sweet spot and using your God-given gifts, abilities, and passions.
January 9, 2023
Like Greg notes in the introduction, many of us are tired – and we’ve been tired for a long time. Moreover, as a believing community, we don’t seem to be living out the Sabbath rest that the author of Hebrews implores us to diligently enter. Our concept of rest isn’t working, and our modern approach to Sabbath now falls somewhere between total abandonment of the concept and a new list of commandments (this day, that day, this long, these activities, etc.) that we inevitably fall short of. Something has been missing. Greg looks at an Ancient Near Eastern understanding of rest and reveals it to be inconsistent with our modern view of rest. And, he explores the Old Testament concept of Sabbath not as an end in and of itself, but as a reminder of the rest we had in the garden, and as a pointer to Jesus and his plan to return all creation to rest with God. This book will transform your thinking about Sabbath rest.
January 18, 2023
Rethinking Rest is a breath of fresh air! Throughout my life I've heard so many different (and strong!) opinions about what Sabbath rest should look like. This book's easy-to-follow, fresh outlook on what the Bible has to teach us about Sabbath and rest left me feeling refreshed. Dr. Hall guides us through both the Old and New Testaments to provide context and a high-level understanding of rest and how God intended we experience it. Read Rethinking Rest if you want to expand your understanding of biblical rest!
February 23, 2023
Rethinking Rest is the perfect book for a burnt-out generation in desperate need of rest.
Hall takes his readers through a tour of the Scriptures, ancient and modern philosophy, psychology, personal anecdotes, and a whole lot of hilarious pop-culture references to explore the important and timely topic of rest.
Reading Rethinking Rest felt like getting coffee with my favorite professor; it’s brilliant and insightful, yet practical and engaging. Written in an easy-to-read style filled with plenty of humorous and relatable illustrations, Rethinking Rest makes a broad and often confusing subject easy to understand and connect with.
Whether you’re interested in doing an in-depth study on rest, are feeling burnt-out and exhausted, or are just looking for an easy read that gets you thinking, I would definitely recommend Rethinking Rest.
Hall takes his readers through a tour of the Scriptures, ancient and modern philosophy, psychology, personal anecdotes, and a whole lot of hilarious pop-culture references to explore the important and timely topic of rest.
Reading Rethinking Rest felt like getting coffee with my favorite professor; it’s brilliant and insightful, yet practical and engaging. Written in an easy-to-read style filled with plenty of humorous and relatable illustrations, Rethinking Rest makes a broad and often confusing subject easy to understand and connect with.
Whether you’re interested in doing an in-depth study on rest, are feeling burnt-out and exhausted, or are just looking for an easy read that gets you thinking, I would definitely recommend Rethinking Rest.
January 18, 2023
Although I am an avid reader, I don’t normally take the time to write a review (as opposed to the standard star system), but, as the meme says, “when I do” it’s because a narrative has significantly impacted my thought process in a unique way. That is certainly the case in regards to Dr. Greg Hall’s new book on Sabbath rest!
In the opening few paragraphs we are introduced to a new, to me, literary picture of theological engagement titled the “cul-de-sac conversation” -- a perspective I wasn’t even aware of, although I have found myself in many of these types of discussions. From there, the narrative takes us on an engaging, thought provoking walk thru Biblical neighborhoods as it opens up the historical, theological and literary understanding of ancient “Rest” in a way that is thoroughly understandable. Yet, at the same time deeper into the heart and intentions of the narrative, than most dare to go.
Then, just when you are getting a little comfortable in the walkabout, and in true ancient chiastic, “center of the treatise” mode, Dr. Hall takes a moment to stop and look at the neighborhood Church. In a way that is honest and direct, yet compassionate and encouraging, he spends quality time untangling and calling out the more modern trends that have, in large part, led to what Dr Scot McKnight (Northern Seminary) also laments: churches that have become a gathering of “decision makers” rather than disciples.
As often as I have spent time engaging with the biblical text, I had many eyebrow raising moments as multiple details of the meticulous and creative construction of both Old and New Testaments, were drawn together into a broader, deeper, and more joyful picture of a God whose purpose was to create for us a sustainable environment of productive and blessed Rest.
Uniquely warm, humorous and inviting…in a “let’s relax over coffee and chat” feel….this book is by no means surface in its theological depth and breadth. Dr. Hall’s literary super power, is to pull connections together in a prose that is both meaty and understandable…and drives you forward into seeing the Biblical text thru new eyes and ears…thirsting to re-read thru lens that notice new patterns and connections.
As other memes express: this material “will preach and teach”! Full of thought provoking questions that challenge participants to search hearts and expectations, while drawing us ever closer to the heart of Jesus’ desire for our relationship, this book would be incredibly beneficial in a small group setting!
In the opening few paragraphs we are introduced to a new, to me, literary picture of theological engagement titled the “cul-de-sac conversation” -- a perspective I wasn’t even aware of, although I have found myself in many of these types of discussions. From there, the narrative takes us on an engaging, thought provoking walk thru Biblical neighborhoods as it opens up the historical, theological and literary understanding of ancient “Rest” in a way that is thoroughly understandable. Yet, at the same time deeper into the heart and intentions of the narrative, than most dare to go.
Then, just when you are getting a little comfortable in the walkabout, and in true ancient chiastic, “center of the treatise” mode, Dr. Hall takes a moment to stop and look at the neighborhood Church. In a way that is honest and direct, yet compassionate and encouraging, he spends quality time untangling and calling out the more modern trends that have, in large part, led to what Dr Scot McKnight (Northern Seminary) also laments: churches that have become a gathering of “decision makers” rather than disciples.
As often as I have spent time engaging with the biblical text, I had many eyebrow raising moments as multiple details of the meticulous and creative construction of both Old and New Testaments, were drawn together into a broader, deeper, and more joyful picture of a God whose purpose was to create for us a sustainable environment of productive and blessed Rest.
Uniquely warm, humorous and inviting…in a “let’s relax over coffee and chat” feel….this book is by no means surface in its theological depth and breadth. Dr. Hall’s literary super power, is to pull connections together in a prose that is both meaty and understandable…and drives you forward into seeing the Biblical text thru new eyes and ears…thirsting to re-read thru lens that notice new patterns and connections.
As other memes express: this material “will preach and teach”! Full of thought provoking questions that challenge participants to search hearts and expectations, while drawing us ever closer to the heart of Jesus’ desire for our relationship, this book would be incredibly beneficial in a small group setting!
January 17, 2023
“This isn’t the way the world is supposed to be.” While most of us instinctively sense that’s true, it’s not something we think can be fixed, and it certainly has nothing to do with finding “rest”.
This is how Gregory Hall frames the opening of his book. His challenge is to re-think how humanity got to where we are today by diving deeply into the story of creation and God’s purposes for it. He takes us on a journey through the Bible’s foundational stories, providing insights into God’s heart and desires that will be new for many people, both in and outside the Christian faith.
Hall’s hope appears to be two-fold. He first wants us to understand that the Creator God is inviting you and me to join him in a project that, for all its challenges, is still on-going and will someday have a glorious, victorious outcome. The second thing he builds a case for is that we, in joining ourselves to God’s project, can find a purpose and a peace that brings us “rest”. Re-thinking this “rest” through a Biblical lens is how Hall brings it forward to the present, making it applicable in our everyday lives.
I was challenged to re-think some of my own life circumstances in light of this “rest”. Hall writes with a relaxed style, making the book easy to read. His transparency and humor are also a plus. I heartily commend his work to anyone serious about seeing “rest” in a new light.
This is how Gregory Hall frames the opening of his book. His challenge is to re-think how humanity got to where we are today by diving deeply into the story of creation and God’s purposes for it. He takes us on a journey through the Bible’s foundational stories, providing insights into God’s heart and desires that will be new for many people, both in and outside the Christian faith.
Hall’s hope appears to be two-fold. He first wants us to understand that the Creator God is inviting you and me to join him in a project that, for all its challenges, is still on-going and will someday have a glorious, victorious outcome. The second thing he builds a case for is that we, in joining ourselves to God’s project, can find a purpose and a peace that brings us “rest”. Re-thinking this “rest” through a Biblical lens is how Hall brings it forward to the present, making it applicable in our everyday lives.
I was challenged to re-think some of my own life circumstances in light of this “rest”. Hall writes with a relaxed style, making the book easy to read. His transparency and humor are also a plus. I heartily commend his work to anyone serious about seeing “rest” in a new light.
January 10, 2023
Rest as a way of life instead of a weekly “must do” ritual – sign me up!
For us Jesus followers who take the Bible seriously, the Sabbath is a daunting concept to fully understand, let alone practice. Ugh! I can’t even!
In Rethinking Rest, Gregory Hall leads his readers through the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to discover some beautifully freeing insights into the divine rest Jesus offers. No guilt and shame hangovers here.
For me, the careful scholarship supporting each progression of thought was like a chain of custody document, ultimately restoring a stolen valuable of my faith. It challenged me by analyzing the relevant passages thematically, rather than by a literal, sequential reading. I could almost feel my brain stretching – yay, for growth!
Personal anecdotes, 80’s pop culture references, and humor throughout offered consistent breaks to come up for air from deep theological considerations.
This is the book I didn’t know I needed until I read it. I think you might need it too!
For us Jesus followers who take the Bible seriously, the Sabbath is a daunting concept to fully understand, let alone practice. Ugh! I can’t even!
In Rethinking Rest, Gregory Hall leads his readers through the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to discover some beautifully freeing insights into the divine rest Jesus offers. No guilt and shame hangovers here.
For me, the careful scholarship supporting each progression of thought was like a chain of custody document, ultimately restoring a stolen valuable of my faith. It challenged me by analyzing the relevant passages thematically, rather than by a literal, sequential reading. I could almost feel my brain stretching – yay, for growth!
Personal anecdotes, 80’s pop culture references, and humor throughout offered consistent breaks to come up for air from deep theological considerations.
This is the book I didn’t know I needed until I read it. I think you might need it too!
January 20, 2023
What is Sabbath rest?
I have struggled for as long as I can remember to feel at rest. I've tried days off, trips alone, and relaxing child-free vacations, but they have all left something to be desired. Dr. Hall brought to light ingrained beliefs that I held as to what biblical rest is and challenged them with support from scripture!
I was skeptical when I read the title "Rethinking Rest." It's common to rethink biblical ideas to fit modern times or values, but not with Hall. Hall encourages the reader to hold tight to the scripture and to dig deeper into the themes of scripture so that they might better understand God's desire for our lives!
The 7th day isn't the end of the Rest story; follow along as Dr. Hall guides you through scripture to see what God has in mind for us. I'm glad I did.
I have struggled for as long as I can remember to feel at rest. I've tried days off, trips alone, and relaxing child-free vacations, but they have all left something to be desired. Dr. Hall brought to light ingrained beliefs that I held as to what biblical rest is and challenged them with support from scripture!
I was skeptical when I read the title "Rethinking Rest." It's common to rethink biblical ideas to fit modern times or values, but not with Hall. Hall encourages the reader to hold tight to the scripture and to dig deeper into the themes of scripture so that they might better understand God's desire for our lives!
The 7th day isn't the end of the Rest story; follow along as Dr. Hall guides you through scripture to see what God has in mind for us. I'm glad I did.
January 18, 2023
Pastor Hall
aka Greg wrote a great
book for the layman to
explain one of the 10 commandments Sabbath
it also challenges more
mature Christians on
established thought about the Sabbath
he explains you can have
Sabbath rest aka God's rest can be experienced
outside established norms
he writes in an inviting
style with a mixture of
antedotes from his own
life which one can easily
relate to which makes one to desire more
aka Greg wrote a great
book for the layman to
explain one of the 10 commandments Sabbath
it also challenges more
mature Christians on
established thought about the Sabbath
he explains you can have
Sabbath rest aka God's rest can be experienced
outside established norms
he writes in an inviting
style with a mixture of
antedotes from his own
life which one can easily
relate to which makes one to desire more
February 4, 2023
Rethinking Rest is a reminder that the new covenant of Jesus’ ministry has the capacity to completely unshackle humanity. It has helped me to better understand that life, when properly paired w/ Jesus, can immediately become unhindered! A profound and credible encouragement to rethink many of the ideas on Sabbath rest that have so often been assumed. An important work, fully supported by Scripture and an enjoyable read.
January 15, 2023
Great book and easy to read. Backed up with scripture the author shows how rest isn’t something Christians do once a week on Sunday’s. Rest is learning to live at peace with the order God has created for our life. If you feel you would like more peace in life, this book helps show the formula.
April 12, 2025
I think it was a fine book. My trouble with it was that it was so boring. It felt like the concepts were good concepts that I was excited to read about however some of the text felt out of the ordinary or just random. Maybe I’ll try to pick this book up again another time.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews