The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day

by Sigve K. Tonstad

Sigve K. Tonstad recovers the profound and foundational understanding of God that can be experienced in the seventh day. He shows that Scripture has consistently asserted that the Sabbath of Creation is the Sabbath of the whole story of how God makes right what has gone wrong in the world. Tonstad argues that the seventh day is the symbol of God's faithfulness precisely when God's presence seems to be in doubt. He demonstrates how God, through the seventh day, seeks the benefit of all creation. Inevitably, this leads to an investigation of how this universal symbol became obscured. This sweeping work of biblical theology and historical analysis traces the seventh day as it is woven throughout Scripture and the history of Christianity. Its twenty-seven chapters consider, among other things, the relationship of the seventh day to freedom, to social conscience, to the "greatest commandment," and to the enigmatic "rest that remains." Tonstad engages the move away from the seventh day in early Christian history, the mindset in medieval Christianity, and the sobering long-term implications leading all the way to the Holocaust and the ecological crises in our time.The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day will engage, illuminate, provoke, and ultimately inspire readers who enjoy a serious work presented in a style that is "luminous" and a "delight to read."

Genres: Theology

575 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main criticism I've heard from people about this book is that it is a pretty heavy writing style. It was certainly not written as a devotional you can rush through in the morning when you're half-awake. But that shouldn't scare you off...just know you'll have to read slowly and process the info. It's well worth the effort.

The author delves deeply into the theology of the Sabbath going much further than most other books on the Sabbath I've read. Rather than getting stuck on proof-texts to prove the day of the week the Sabbath should be celebrated, he seeks to discover the meaning of the Sabbath exegetically both in the old and new testaments. Moving from that solidly presented base he proceeds to the history of the change from Saturday to Sunday and on to the future of Revelation's Sabbath in prophecy. Every corner he turns leaves you relieved that he not only stays true to the text but continually brings a refreshing perspective to a very "burnt over" topic in my faith tradition which accepts the 7th day Sabbath.

I found the book not only academically rich in exegesis, historical context, and philosophical insight, but also refreshing for it's unique approach and perspective.

[Daniel Wolcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel the need to have rest, read this book

There is likely no other work so comprehensive as this that tackles the character of God, the origin of man and evil, the cosmic struggle, or the best answer to the world’s toughest questions, as this towering, beautiful and joyful treatise on the seventh day. I recommend it highly to all thoughtful readers.

[Jon Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in-depth as you can go when it comes to the Sabbath. It does drag and it quite long of a read, but that’s what made it so fascinating. It felt like you went to college and got a PHD in theology after. Recommended!!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great example of different perspectives

Very well written and loved the way he spoke about the different ways the Sabbath impacts on life, such as time and agriculture. The explanation on the decree by Constantine was brilliant

[Gabriel Gamez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabbath through the bible

I enjoyed reading this book and found insight in previously overlooked places. Truly a blessing for all who read this book!

[Cindy]

Very thoroughly written book. Not an easy read but loved that fact. It pushed me!

[Jay Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly Biblical, scholarly yet highly readable historical overview of the seeming eclipse of the Sabbath by Sunday within contemporary Christianity. The social, political, religious and even spiritual consequences matter less than the change of perspective about God and His character. An absolute must-read for anyone who has ever been perplexed by the evil and suffering in the world along with its corollaries of existential angst, alienation, and restlessness. Tonstad's representation of the Sabbath as simultaneously providing a rich Jewish legacy, an antidote for typical Christian apathy toward environmentalism, and a valid foundation for ecumenism rooted in God's quest to reunite with all humanity, His creation, for eternity, vastly exceeds previous attempts merely to decipher relevant theological imperatives about Sabbath. The seventh day embodies God's solution to sin and death. This book can literally re-ignite confidence in God . . .

[Larry Hiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay expressed my thoughts when he said this book is "a thoroughly Biblical, scholarly but highly readable" work. So many new perspectives and texts that had gone unstudied relative to this topic. A re-read of both this book and Revelation are imperative and with "so little time and so many books to read," I seldom read a book twice. Thanks to whoever referenced or recommended this book. I've been blessed.