"This is a biblical theology of Sabbath that is seeking to shift the paradigm of Sabbath from cessation of work to taking leave of exploitative and tiring economic orders and the value systems of the world. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus Christ has invited us to follow him in taking a grand exodus from culture's push for more and better. As the church, we are invited to set up signs for others as they follow suit, exiting the "dream home" of self-actualization and finding our place in the home of God. As Erickson and Wagenfuhr argue, "Sabbath tells us that our true work is to become mature, responsible members and representatives of God's reign over a reconciled relation." This means that we are called not to take a rest for ourselves but to interrogate the very structures that have necessitated our rest in the first place and that have fostered our individualized notions of Sabbath. Sabbath is not intended to be individualistic but tangibly communal, whereby we provide rest for others by sharing their burdens. Erickson and Wagenfuhr argue that Sabbath can renew our language about the Gospel, indeed, it can renew our very minds, hearts, and lives"-- Provided by publisher.
Seeing Sabbath as the Gospel’s Call to Resist, Reimagine, and Reclaim
The world’s relentless push for "more and better" reflects a value system that is individualistic and economically exploitative, leaving Christians and the church itself exhausted. Amid this weariness, Sabbath emerges as not merely a day of rest, but a powerful, countercultural invitation to push back.
In Sabbath Gospel, G. P. Wagenfuhr and Amy J. Erickson invite us to consider Sabbath as much more than a cessation from work. Sabbath is a grand exodus from tiring economic regimes and the empty promise of self-actualization. By expanding our vision of Sabbath beyond the Creation story, we vacate the idol of the world and take our place in the household of God, the church, where Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. In this robust biblical theology, scholars, theologians, and pastors find a fresh approach to Sabbath that moves us beyond empty practices and renews our language about the gospel.
What you'll find in Sabbath Gospel:
- A transformative view of Sabbath as communal resistance against the exploitative value systems of the world
- Interdisciplinary insights into the Biblical theology of Sabbath
- A call to live out Sabbath anew in God’s reconciled community
Sabbath Gospel challenges readers to rethink Sabbath, moving beyond individualistic notions of rest. Sabbath is not just about stepping back from work for personal rejuvenation but about stepping into God’s household—a reconciled community where rest is shared, burdens are lifted, and the gospel is renewed in our lives. Reimagine your view of Sabbath with Sabbath Gospel.
