This is the third book in the series called “The Ancient Christian Practices†that I have read. And to be honest, if I had not agreed to read and then review this book, I would not have finished it. While the books on fasting and praying the hours were insightful and helpful, this book did not offer much laudable.
The book essentially says that this author believes that Sabbath is a day to delight in the goodness of God’s creation. And so then the rest of the book speaks of how to craft a day doing whatever brings you delight. Let’s say this, Luther’s explanation of the third commandment could find no support here. The only talk of the Word is the suggestion that God speaks outside his Word and we ought to be into the quiet places and listen. Yes, go outside, delight in it, and God may speak to you there. That is the summary of this book.
For a book about Ancient Christian practices, it is completely devoid of any talk of historic Sabbath practices or thinking. It is also nearly devoid of scriptural reflection. It is just a book that mentions an ancient practice and then defines it based on a assumption about the first Sabbath not supported by anything: that the Sabbath is just about delighting in creation. He constantly suggests that rest is not really important, although every Sabbath passage in the Bible argues against this.
I cannot recommend this book.
