51: A.J. Swoboda - Subversive Sabbath

Faith, Work & Rest

Welcome to Surge’s Faith, Work, and Rest podcast. Our goal is to help God’s people discern their callings, re-imagine the mundane aspects of work, and cultivate healthy rhythms of rest. In this interview, Jim Mullins and Josh Butler interview Dr. A.J. Swoboda about his stellar book Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World. This book won the Christianity Today 2019 Book Award Winner (Spiritual Formation) and Award of Merit for CT's Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year. Book Summary: 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. Author Bio: Dr. AJ. Swoboda is a professor, author, and pastor in Oregon. He teaches theology, biblical studies, and Christian history at George Fox Evangelical and Fuller Theological Seminaries, including a number of other universities and Bible colleges. Links referenced in the podcast: Download the Vocation Plan Canvas: www.faithworkrest.mykajabi.com/ Subversive Sabbath by AJ Swoboda: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/subversive-sabbath/385240 Hearts and Mind's Bookstore: www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/ Music from Warren Christian: music.apple.com/us/artist/warren-…istian/1408706453