Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 64:3 (Sep 2021)
Article: Sabbath As A Counter-Formational Practice In A Culture Of Busyness
Author: Melissa Davis

JETS 64:3 (September 2021) p. 563

Sabbath As A Counter-Formational Practice In A Culture Of Busyness

Melissa Davis*

* Melissa Davis is a PhD candidate at Regent University School of Divinity, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. She may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: Culture is a formational entity developed to meet specific needs and desires. It forms people toward a vision of the good life and shapes people’s identity. However, culture often stands at odds with the kingdom of God. It is the role of the church to offer counter-formational liturgies that shape people for the kingdom of God. This article contributes to sabbath scholarship by providing a careful reading of the formational impact of America’s 24/7 busyness culture and offers sabbath as a counter-formational practice. To achieve this, it brings sociological scholarship on busyness into conversation with the practice of sabbath through the lens of cultural liturgy. First, drawing from the work of James K. A. Smith, this article discusses the formational power of ritual and liturgy. Second, it assesses busyness as an idolatrous cultural liturgy and explores its formational impact. Finally, it argues for sabbath practice as counter-liturgy for busyness.

Key words: sabbath, busyness, cultural liturgy, rest, Jewish praxis, Christian praxis, time pressure, ritual, idolatry

In 1951, Rabbi Abraham Heschel wrote:

Technical civilization … is man’s triumph over space.… Space is exposed to our will; we may shape and change the things in space as we please. Time, however, is beyond our reach, beyond our power. It is both near and far, intrinsic to all experience and transcending all experience. It belongs exclusively to God.… Time, then, is otherness, a mystery that hovers above all categories.1

Despite massive technological advances, humanity has yet to master time. Time can be bought, borrowed, saved, managed, wasted, shared, squandered, spent—but not made. The realities of time pressure, time famine, and hurry sickness betray humanity’s submission to time. Time is humanity’s most valuable non-fungible resource, one Paul commands us to redeem (Eph 5:12 KJV). Recognizing its value and deeply influenced by the Protestant work ethic,2 the United States has become a “nation

JETS 64:3 (September 2021) p. 564

of clock watchers”3 and a “culture of overwork,” where long work hours signal productivity, achievement, and ...