by Ben Witherington III
Wm. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich. 168 pages
The last several of Ben Witherington’s books have focused on a scriptural vision of the kingdom and our worship and work. This time, as the title indicates, he examines that kingdom view with regard to all of the rest of life. Appropriate, then, that I finished reading his latest volume at the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE 2013) annual conference, with the theme “Let Us Play.”
Play is an area of our lives too often ignored, and it gets a chapter of its own here, complete with an opening quote by carefree theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer from his “Letters and Papers from Prison.” It’s hard to imagine that, in the last months of his life, he was able to ponder the importance of play. Bonhoeffer wrote, “I wonder whether it is possible … to regain the idea of the Church as providing an understanding of the area of freedom (art, education, friendship, play … . Who is there … in our times, who can devote himself with an easy mind to music, friendship, game, or happiness?” Surely not “the ethical man,” but only the Christian.
The author goes on to point out that play is not the same as time off or rest — both necessary. Throughout the book are biblically grounded observations about the meaning of rest, study, play and relationships. The ideas of indulgence and overindulgence are explored as they pertain to food and recreation.
I would love to participate in a pastors’ group discussion of Witherington’s book. We probably don’t spend enough time pondering what many of the terms explored here mean, especially as they relate to our concept of vocation or call. Actually, all Christians should look theologically at the concept of a call in whatever occupation they find themselves, and this is a good place to start.
After an extensive examination of what “Sabbath” means culturally, theologically and scripturally, each section lends itself to a particular area of life, and each could be a class discussion in itself. In fact, I have seen books and journal articles specifically on “Sabbath” which do not go into as much detail or rationale about this biblical idea of “rest” as does the opening chapter of “The Rest of Life.”
Perhaps Witherington has saved the best for last as he closes with a full chapter on “Sex and the City of God,” even considering whether Paul was a prude. Maybe some discussion groups will choose to start at the end, as some book clubs end up doing, and then talk about the book in its entirety.
So, whether you pick up this book to read on your own, or gather a Sunday School class, book group or pastors’ study group for discussion, the time spent doing so will be worthwhile.
LEIGH B. GILLIS is associate executive presbyter for congregational vitality for Heartland Presbytery in Kansas City, Mo.
