Summary & Links
Here is where you can find what books are on my nightstand, in my backpack, or on my desk. I will post full reviews on books related to the sabbatical process on the blog. Amazon affiliate links are included in each synopsis of the book, which gives a small commission back to help support the blog.
From the Cover:
“By drawing on the Eastern Orthodox tradition of asceticism and integrating it with recent Western thought on liturgy, David W. Fagerberg advances a powerful argument that asceticism is necessary for understanding liturgy as the foundation of theology. Asceticism may have been perfected in the sands of the desert, but it is demanded of every theologian and, indeed, every Christian. It grants the capacity for pondering liturgy and sharing the life of Christ. Fagerberg brings to light asceticism’s essential importance in liturgical theology.”
This is the first of three Fagerberg books that I’ve purchased. I’m only two chapters in and have found it a profound way to think through liturgy as theology. Fagerberg writes with humility and erudition. So far I’m loving this book.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3LoXi5F
From the Cover:
“Planned time away from the parish for study, rest, and spiritual renewal can be beneficial—and often necessary—for any pastor, as well as for the congregation. In this thoroughly revised and expanded edition of Alban’s popular Sabbatical Planning for Clergy and Congregations, Bullock and Bruesehoff provided the definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing for the long term.”
FULL REVIEW PENDING*
This book was published in 2000 and so is a bit dated, but I nevertheless found the material to be of benefit. It does a good job talking about the pros and cons of sabbaticals for clergy and congregations.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3LkNuJO
From the Cover:
“In the fifth century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring truth and order to what it regarded as two terrorist states. The superpower was Persia, incomparably rich in ambition, gold, and men. The terrorist states were Athens and Sparta, eccentric cities in a poor and mountainous backwater: Greece. The story of how their citizens took on the Great King of Persia, and thereby saved not only themselves but Western civilization as well, is as heart-stopping and fateful as any episode in history. Tom Holland’s brilliant study of these critical Persian Wars skillfully examines a conflict of critical importance both to ancient and modern history.”
This book was gifted to me by a dear parishioner, who knows my interests in ancient history. Have only made it through the intro so far, but I have a feeling this will be a great read!
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3YQ6ItI
Sabbath Seeker 