Volume 45 | Issue 3 Article 6

2002 Never On A Sunday: The aS bbath And The Christian Academic Library - Part 2 J. Ray Doerksen Seattle Pacific nU iversity

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Recommended Citation Doerksen, J. Ray (2002) "Never On A Sunday: The aS bbath And The hrC istian Academic Library - Part 2," The Christian Librarian: Vol. 45 : Iss. 3 , Article 6. Available at: http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/tcl/vol45/iss3/6

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Christian Librarian by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. RON A SUNDAY: THE SABBATH AND THE CHRISTIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARY PART 2

J. Ray Doerksen, n the last issue, I set the biblical Sabbath implications for Christian background for the application of institutions as corporate bodies­ University Librarian I the Sabbath concept to contempo­ groups of those who say they belong Seattle Pacific University rary Christian higher education, to God. God does not have a separate especially libraries. My study led to me group plan, whether we are members of Seattle, Washington to the following conclusion: a Christian educational organization or In essence, my position is that a specific local church. But as a Sunday should be observed in the community ofChristians, we are a This workshop modem church for the same two manifestation of the body of Christ for reasons as those touching the Sabbath the world. Sabbath observance enables was presented at the in the Old Testament. That is, the the church to give a corporate testi­ 2002 Conference of the Sabbath should be observed as a day of mony to the grace of God in the same physical rest, and the Sabbath should be way that Israel was instructed to bring Association of Christian observed by the community as a sign of light to the world when it observed the the covenant between God and his Sabbath as a community in the Old Librarians, Trevecca people. The New Testament recognizes Testament. This corporate testimony Nazarene University, a future Sabbath rest based on a new will probably have more visibility in the covenant between God and his people. culture than individualistic Sabbath Nashville, Tennessee The creation Sabbath and the promise observance alone. of Canaan are precursors of the eternal Should Christian colleges and rest that God now offers through Christ. universities dedicate their time so that In effect, Jesus fulfilled what the Old Sunday is a day to rest from labor, thus Testament Sabbath symbolized theo­ giving testimony to a covenant relation­ logically, but He did not obliterate the ship to God as a Christian institution of need for physical rest for the human higher education? Some with whom I race. I suggest that since the Sabbath as have discussed the matter have indi­ a day of physical rest antedates the cated to me that observing Sunday as a giving of the Law, that its observance is day of rest is an empty gesture. It does still a wise thing for people to do. That not impress the world; it does not even is, the New Testament does not invali­ impress other Christians. If this is true, date God's mandate in Genesis for a I think it is unfortunate. I admit that rhythm of rest for his creation. there is a more important reason for Here, in Part Two, is the rest of the doing what is right than to impress story. others-and that is to please God, even if no one notices-but God has SABBATH IMPLICATIONS FOR revealed that his "peculiar" people will CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL be noticed. Sabbath observance, then, INSTITUTIONS may provide an opportunity for a verbal witness to a culture that is lost. So far I have dealt with the Sabbath What is the nature of that cultural as something that is primarily for witness? Here, Wayne Muller's book, individuals. I believe that there are also Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm

106 The Chlfs€Jybrarian, 45(3) 2002 ofRest, is helpful. Muller stat.c!' that our Besides giving testimony to the We need to teach them that the culture judges the health of the nation grace of God and challenging our Sabbath is not meant to curtail freedom, in economic terms. Thus, transactions culture's values, are there any other but rather is a means to free us to do that involve money-such as produc­ benefits that accrue when Christian what is good apart from the normal ing goods and services-are valued; institutions of higher education embrace cares of the world. A good question is: transactions that involve the giving of a Sabbath culture? Yes! I believe that If a Sabbath culture were adopted, time (raising children at home?) are not one of the most important outcomes is would students observe it? In other measured. This demonstrates the that the students learn to value time in a words, how successful can we be in prominence given to materialistic manner that more closely parallels swimming against the cultural tide? values in our culture. Muller again: God's, rather than society's, desires. There are those who predict that some "People who have a lot of money and Even apart from any religious students will continue to work, even if no time, we call 'rich.' And people who context, Richard J. Light, in Making the the university closes down. That may be have a great deal of time but no money, Most of College, makes an interesting true, but if honoring the Sabbath is the we call 'poor.' A 'successful' life is one point with regard to time management right thing to do, the fact that some fail in which one is always terribly busy, in academia. In studying why some is not a sufficient argument against working hard, accomplishing great college students succeeded while others Sabbath-keeping. There is little, if things, and making a great deal of struggled, he came to the following anything, that Christian universities are money."' We have the opportunity to conclusion: able to teach successfully to all demonstrate to our culture-by The critical word is time. Sopho­ students. Yet we normally do not throw observing the Sabbath-that money mores who had a great first year up our hands in defeat. should not be the highest value. typically talked about realizing, when The answer, I believe, is in positive, Muller also argues that our cul­ they got to college, that they had to consistent teaching regarding the ture-particularly our economic think about bow to spend their time. significance of the Sabbath. As with system-is built on producing discon­ They mentioned time management, and lifestyle expectations, there need to be tent In our consumer society, he says, time allocation, and time as a scarce reminders-as well as an orientation for we pursue happiness by seeking to resource. In contrast, sophomores who each new class that comes on campus. satisfy our desires, but our desires are struggled during their fLTst year rarely We need to teach that time is a good insatiable. "Happiness is the single referred to time in any way ....The gift of God and the Sabbath is a special commodity not produced by the free­ distinction in attitudes toward managing day to honor God with a portion of our market economy ....The lie is this: time translates into a distinction time-time for relationships (with God While they are promising happiness, and with they are really selling dissatisfaction."2 others), As I argued in Part One, one of the reflection, benefits of observing the Sabbath is rest, and showing contentment with what God recreation. bas given us, in time as well as money. Maybe this One of the hallmarks of American lineup could culture is constant action. Americans be called the are doers; rest is counter-cultural. Again NewFourRs Muller observes: "Our culture invari­ ofChr istian ably supposes that action and accom­ education! plishment are better than rest, that Since many doing something-anything-is better students than doing nothing ... Even when our (maybe even intentions are noble and our efforts faculty and sincere--even when we dedicate our staff) lives to the service of others-the struggle with corrosive pressure of frantic over time manage- activity can nonetheless cause suffering between new students who prosper and ment (and who has not felt the force of in ourselves and others."3 A Sabbath those who struggle.5 academic time pressure), the Sabbath culture offers time. "Sabbath is more As a Christian institution, we have can become the vehicle to inculcate a than the absence of work; it is ... a the opportunity to help our students new appreciation ofGod's view oftime. period of time to listen to what is most learn the value and use of time by using Marva J. Dawn states, in her book, deeply beautiful, nourishing, or true."4 the Sabbath as a fulcrum. Keeping the Sabbath Wholly, "I can

The ChJF@ifybrarian, 4S(S) 2002 107 promise you that if you develop a on Sunday. Business offices are closed. universities are first ofall educational lifestyle in which you spend one day as Why is the library open on Sunday? institutions, as I stated earlier. What are a Sabbath day without wearing a watch, I would like to suggest that the we teaching students about their you will be more able to accomplish all reasons revolve around the concept of stewardship of time, though, when we that you have to do on the days you the library as a support service for the encourage them to do their work (study) wear one. "6 It is interesting to note that university. The library is generally on Sundays in the library? Are we it was while writing her dissertation that viewed as a 0 teaching them she learned the value of Sabbath service .ften, the only part cif the that there is keeping-not only did it give rest, but agency; in academicprocess that nothing wrong the Sabbath allowed her to depend on American with the God's provision. "Sabbath keeping society, operates regularly on Sundays in a cultural changes our character," says Dawn. services standard of a "We will be irrevocably transformed by (such as Christian institution cif higher week com- the commitment to a special day set retail stores, education is the library. posed of aside for our relationship with God .... "7 restaurants, seven equal Could Sabbath keeping be a piece of and gas stations) are open on Sundays. days? Do we teach them that being at a the puzzle in our attempts to build Thus, it is a natural conclusion that Christian school-maybe even prepar- character into our students? libraries-as a service agency-should ing for Christian service-enables them In the midst of a steady diet of be open on Sundays. It follows the to cut comers on God's expectations assignments and activities, when do we cultural pattern. The library also falls and desires? take time to think-about God, about outside the two main power groups on This line of reasoning can best be what we are doing, about how our campus: the administration and the grasped if the student is seen as a learning relates to our Christian life and faculty. Usually, its destiny (rework worker (I know that this may stretch the responsibilities? Provision of regular hours) is not in its own hands; there- imagination at times, but humor me).If time for reflection might even further fore, it may be asked to do things that learning is their job, then studying is enhance the value of a Christian neither the administration nor faculty their regular work. To cease studying education. Although I find physical are asked to do--be open on Sundays. for a day is to cease from normal labor. exercise necessary and good, there is Many librarians have reported this By observing the Sabbath, students nothing more drab and boring, in my dynamic on their campuses. But learn to set aside one day for rest, experience, than running on a tread­ librarians, themselves, are not totally reflection, and service. An open library mill-even in pursuit of a noble goal. free ofguilt in this matter. Some cite the encourages students to treat Sunday like Let's not make Christian education a demands of students for Sunday any other day, at least after lunch, and if treadmill by failing to allow opportuni­ service hours as a reason to be open. students form a habit of working seven ties for rest and reflection. "We need to be there when the stu- days a week, are they going to change dents want us." after they graduate? Not usually. There SABBATH IMPLICATIONS There are at least two reasons, I will never be enough time. Old habits FOR THE LIDRARY believe, that a closed library on Sunday die hard. And where did they learn this? is a good thing for Christian campuses. Sad to say, at a Christian institution. The main business of a Christian The first is that it eliminates inequity in There may be those who argue that college or university is educating the treatment of academic personnel. closing the library is fine for under- students; the core of the university is its The observance of a Sabbath for the graduates, but not for graduate students academic process. The job, or work, of whole campus gives the library staff a who attend part-time and need library the students-while they are in common day to practice rest- since time on Sunday because of their family school-is to participate in formal and such a day is available to other aca- and work responsibilities. I am not informal learning activities. That is why demic personnel. Yes, as individuals aware of any biblical warrant for such a they take time and pay money to come. they can have other days off, and thus dichotomy. Could it be that it is even Other things occur, of course, on a not work seven days, but the fact more necessary for such people to set college or university campus, but the remains that when the library as a aside a day of rest, since they are main work focuses on the teaching/ corporate body works a seven-day juggling an ambitious schedule of work, learning process. Often, the only part of week, it deprives some workers of a family, and education? Practicing a the academic process that operates common day of rest. Sabbath rest, in fact, may enable them regularly on Sundays in a Christian The second result of Sunday library to more fully do justice to all that institution of higher education is the service, I believe, is even more serious requires their attention. library. Classes normally do not meet than the first. Christian colleges and In my discussions of the Sabbath

108 The ChT € Jbibrarian, 4 5(3) 2002 issue with librarians, it is clear that not CONCLUSION regarding the work schedule of aca­ all agree with the position I have taken. demic staff, and challenge the cultural A number take an individualistic What I have tried to articulate are practice oftime management by closing approach; that is, as long as each the good reasons that exist for closing the library on Sundays. This may not be person has a day off, everything is fine. the Christian academic library-and all the most popular thing to do, but I The problem with that position, in my campus academic activities-on believe it is the right thing to do. When opinion, is that it ignores the corporate, Sunday. The first reason extends back it comes to library hours, let's declare: or community, dimension of Sabbath to the dawn of history, when God rested Never on Sunday!* observance. It is more American than on the seventh day of creation, thus biblical. setting a pattern for all humanity. Our REFERENCES society has rejected God and his pattern The argument most often given for 1 Wayne Muller, Sabbath: Restoring for living, but we, as a Christian keeping the library open on Sunday, the Sacred Rhythm ofRest , (New York: though, is as follows: 1) students want community, should be different. By Bantam Books, 1999), p. 99. the library to be open on Sunday (or observing the Sabbath, we demonstrate need an open library to make last­ our faith in God as Creator- faith in his 2 Ibid. pp. 132, 136. knowledge of us (and how we work as minute preparations for Monday); 2) 3 Ibid. pp. 1-2. the library is a service organization; human beings), and faith in his provi­ therefore, 3) the library should be open sion for us even when we work only six 4 Ibid. p. 8. to serve its patrons when they want days per week. 5 Richard J. Light, Making the Most of service. Ignoring for the moment that The second reason takes us back to College, (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard librarians usually do not wish to work the defining moments when God called University Press, 2001 ), pp. 24-25. at midnight (when there also are out a people for Himself from all students who could use their services), nations. The first exodus, through 6 Marva J. Dawn, Keeping the Sabbath or that students usually do not need to which God redeemed Israel from Wholly, (Grand Rapids, Mich.: W. B. work on Sunday (they could have Egypt, was commemorated by Sabbath Eerdmans, 1989), p. xii. chosen to finish their work on Friday or observance. In the "second exodus," 7 Ibid. p. 97. Saturday), one of the main problems God redeemed all his people, through with this argument is that it confuses Jesus Christ, from sin. Our society has "means" with "ends." Opening the rejected God, and continues to try to Write a review for The library on Sunday is seen as a means to work out its own salvation. Again, we the end of providing service. Is this a should be different by demonstrating Christian Librarian and earn sustainable position? our faith in God as Redeemer, accept­ Service is a laudable operational ing the spiritual rest he offers to us now principle for a library; libraries are and in the future, and commemorating the service agents. But the service prin­ Sabbath as a sign of God's gracious gift. ciple, by itself, cannot ultimately justify A Sabbath culture is counter­ all that is done in its name. Prostitution cultural in the twenty-first century. It for example, is a service that satisfies ' honors God with respect to our use of patrons' desires. Few Christians, time. It celebrates, as a community, our however, would justify the practice relationship to Him. In Christian higher because of the service principle. My education, it communicates to the next point is that the "service" principle generation (our students) God's plan for itself is not necessarily good or bad; it their use of time. A Sabbath culture is is the context that determines whether not a culture enslaved to quasi-legal offering a particular service is a good religious restrictions-or to societal Phyllis Fox thing. Ifl have accurately portrayed priorities. Rather, it is a culture that Point Lorna acknowledges grace and nurtures God's view of the Sabbath- and our Nazarene University responsibility toward it-in this paper, freedom in the use oftime; it brings then ignoring the Sabbath, even if it is inner and social peace to those who 3900 Lomaland Drive in the name of service, is falling short practice its re-creative rhythms. San Diego, CA 921 06 of God's best for us. 1 believe that Christian colleges and universities should seek to honor God, 619-849-2387 encourage the proper stewardship of [email protected] time by students, be consistent

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