Leisure

Leisure: A Spiritual Need presents an impressive and articulate case for the integration of authentic leisure into every aspect of our lives, showing that lei­sure is of the essence of Christianity, and a vital component of our spiritual growth. In dealing with an important subject that is rarely addressed, Leonard Doohan points out that leisure is a multi billion dollar a year industry that often leaves its consumers tense and stunted in spirit. Authentic leisure, he maintains, is more than a relaxation response to the stresses and pressures of modern life. It's an attitude that must be integrated into every aspect of our lives--work, recreation, prayer, family life, community building, and national ethos­ in order to make us more fully human and more fully Christian. Particularly effective is the author's development of the concept of sabbatical living. Drawing on Scripture and church teachings, he presents it as a way of coping with the stress of contemporary society and of fostering a fuller spiritual life. Without a spiritual approach to life that is nourished through authentic leisure, maintains the author, we will continue to face burnout and spiritual apathy rather than achieving a healthier approach to life and discipleship.