Coloring books marketed to adults for relaxation, stress relief, and a nostalgic return to childlike simplicity. Emblematic of millennial self-soothing culture that prized childlike regression as mental health.
Scripture honors genuine rest (Sabbath, Ex 20:8-11) and child-like faith (Matt 18:3) — but distinguishes both from childish regression. Paul: "When I became a man, I gave up childish ways" (1 Cor 13:11). Hebrews: "Everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature" (Heb 5:13-14). Adult coloring books are not sinful; they are diagnostic. A generation that must color to unwind has lost access to richer adult rest: worship, deep friendship, meaningful work, time in creation. Color if you want; then grow up into the rest Scripture offers.
The adult-coloring moment symbolized a generation's inability to rest as adults. The Bible offers a richer Sabbath.
Millennial self-care culture reached for childhood tools: coloring, stuffed animals, play-doh in the office. The tools themselves are harmless; the inability to rest without regression is the problem. Biblical Sabbath is adult rest: ceasing from productive labor, feasting with loved ones, lengthy worship, long meals, sleep, Scripture. It does not infantilize; it sanctifies. Put down the coloring book once in a while and take a full Sabbath. The rest that releases you will be much deeper.
Matthew 11:28-30 — "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Hebrews 5:13-14 — "For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature."
1 Corinthians 13:11 — "When I became a man, I gave up childish ways."
Exodus 20:8-11 — "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
Color if it helps. Do not mistake regression for rest. The Sabbath that the Bible commands is adult rest — deeper, richer, and will actually repair you.
“Ugh, long day. Time for wine and my adult coloring book.”
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”