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A new trend is emerging from Salt Lake – it seems to be confirmed in a pretty broad sweep – the upcoming religious topic from the top is Sabbath Day Observance. http://www.wheatandtares.org/17411/emphasising-sabbath-observance/ http://www.nearingkolob.com/expect-church-leaders-next-year/ What think ye?
The history seems pretty compelling that the Sabbath was changed from the Saturday to Sunday by the Catholic church. This was done in order to smooth the transition for the people of the Roman empire that had already been using Sundays as a day to worship the sun prior to the advent of Christianity. All the scripture quotes about the sabbath (save the D&C) are talking about Saturday.
Sooooo…. If God is cool with us switching the day that we worship Him from the day that He originally insituted THEN…. He is probably also cool with individuals marking the day of our choosing in various ways (including possibly doing nothing outwardly different on that day and just keeping a prayer in the heart)
Like in so many areas. I believe that God cares so much less about what we do than with what spirit and intent we do it.
Two (contradictory) thoughts. First – D@mn. I was planning to run a Sunday marathon later this year because I like the course.
Second – Generally I like the idea of a sabbath and having a “down” day. I use the sabbath as an excuse to spend time with the family instead of a 2nd Saturday running around doing errands. Sundays – aside from when there are lots of meetings – are my favorite days.
In my view the church has already been strict about Sabbath day observance. At least my stake is. If this comes to pass there will be a tendency to set rules about what makes a day “holy.” I swim in my backyard pool on Sundays but I’m pretty sure that would be frowned upon my most orthodox members.
mom3 wrote:What think ye?
Like a recent talk said, the Sabbathisa delight to me. Talkingabout the Sabbath…not so much. I wonder what exactly the church could do(not say) to help us each keep a Sabbath. (I hope they don’t manage to ruin one of the things that still totally works for me. :problem: )Roy wrote:… Sooooo…. If God is cool with us switching the day that we worship Him from the day that He originally insituted THEN…. He is probably also cool with individuals marking the day of our choosing in various ways (including possibly doing nothing outwardly different on that day and just keeping a prayer in the heart)
But FHE will NEVER be moved from Monday night!I like the idea of a Sabbath, a day of rest, as well. During the time I was not active in the church, I did strive to have this day of rest from worldly cares. I’m not sure we have to wear our church clothes all day and do little else but read scriptures and prepare simple meals, but the idea of recharging does really appeal to me. So, I’m into the Sabbath, I’m not into Pharisaical behavior associated with it. Our SP has not shared a focus on the Sabbath with us (he usually does share main things he gets from the AA). We do have a HC speaking assignment on the Sabbath in a couple months. I see it as a pretty easy one to give because I’m pretty open to having the Sabbath mean whatever it means to you. “Keep the Sabbath day holy” can be very encompassing and mean many different things. (The topic I’m not looking forward to is marriage and family in the month I happen to be assigned to the singles ward
🙄 )I remember the theme of hasten the work (missionary arm) being overbearing. The following year’s theme seemed to be hasten the work (redeeming the dead arm) and it wasn’t as dominating of a theme. Perhaps this is hasten the work (perfect the saints arm). I’d be interested in how many times they can revisit sabbath observance and still keep the material fresh. A part of me is bracing for the focus to be on all the sabbath don’ts. The guy that doesn’t own a TV and has some personal vendetta against all things sports getting onto people for watching the game on Sunday, seeking that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
😈 :angel: I could do without a year long theme of the 10 dos and 500 don’ts of sabbath observance. That will get old quick.I’m getting ahead of myself. Wait and see.
I’m just don’t think I can care about “The Sabbath” like we are taught. Sunday was the worst when I was a kid; locked inside all Sunday and only being able to watch Saturdays Warrior or read scriptures. If that is some reflection of the CK count me out, I’d rather party with the sinners. I don’t mind telling my kids I won’t be taking them to sports practice and games (if they want to play they can find their own rides), but I’m not going to hang out in my church clothes and be bored. Three hours of church is enough (and dang 1:30 p.m. church, it ruins the whole day).
I have 2 struggles with the Sabbath thing – The hiding in the house and being pious. And the fact that we do church all week long. Let’s take Hastening the Work as an example – when my family and I are so busy doing Mormon church stuff that we never get to hang with the neighbors or co-workers, how are we supposed to “bring people unto” the church, when we have very shallow relationships with them.
2nd – Pharisee’s. We have no problem teaching a frown on the Pharisee’s for all their weird extra rules, but we can’t see the forest for the trees in our lives. Like they of old we have made so many rules for the Sabbath that it is impossible. What clothes to wear, what activities to do, what music to listen to. Even the Savior himself got in trouble for his Sabbath behavior. So I guess, if I am trying to be like Jesus I can fill my Sabbath as I see fit?
Final comment-when we moved to the 3 hour block church, the original intent was to make Sunday our only “church” day. The rest of the week was originally scheduled to be meeting free or very reduced, such as once a month. This was to allow families more time together, more community involvement, and less wear and tear. 30 years hence we have grown it into a monstrosity in the other direction.
mom3 said: Quote:Like they of old we have made so many rules for the Sabbath that it is impossible. What clothes to wear, what activities to do, what music to listen to. Even the Savior himself got in trouble for his Sabbath behavior. So I guess, if I am trying to be like Jesus I can fill my Sabbath as I see fit?
My answer to your question is ABSOLUTELY.
I try to live the sabbath according to the dictates of my own conscience. The rules were developed by “others” (not me). I will prayerfully consider them & live my life accordingly to my own conscience & inspiration from God. My own conscience may (& should) change over time as God (not the Church) directs me. For me, that’s the end of the debate.
Quote:Minyan Man wrote : I try to live the sabbath according to the dictates of my own conscience. The rules were developed by “others” (not me). I will prayerfully consider them & live my life accordingly to my own conscience & inspiration from God. My own conscience may (& should) change over time as God (not the Church) directs me. For me, that’s the end of the debate.
Well and succinctly stated.
This can and will go different ways in different wards and stakes. I love the concept and principle of a Sabbath day of rest from the cares (anxieties) of the world – of setting aside one day each week that is holy. I don’t love how some people choose to interpret that and construct their holy day. There is a very good aspect of this institutional focus that I hope is understood at the local level – the focus on improving Sunday church experiences. It already has led to a discussion where I am about ways to make our Sacrament Services more spiritual – and the best result so far is that Bishops have been told directly to include the Ward Council in choosing topics for talks and to ask people to talk at least a month in advance.
My reason for posting this was to give each of us a heads up. I find when I have had time to process information I do much better at responding to it. Hit broadside, I’m not so good. Like most everything in life people will vary on their interpretation of Sabbath. Years ago, when I was in an RS Presidency, we visited a new ward member. During the discussion she said she let her girls watch musicals on Sunday afternoon. It felt as if she were asking our blessing on it. I think the Pres. just moved on. Basically like everything else, this is a personal decision for each of us and our families. I just wanted to help us avoid unnecessary heartburn. From here on we can listen, take what we like, love the deliverer and move on.
Happy Sabbath to you all.
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