I recently read an engaging
debate about whether or not Christians should work on Sundays.
The writer in favor of Christians working on Sundays pointed out that there are some responsibilities that must be carried out -- regardless of the day of the week. She believes it would be more of a non-Christian attitude to evade certain responsibilities than to tend to them on Sundays.
She argues: "How would it be if every Christian Surgeon, in the middle of an operation, when the clock turned over at midnight to 'Sunday', called off all emergency and said, 'right, I'm off... it's Sunday!' That would not even be Christian. There are thousands who have no choice but to work on a Sunday from a house-wife who makes the beds and cooks the meals, to a nurse attending the sick, whether in a hospital, or privately."
On the flip side of the coin, another writer believes that we should keep holy our Sabbath equally as much as people of other religions (e.g. Judaism) keep theirs. For Christians, Sunday should be devoted to fellowship with other believers, and no worldly activities.
She points out: "...In America and many European countries Sunday has been the chosen day of Sabbath for all Christian faiths. Yet, society has opened and allowed the flood gates of the economy to invade this observed Holy day to commerce. No one should be forced to work on the day on which their faith observes the Sabbath. Yet, these same individuals should refuse to work or do business on that day, as well. The Christian should guard Sunday as fiercely as the Jew guards Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. With no compromise.
Where do you stand on this? Do you work on Sundays? Should Christians work on Sundays?
Comments (5)
I don't work Sundays. All Christians need to have a day of rest. It'd be nice if we all committed to the same day, but it's not necessary. Sunday is easy because you can join for worship, then rest. Also, it's the "weekend" for the business world.
I think to have a day of rest is beautiful. It's definitely something that's not merely a religious observance, but something good for us. That said, we shouldn't fiercely try to maintain it without compromise. An example of compromising in Jesus' day is pulling a mule out of a ditch it fell into.
What is real meaning of Sunday may be it reminds us God, rather than us, is the creator. Current philosophy always suggests that we could master and is responsible for our destiny.
That true in some extent. But over-expressing such belief create illusion that we are God of our own world. Selfishness, proud, anger,….,then arises.
Hope this would induce more discussion.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - In a perfect world, I think that would be a great way to observe the
sabbath. However, the world isn't perfect and there are some people
that NEED to work. Just like that one woman argued, what about a
surgeon or other medical workers? Who will care for the sick if they
take the day off? What about the police and firefighters? Who will
protect us if they take the day off? What about the poor and homeless?
Who will feed and shelter them if homeless shelter workers take the day
off?
It may be the "weekend" for the business world, but the business world
isn't the only world. There are other "worlds" that don't have
weekends, such as the "emergency services world" and the "parenting
world". In all practicality, not all Christians can afford a day of
rest, especially in this economy, too. There are those struggling just
to keep their home; where every dollar counts to support themselves or
a family.
@Serikiyo@xanga - "not all Christians can afford a day of rest"
I would say that no Christian can afford NOT to take a day of rest. It's a part of creation. Without rest, people and things operate poorly and then fall apart.
The poor will always be with us. So will fire. So will sickness. There are firefighters and doctors who are not Christian and can work on those days. It's possible in an imperfect world. We know this because G-D implemented laws for his people concerning this issue (in an imperfect world).
The tithe and year of Jubilee exist to prove the faithfulness and generosity of G-D. When we rest we say "I know you are able to provide for me as I obey you. Though this may defy earthly logic it is still practical in your kingdom. Everything in the world is yours and you will use what is yours for the sake of those who love you."
Though, doing good on the Sabbath is not wrong.