A Proper Sabbath

American State Papers Bearing on Sunday Legislation

I read this article by a minister the other day that helps you think.

We Dare Not Speak Its Name
Within the Church there is an irreconcilable divergence emerging (1 John 2:18–19). At its extremes we see the birth of Patriot Pastors in Ohio even as liberal churches become targets for IRS investigations. We see Justice Sundays and the growth of theocratic nationalism even as more are jailed because of their faith-based resistance to the further production of war. From the pulpits of the nation the Sermon on the Mount, Christian identification with the poor, the declaration to love our enemies are all replaced with strategies of church growth or manipulations to infiltrate political parties. Congregations insist that clergy dare not speak its name. Congregations insist that clergy stay embedded in their role as chaplain and golf partner. They insist that clergy provide comfort and offer therapeutic guidance. And clergy, with paycheck in hand, and a desire for career advancement in heart, oblige their congregations with false words of "peace, peace" (Jeremiah 8).

For more articles by the Reverend Rich Lang, please see Trinity United Methodist Church in Seattle, Washington.

Today's Commentary...

"We don't work on the Sabbath..."

They pompously say.
(And Sabbath is on Sunday, by the way.)

"We are to rest upon the Lord's day."

So off to the links
To play a quick round;
Church, an excuse to go into town.

Then they sit themselves down,
In their comfy pews,
Without the slightest textual clue,
Just as long as the good Reverend is through
By noon.

Because the malls open at one, you see,
And close promptly at six.

"We'll need time between to get our appetites fixed."

A stop at a restaurant,
Give Grace for the repast,
Then worry at the wait staff
(Also known as the lost).

"Isn't it a pity," they say as they pay...

"All the heathen who work Sabbath day?"





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