Safe place to explore an orthodox theology of Sabbath?

Paidiske said:

That doesn't really fit with the Statement of Purpose of this forum.

Click to expand...

Paidiske said:

As far as specifically Anglican takes on it, I would point out that one of our key positions is this:

"It is not necessary that Traditions and Ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly like; for at all times they have been divers, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's Word."

So provided we don't feel there is a specific Scriptural reason for worshipping on a given day, this is something on which Anglicans would say customs can vary.

I would note also that traditionally, Anglican forms of worship assumed that people might gather and pray together on any day, or indeed every day. The "office" - morning and evening prayer - was traditionally observed publicly each day in each parish, and in places like cathedrals and monastic communities, still is. More catholic places might also celebrate the Eucharist every day. Even more middle-of-the-road parishes would tend to hold a mid-week Eucharist on a Wednesday.

I would note also that I'm aware that in some places - for example, in Islamic countries - the main worship service of the week is held on Friday, because that is when people have the freedom from work to gather en masse.

So much for gathering for worship. As for a "weekly memorial," if by that you mean communion, surely you know that there too, Anglican customs have varied. The idea that Anglicans would celebrate the Eucharist every week is fairly modern; historically it was often celebrated monthly or even quarterly.

So my overall response would be, it would be hard to critique your position from specifically Anglican sources, and the actual historic and contemporary practice of Anglicans around the world would tend to demonstrate a degree of agreement, although I would be hard pressed to find any official Anglican source which lays out the line of reasoning you've put forward.

Click to expand...

seeking.IAM said:

Carl, as I re-read your post, I might offer one slight twist on your conclusion of, "This makes Sunday the obvious choice." I am not a theologian and offer only one Anglican voice from the pew (for whatever that's worth). For me, I can better align myself with the statement, "This makes Sunday an acceptable choice." There are enough folks that disapprove to negate the choice as obvious.

Jesus observed the Sabbath, but he also challenged the Pharisee's unyielding and strict interpretation of the law by healing on the Sabbath, walking about, and plucking and eating grain along the way, etc. In my life, my conclusion from that is (a) a Sabbath is to be kept and (b) the keeping of it (spirit) is more important than the day (law).

However, as I have said before I honor the tradition of the church. The Christian church has maintained Sunday as its primary day of worship for centuries, and that's good enough for me.

Just as important or maybe more so, I also think we have grown very lax in adherence to Sabbath as a required day of rest regardless of which day is observed. It is as if we go to services and check that box as if we have done all that is required of us. I personally think God required more than that.

I confess I would like to get back to something closer to the strict observance I grew up with in my parents' and grandparents' (non-Anglican) households. I've been trying to sort out if or how I can do that.

Click to expand...