A local community organization in Scotland recently requested use of a
public swimming pool on Sunday, a day on which city parks and facilities
have been traditionally closed.
Their request was denied,
so the group appealed. Now a growing number of community members,
including the Scottish Secular Society, have also pressed the city
council on this issue.
When city officials stated that funds were
not available to open the pool on Sundays, the group raised the money
and presented a check to cover the expenses. One council members is
still reluctant to give permission, saying, “It is a matter of
conscience for me as I have to stand up for what I believe in and that
is in god. Before my election, my personal leaflet distributed to the
electorate stated a commitment to uphold Christian values ‘if elected’
and I believe in the fourth commandment. ‘Remembering the Sabbath day,
to keep it holy’ is one such value.”
In the USA, Sunday “blue
laws” are still on the books in many areas, though most of them are not
enforced. Opening business on Saturday and Sunday is common, as most
business owners are able to exercise their religious preference in this
area without government interference. (However, in the end times, the
Bible says this will change!)
What do you think? How should local
governments deal with the fourth commandment—whether observed by some
on Sunday, or on the seventh day, according to the commandment? Would
permitting a group to use a public pool on Sunday or the actual Sabbath
sanction Sabbath-breaking—or merely acknowledge the freedom of people to
worship according to their conscience?
Learn more about blue laws here in America.
Click here.