Appendix VI
"Parlor Games"
A few years ago a member of one of the most prominent GOG associations wrote a paper objecting to his church’s defense of dining of on the Sabbath. In it he argued that this practice would invariably lead to God’s people engaging in a variety of secular activities. His church obviously disagreed and denied that Sabbath dining could be linked to behaviors that obviously contradict proper Sabbath observance. The words below represent part of a second letter written by this member in response to their assertion. In it, he illustrates how many in God’s Church have been desensitized into engaging in profane activities on holy time. The example he employs actually involved an elder of the very COG that denied they were inviting a more casual approach to God’s Sabbath. It is very telling.
"Parlor Games"
Dear Sirs,
A few years ago my family and I were invited to the home of a COG member who was hosting a reception for a visiting elder. The reception was to take place Sabbath afternoon after services. We were very honored to receive the invitation and looked forward to fellowshipping with people we genuinely loved. Personally, I looked forward to discussing God's word in a more informal way. Those who know me would testify to my passion for talking about the Bible. It is such a wonderful book.
About an hour after we arrived, the COG elder suggested that we all play a parlor game. I don't recall the name of the game, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the Sabbath. It was a nice family game to be sure, but clearly not appropriate for the day, in my view. After about twenty minutes I decided to excuse my family by informing our hosts that we had a long drive home and needed to go. I didn't want to offend them or their guests and thought this was a discrete way to withdraw from this activity.
As we were gathering our things and saying "good bye," the elder asked if I was offended by the game. I responded by saying something to the effect of, "It is not what I would do, but I am not judging you." I then repeated that we had a long ride home in an attempt to deflect any potential debate on this. The elder then said, "You know, the Sabbath is about family and there is nothing wrong with doing family things on this day. I suppose you're one of those people that think it’s wrong to eat in restaurants on the Sabbath too." I concluded the dialogue by wishing him and the guests a pleasant day without commenting on his last statement. At no time did I think that this would be a good time to engage this COG elder on this issue.
The point I am making is that this elder immediately linked my opposition to playing generic parlor games on the Sabbath with not going to restaurants. Furthermore, it was clear he felt disapproval by my answer although there was nothing in it that showed any disrespect. By the way, every guest who later spoke to me about this incident mentioned that they were thoroughly embarrassed by the elder's comments.
In closing, I realize that the intent of the church is not to encourage a more casual approach toward Sabbath observance, but that is exactly what its teaching on dining out fosters. Scores of God's people apply the same self-serving logic to defend a host of practices that go totally contrary to His law.
Although I sincerely believe that God's ministers truly desire to honor the fourth commandment they are making a HUGE mistake in thinking that God's people may somehow seek out those who profane this day and pay them for their sin, with God's blessing. This is nothing but wishful thinking.
