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Sabbath day debate is tedious diversion 13/7/09
Sirs,
It has been good to debate the issue of Sabbath ferries in recent weeks on this excellent
news-
And I have genuine respect for some of my opponents here, especially Uisdean MacLeod, John N Murray and Cllr Philip McLean: they are smart, poised and coherent, have told no falsehoods and never take personal offence amidst robust argument.
Determined efforts, however, by others over the last fortnight or so to attack the settled position of the Church – that the Christian Sabbath is the first day of the week – have been a tedious diversion and the discussion is doing them no evident good.
Contrary to parting rants from Eddie Hallahan – a fair description of letters latterly reduced to calling Angus MacKay and myself 'Pharisees', 'legalistic' and 'policemen' – it is reasonable to describe a man as 'confused' when he has launched repeated attacks on the Christian Sabbath, attacked the individuals who devoted precious time to addressing his difficulties, and then gaily announced he himself belongs to a church that holds to the Christian Sabbath and himself joins in public worship on that day.
Such a man deserves the laughter of Lewis; not her attention. As for Donald MacKenzie, I am afraid I am under no obligation to join obediently in the games he proposes.
Scripture teaches us that believers are not to waste time – and create opportunities
for blasphemy – by repeatedly proclaiming the Gospel to those who reject it and who
are determined to mock its adherents. And we have in this not merely the teaching
of Jesus Himself, but His example – for instance, before King Herod -
We are in a (most civilised) war on Sabbath ferries at present; I am an officer in that war; and often the wisest tactics are to drive one's tanks around an obstacle and not through it. 'Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.' (Matthew 7:6).
John Macleod
Drover's Rest,
Maryhill,
Isle of Lewis,
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Letters should include name and full address for publication. Please include a phone number for verification.