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https://adventmessenger.org/national-u-s-survey-ranks-neighborhoods-that-have-the-best-sunday-rest-and-leisure/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteNational U.S. Survey Ranks Neighborhoods that have the Best Sunday Rest and Leisure

Why are national surveys now ranking neighborhoods according to their "Sunday leisure" experience? Why are media outlets normalizing the idea that entire communities should slow down on Sunday? Why is there increasing cultural emphasis on creating "perfect Sunday" environments? Simply put, America is being psychologically and culturally conditioned to embrace the idea of Sunday as the special day for rest, worship, and renewal.

On May 26, 2026, WFTV 9 in Orlando praised the fact that three Florida neighborhoods have been "nationally recognized" as places where the "perfect slow Sunday" has been achieved. This national survey is normalizing—by the very questions it is asking—the idea that Sunday should function as the universally recognized day for rest and leisure.

News Channel 9 in Orlando reported the following:

• "Three Florida neighborhoods have earned national recognition as ideal places to unwind and enjoy a leisurely Sunday."

• "A recent survey from Calgary.com ranked neighborhoods across the U.S. based on qualities people associate with a perfect 'slow Sunday,' such as walkable streets, local coffee shops, quiet surroundings, bookstores, brunch spots, and outdoor spaces."

• "Old Northeast ranked the highest among Florida neighborhoods at number 11 nationally. The St. Petersburg area was praised for its brick streets, waterfront paths, banyan trees, and neighborhood cafés that invite people to spend time outdoors."

• "Seminole Heights in Tampa secured the 12th spot, with the survey highlighting its historic bungalows, independent coffee shops, shaded streets, and local restaurants that create a laid-back, creative atmosphere."

• "College Park in Orlando came in at number 73 nationwide. Researchers noted its lakeside walks, sidewalk cafés, bookstores, and farmers markets as reasons it stands out from the busier parts of Central Florida."

• "Top activities people associate with a perfect Sunday include relaxing at home, enjoying coffee outdoors, and strolling through peaceful neighborhoods."

Public opinion must first be shaped, and people must first be taught to associate Sunday with rest, worship, leisure, peace, and family stability before the day can be enforced and imposed by law. Once a culture embraces the Sunday rest concept, political and religious leaders can more easily argue that laws are needed to protect, preserve, and promote it for the benefit of society.

Sunday rest has become increasingly central as corporations, religious leaders, environmental advocates, politicians, and media commentators continue converging around the same theme of a synchronized day of rest. The final test will center upon whether people will follow the commandments of God or substitute human tradition in place of divine authority. The growing glorification of Sunday culture across America should be watched carefully in light of prophecy, because public opinion is often prepared long before laws are enacted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuEiwXW_bQ4

I'm putting the above link to very interesting video here, and on the Internet Censorship topic which I have not addressed in quite some time, because it is pertinent to both topics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiZGlyqk5Fg

Another good video from Scriptures Illustrator.

Quote from: Amo on Sat Mar 07, 2026 - 10:24:39I have not forgotten anything, as I have already stated that the seventh day Sabbath of God has even more significance and importance for fallen humanity in particular, than it had when established for the perfection of God's creation. I just do not negate either by the other. The seventh day Sabbath of God has not become a shadow, because it now represents a new creation for those who will once again choose to rest in God's grace and mercy. His grace and mercy have always been the traits of His character, which have become more crucial to the believer since our fall. As likewise His seventh day Sabbath therefore has also become more crucial to our experience. See post #7 at the link below.

https://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/index.php?topic=113707.0

Amo,

Is the shadow more important than the eternal rest to which it points?

The ceremonial signs were given as teaching tools, but the substance is Christ and the rest found in Him.

Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a rest that remains for the people of God, a rest entered by faith.

We should be careful not to elevate the sign above the reality it was designed to reveal.

Consider Aaron's two sons. They offered strange fire of their own devising before the Lord. The lesson is that God's worship is not improved by human additions or substitutions.

The shadow has value because it points to the eternal. But once the meaning is understood, our confidence rests in God's grace and mercy, not in the shadow itself.

The Sabbath, like many biblical signs, can teach us about the greater rest found in God's finished work. The question is not whether the sign is useful, but whether we have entered the rest to which it bears witness.

Quote from: garee on Sat Jun 06, 2026 - 16:42:24Amo,

Is the shadow more important than the eternal rest to which it points?

The ceremonial signs were given as teaching tools, but the substance is Christ and the rest found in Him.

Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a rest that remains for the people of God, a rest entered by faith.

We should be careful not to elevate the sign above the reality it was designed to reveal.

Consider Aaron's two sons. They offered strange fire of their own devising before the Lord. The lesson is that God's worship is not improved by human additions or substitutions.

The shadow has value because it points to the eternal. But once the meaning is understood, our confidence rests in God's grace and mercy, not in the shadow itself.

The Sabbath, like many biblical signs, can teach us about the greater rest found in God's finished work. The question is not whether the sign is useful, but whether we have entered the rest to which it bears witness.

You confuse shadows and parables with straight forward testimony, and seem to be somewhat confused altogether. You said -

QuoteConsider Aaron's two sons. They offered strange fire of their own devising before the Lord. The lesson is that God's worship is not improved by human additions or substitutions.

You just stated the exact problem being addressed on this topic, while apparently arguing against the same. You admit of it concerning God's instructions via the hand of Moses concerning ceremonial laws, but deny it regarding this issue concerning a direct commandment of God. Spoken by his own mouth to the entire nation of Israel in the most awesome display of his power and literal presence on earth to date, and written with his own finger in tables of stone twice. Concerning His Sabbath which as I have already stated is not a shadow of anything but actual substance existing in the sinless world before the fall, where no shadows were needed, and to be observed by the saved in heaven, as Holy Scripture testifies. The keeping of God's commandments being a sign of God's true followers right up to the last book and chapter of the Holy Scriptures.

Men have taught and do seek to replace a commandment of God, with a commandment and tradition of men. Yet you choose to turn a blind eye to the very sin you just pointed out yourself, in your above testimony. Go to, step back, take a breath, and see for yourself, that you have just presented my very own argument as your own. While you refuse to see it as applicable to the issue at hand regarding this very topic.

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; 6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Mrk 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbMJb-1MKB0

Good video by Heritage & Hope Ministries, regarding Romanism in America, and Sunday laws of course.

https://adventmessenger.org/roman-catholics-renew-the-call-for-legally-protected-sunday-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteRoman Catholics Renew the Call for Legally Protected Sunday Rest

Südtirol News, a German-language news outlet, published an article on July 8, 2026, titled "Sunday Must Be a Day of Rest for Families," reporting on how the Catholic Workers' Association (KVW) is advocating for the preservation of Sunday as a legally protected day of rest in the interest of family life, workers' rights, health, and social relationships.

For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has promoted Sunday not only as the day for Eucharistic worship but also as a "common good" that serves society. Although today's arguments for Sunday rest laws are given in humanitarian terms, the main objective remains the same: preserve and protect Sunday through civil legislation.

Südtirol News reported the following in its article:

• "The Social Centre wing of the South Tyrolean People's Party (SVP) strongly advocates maintaining Sunday trading restrictions. A recently published survey by the Institute for the Promotion of Labour (AFI) impressively confirms that the vast majority of South Tyroleans do not want shops to be generally open on Sundays."

• "The Catholic Workers' Association (KVW) has also commented."

• "KVW Chairman Werner Steiner expressed ... '[color=red]Sunday and public holiday rest must be preserved.' He argues that it serves to protect employees, promotes health, and creates time for family and social relationships. The KVW Women's Association has been advocating the same position for years.[/color]"

• "Sunday is the battery for the whole week,' emphasizes Heidrun Goller, chairwoman of the KVW women's association. Especially in times of increasing stress, regular periods of rest are essential. Shopping can easily be done on the other six weekdays. Therefore, Sunday should remain a protected day of rest for employees wherever possible."

• "Work deserves our appreciation, but so do breaks! A free Sunday strengthens families and society. Let's continue to work to ensure this remains the case!' concluded Werner Steiner."

Every movement encouraging governments to protect Sunday through legislation reflects Rome's long-standing vision that civil authorities should recognize and safeguard Sunday as the common day of rest. Sunday continues to occupy a unique place in public policy discussions, and wherever efforts arise to give it special legal protection, Catholic leaders and Catholic labor organizations are always among those advocating for its preservation as the weekly day of rest.

History repeatedly demonstrates that when governments begin favoring certain popular religious observances, the rights of minorities always come under pressure. For this reason, Seventh-day Adventists have a responsibility to educate people about both the biblical seventh-day Sabbath and the God-given principle of liberty of conscience. The best way to protect everyone's religious freedom is for government to stay out of religious matters all together and never use civil law to require the observance of any holy day. In this way, every person is free to worship God without government interference as foretold in Revelation 13.

Quote from: Amo on Fri Jul 17, 2026 - 07:47:56https://adventmessenger.org/roman-catholics-renew-the-call-for-legally-protected-sunday-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

I think you're mixing two different categories: the historical demonstration and the gospel it demonstrates.

The historical events are real. I do not deny them. But God used those historical events—including the ceremonial laws—as parables that testify beforehand of Christ.

Peter explains it this way:

"The Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (1 Peter 1:11)

The prophets were not merely recording history. By the Spirit of Christ they were signifying—using historical demonstrations to reveal the unseen gospel.

Paul gives us the rule for interpreting them:

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

The temporal, historical things are the visible demonstrations. The eternal realities they reveal are the substance of the gospel.

That is exactly why Hebrews says:

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them..." (Hebrews 4:2)

The gospel was preached to Israel long before Calvary—not because they understood it naturally, but because God hid it within the historical demonstrations, ceremonies, and prophecies. Many heard the history but missed the gospel because it was "not mixed with faith."

So I am not changing the history. I am saying the history was designed by God to point beyond itself. The historical demonstration remains exactly as written; faith sees the eternal reality it signifies.

In that way the gospel understanding enriches the historical record without altering it. The visible testifies to the invisible. The temporal points to the eternal. That is how the Spirit of Christ preached the gospel beforehand.

In that way we know that when the Son of man Jesus came he taught men how to rightly divide the parables the signified tongue of Christ

Luke 18:8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Again no change in the historical the fear of many

QuoteThe gospel was preached to Israel long before Calvary—not because they understood it naturally, but because God hid it within the historical demonstrations, ceremonies, and prophecies. Many heard the history but missed the gospel because it was "not mixed with faith."

Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

What does the preaching of the gospel have to do with hiding gospel truth? They lost sight of gospel truth because of a lack of faith, God did not hide it from them. They simply were not interested enough to maintain a saving knowledge of the truth. Just as most people today are not either. Occupied and or overwhelmed by the cares of this world.

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Quote from: Amo on Sun Jul 19, 2026 - 11:14:28Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

What does the preaching of the gospel have to do with hiding gospel truth? They lost sight of gospel truth because of a lack of faith, God did not hide it from them. They simply were not interested enough to maintain a saving knowledge of the truth. Just as most people today are not either. Occupied and or overwhelmed by the cares of this world.

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The preaching of the gospel does have everything to do with the understanding of the gospel parables . Hebrews 4:2 says the word preached did not profit them because it was "not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

The question is, how is it mixed with faith?

Paul gives the pattern in 2 Corinthians 4:18. The temporal things that are seen must be understood in light of the eternal things that are unseen. The historical events are real, but they also testify of the invisible work of Christ. This is the "mixing" by which faith receives the gospel.

That is why Scripture repeatedly says Christ taught in parables.

"Without a parable spake he not unto them..." (Matthew 13:34)

A parable joins the visible with the invisible. Those who hear only the earthly story remain with the history alone. Those to whom God gives understanding see the spiritual testimony concerning Christ.

The purpose was never to hide the truth from those who believed, but to keep the gospel's spiritual meaning hidden from the unbelieving world and from Satan, the father of lies, while revealing it to those who heard with faith (Matthew 13:10-17; 1 Corinthians 2:7-14).

The disciples themselves often failed to understand at first. More than once they misunderstood Christ's words because they interpreted them according to the flesh instead of the Spirit. Even after hearing many parables, they still required the Lord to open their understanding.

So I agree that they lost sight of gospel truth because of unbelief. But that unbelief was shown by their inability to receive the spiritual meaning hidden within the parables. Without Christ opening their understanding, the outward history remained only history.

The same danger exists today. Many know the Bible's historical events yet never come to the spiritual understanding that points to Christ. As Hebrews 4:2 says, the word preached profits only when it is mixed with faith.

 

Mat 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

These parables were given at a certain time to a certain gathering of people, that a certain prophecy might be fulfilled. Which may be applicable when Christ used parables at other times as well. Nevertheless, the parables were explained to the Apostles and written for  all of us to understand if we so desire, in the New Testament scriptures. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not come to us or any in parables alone. To the contrary, it was and is intended to be given to the world in no uncertain manner, but rather in very clear and concise convicting power unto the salvation of as many as possible. The Holy Scriptures are filled with examples of very simple, clear, and concise truths revealing the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Jhn 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jhn 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Jhn 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

Quote from: Amo on Fri Jul 24, 2026 - 11:52:46Mat 13:34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

These parables were given at a certain time to a certain gathering of people, that a certain prophecy might be fulfilled. Which may be applicable when Christ used parables at other times as well. Nevertheless, the parables were explained to the Apostles and written for  all of us to understand if we so desire, in the New Testament scriptures. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not come to us or any in parables alone. To the contrary, it was and is intended to be given to the world in no uncertain manner, but rather in very clear and concise convicting power unto the salvation of as many as possible. The Holy Scriptures are filled with examples of very simple, clear, and concise truths revealing the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Jhn 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jhn 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Jhn 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

It would seem that without even one parables—comparing the temporal, historical creation to the unseen, eternal realities—Christ spoke not to the multitude.

The Bible itself uses signs and figures to reveal the invisible through the visible. As Revelation 1:1 says, it was "signified." From the beginning, God's invisible power was revealed through visible creation: "Let there be..." and "it was good."

Parables do not change history; they enrich it. They take historical events and reveal the eternal wisdom hidden within them. Like honey, they bring sweetness and understanding to the soul.

Proverbs 24:13–14 (KJV):

"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."

Honey itself becomes a living metaphor for the sweetness of God's wisdom.

That same metaphor appears in another historical account.

1 Samuel 14:27–29 (KJV):

"Jonathan... dipped the end of the rod that was in his hand in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened... See, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey."

The historical event remains true, yet it also illustrates a spiritual reality. Just as a little honey enlightened Jonathan's eyes, a taste of God's wisdom enlightens the understanding.

The account continues:

1 Samuel 14:43 (KJV):

"I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die."

The history is not replaced by the parable; it is enriched by it. Throughout Scripture, God uses visible things to teach invisible truths. Christ fulfilled this pattern, for "without a parable spake he not unto them" (Matthew 13:34). The historical events remain true, while the hidden wisdom—the "honey"—is discovered by those who search the Scriptures.

The gospel is proclaimed plainly enough to be believed, yet its deeper riches are revealed through God's own comparisons of the seen with the unseen. As Paul wrote:

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

The literal and the spiritual are not enemies. The historical account is the vessel; the parable reveals the eternal wisdom it contains.

https://www.freethoughttoday.com/articles/vol-41-no-09-november-2024/annie-laurie-gaylor-project-2025-wants-to-bring-back-blue-laws/

Quoted article below from link above. The view of blue laws, and the dangers of Project 2025, by an apparent non believer.

QuoteAnnie Laurie Gaylor: Project 2025 wants to bring back 'blue laws'

By Annie Laurie Gaylor

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." — Exodus 20:8–11

Sunday used to be the dreariest day of the week. Ask me.

I was a child in the 1960s when "blue laws" made everyone blue. I remember, especially in the coldest days of winter, feeling like I was under house arrest on Sundays. Now the creators of scary Project 2025 want to close down Sundays again, and America should be forewarned and refuse.

Blue laws started to be repealed by the 1970s, and life opened up. Sunday went from a day where the only thing we children could look forward to was the "Wonderful World of Disney" on TV that night to a second day of the "weekend." More importantly, working folk didn't have to do all their grocery shopping, errands, prescription-filling or couch-hunting over one very busy Saturday — also the only day they could take school-aged children out for ice cream, amusement rides or to buy new shoes. Americans could now run errands, pick up prescriptions, fill fridges and even go to the movies on Sundays.

I was rudely reminded of how awful Sundays could be on a cold summer day in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1975, where it was my misfortune to end up on "the Sabbath" when traveling with my cousin. Blue laws still prevailed in that rigid then-Protestant stronghold. The youth hostel kicked everyone out almost as soon as we were woken up very early, and we couldn't get back in until dinnertime. We wandered along the cobblestones past closed tea shops along the Royal Mile, growing hungrier, colder and thirstier. Finally in the late afternoon, we realized the train station was open, where we got some of that stewed tea Scotland excels in. We gratefully filed back into the youth hostel 12 hours after we left it, happy to say goodbye to Sunday in Scotland.

Today, we take for granted that you can do many of the things on Sunday that you can do on other days, perhaps reduced hours notwithstanding. Will this still be the case if Project 2025 becomes a reality? Not if the Heritage Foundation gets its way. Let's turn to page 589 of Project 2025, to a subsection titled "Sabbath Rest."

"God ordained the Sabbath as a day of rest, and until very recently the Judeo-Christian tradition sought to honor that mandate by moral and legal regulation of work on that day," states the document. "Moreover, a shared day off makes it possible for families and communities to enjoy time off together, rather than as atomized individuals, and provides a healthier cadence of life for everyone. Unfortunately, the communal day of rest has eroded under the pressures of consumerism and secularism, especially for low-income workers."

The document continues: "That day would default to Sunday, except for employers with a sincere religious observance of a Sabbath at a different time (e.g., Friday sundown to Saturday sundown); the obligation would transfer to that period instead."

The project calls for Congress to encourage "communal rest" (sounds kinky!) by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act to repeal overtime, except to require time-and-a half pay for working on "the Sabbath" regardless of whether someone is truly working overtime. It concedes this would "lead to higher costs and limited access to goods and services and reduce work available on the Sabbath," but after all, "the proper role of government in helping to enable individuals to practice their religion is to reduce barriers to work options and to fruitful employer and employee relations."

Project 2025 assures us that churches, naturally, would, in most instances, be exempt from this rule! It pretends to care about workers, but clearly the real goal is to get more bodies back into churches because of less competition.

The freethought movement has played a historic role in fighting blue laws. In researching "Women Without Superstition: The Collected Writings of Women Freethinkers of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries," I came across "Shall the World's Fair Be Closed on Sunday?" by pioneering 19th-century feminist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Congress had voted to withhold appropriations to the 1893 Fair in Chicago if it opened on Sundays, after being petitioned by 100,000 Americans, mostly — to Stanton's chagrin — "concerned women."

Stanton felt so passionately about this state/church problem that she undertook a personal crusade to circulate her pamphlet objecting to the Sunday closing of the fair, which was reprinted in various newspapers. She ably mustered quotes and opinions from the New Testament and church leaders such as Calvin and Luther, as well as from contemporaries, to disprove the claims of the Sabbatarians. Neither Jesus nor Paul advocated keeping the Sabbath, Calvin deferred a sermon to attend a Sunday play and Martin Luther favored dancing on Sunday rather than observing a Jewish code. The Sunday closing laws, she averred, were antithetical to family happiness and morality. She launched her broadside at a time when the vote was being reconsidered — and her efforts paid off. Although many exhibits were closed, the World Fair as a whole stayed open on Sundays.

As Stanton wrote, "It is in very bad taste as well as grossly unjust, for Christians, comprising as they do, so very small a portion of the human family, to force their religious observances on representatives of all the nations on the Earth."

"It has been our boast that we have no state religion, that here all sects occupy a common ground, that all faiths are equally respected," Stanton added. "Then why should the Sunday of the Christian be more binding than that of the Jew, the Quaker, the Seventh-day Baptist, or of that increasingly large class of educated, liberal-minded people who do not believe in any penal Sundays, or imposed religious test, but who do believe in a change of employment one day in seven, when those who do the hard work of the world shall have free access to all the libraries, the galleries of art, the museums, the concerts and the public parks, there to enjoy whatever innocent amusements they may desire."

She concluded: "This act of Congress is a fatal blow at one of the vital principles of our Government and should be resisted by all who know the danger of recognizing any union in State and Church."

Sabbath laws of course have their origins in the bible. The version of the Fourth Commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," quoted at the start of this essay goes on to say: "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work . . . . For in six days the Lord made heaven and Earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Yes, the biblical deity has an uneasy vanity and narcissistically needs to be worshiped and obeyed by compliance with his Sabbath requirements. But that's not all.

As most freethinkers familiar with the bible know, there are several versions of the Ten Commandments. The version of the Fourth Commandment laid out in Exodus 34 is followed by more detailed instructions in the following chapter, to wit: "Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord: Whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death." (Exodus 35:2)

And that's precisely what happens to an unlucky man found gathering sticks on the Sabbath, according to Numbers 15:23–36. The Lord says to Moses, "The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones." The passage duly reports that the congregation stoned him, "and he died."

When Dan was researching his book "GOD: The Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction," he discovered that next to idolatry, the second most common "evil" referred to in the Old Testament is breaking the Sabbath. (The third was interreligious marriage; none of these is immoral, much less evil.)

I suppose we should feel fortunate that Project 2025 doesn't command the death penalty . . . yet, for working on "the Sabbath." It's fine if fanatics take "the Sabbath" seriously, but they can't legislate it in a secular democracy.

Who has the time to plow through 900-plus pages of the bureaucratic authoritarianism that is Project 2025? Not many of us — and that's what its creators are banking on. The dire political consequences of Project 2025, such as eliminating checks and balances and amassing all regulatory power in the White House, may seem like remote threats. But the threat to our Sundays is personal. Please help the Freedom From Religion Foundation get out the word about what will happen to our weekends if we fail to stop Project 2025.

Annie Laurie Gaylor is co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

My only comments concerning the views expressed above, are in regard to the ignorant assassination of God's character within it. The author fails to supply the very important context surrounding the penalty and execution God commanded for Israel, and or those who would claim to be God's people. Lest it be forgotten, that this individual lived through some of the most awesome, if not the most awesome displays of God's supernatural power ever witnessed by any who lived to tell about them.

They had themself been delivered by God from abject abusive slavery by one supernatural undeniably miraculous event after another. Been delivered from the armies of Egypt by the supernatural dividing of the Red sea, which closed up again upon the Egyptian army pursuing the Israelites. Travelled through the wilderness with a supernatural cloud provided by God by day to shield them from the heat of the sun, and a pillar of fire by night to light their way and protect them from the cold. They had also witnessed perhaps the single most awesome display of God's power humanity has witnessed when the Lord descended upon the mountain which shook and smoked like a chimney stack, where He literally spoke His Ten Commandments to the entire nation in a voice sounding like rolling thunder, which he and all Israel at that time promised to keep. Not to mention being supernaturally fed with manna from heaven every day by God besides other manifestations of God's divinity as well. As a professed believer of the nation of Israel at that particular time, he was unquestionably without excuse before God, by obstinately defying His Lord's command. Whom had proved Himself to be God, which the guilty party acknowledged and professed as such. May God have mercy on our sinful souls, who have accepted the gift of the Son of God's life on our behalf, and still wander away and disobey our loving, merciful, and awesome Savior and Lord. 

https://adventmessenger.org/labor-unions-and-churches-vow-to-fight-to-keep-sunday-work-free/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteLabor Unions and Churches Vow to Fight to Keep Sunday Work-Free

In Germany, the battle over Sunday rest is intensifying as political, economic, and religious forces dig in for a growing confrontation. Faced with China's enormous economic power and increasing global competition, some German leaders and business groups are calling for long-standing Sunday restrictions to be loosened. Recent government proposals aimed at revitalizing the economy have included allowing certain commercial activities on Sundays, while major retailers are pressing for Sunday-closing laws to be relaxed nationwide. Churches and labor unions, however, have vowed to resist these efforts and preserve Sunday as a work-free day.

The South China Morning Post published the following on July 27, 2026:

• "Germany's drive to compete with Chinese imports is colliding with its long-standing tradition of Sunday rest, with policymakers and retailers now asking whether a century-old consensus still fits an economy struggling to regain its competitiveness."

• "The latest flashpoint came in early July, when the country's coalition government unveiled a package of measures to boost Germany's competitiveness, including plans to let bakeries, confectioneries and public libraries operate longer on Sundays from the start of next year."

• "However, retail and business associations argue that the changes do not go far enough."

• "The shop closing law is, in my view, a relic of the past," Peter Adrian, president of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in mid-July. "Retailers should be left to decide whether they want to open their stores on Sundays or not."

• "Opposition comes chiefly from unions and churches. Sunday work in retail was "an attack by employers on the work-life balance of more than 3 million retail employees," Silke Zimmer, a member of the United Services Trade Union's federal executive board, said in the magazine Politik & Kommunikation in July, calling Sunday the only reliable day off for many workers."

• "The union has said it would take the fight to the Federal Constitutional Court if necessary."

• "Church leaders have also long warned that regular Sunday work would erode society's one shared day off."

What is unfolding is a direct struggle over whether Sunday rest should remain protected and enforced throughout German society. These developments are placing Sunday rest laws squarely at the center of Germany's national debate. The government has already proposed expanding Sunday operations for bakeries, confectioneries, and public libraries, while powerful business organizations are demanding much broader changes that would allow retailers themselves to decide whether to open on Sundays.

On the other side, labor unions and churches are preparing for a determined resistance. Unions have described expanded Sunday commerce as an assault on the work-life balance of millions of employees and have threatened to take the matter before Germany's Federal Constitutional Court. Church leaders are likewise defending Sunday as society's common day of rest. This means Sunday observance is no longer a minor cultural issue—it has become a major national struggle involving government policy, economic survival, workers' rights, religious influence, and constitutional law.

Across Europe, and the rest of the world, churches, labor unions, employers' organizations, and political advocates are promoting a synchronized, work-free Sunday as necessary for family life, workers' health, social cohesion, and spiritual activity. This is why the Sunday issue will not simply disappear. Sunday legislation can be presented under many attractive labels: workers' rights, family preservation, mental health, social unity, economic fairness, environmental protection, or national tradition.

Germany is not an isolated controversy—it is one battlefield in a widening international struggle. The debate will continue, changing its language and justification, until Sunday is strictly enforced by civil authority in the United States and throughout the world. When that crisis comes, the question will be whether human governments have the right to exalt Sunday, the counterfeit day of worship, as the legally protected day of rest.

"The Word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as papists and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday. The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamb-like horns shall cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the papacy" (Great Controversy, p. 578).

https://adventmessenger.org/pope-leos-call-to-sanctify-sunday-is-stirring-catholic-labor-unions-in-europe-to-secure-material-conditions-for-sunday-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuotePope Leo's Call to Sanctify Sunday is Stirring Catholic Labor Unions in Europe to Secure "Material Conditions" for Sunday Rest

On August 16, 2026, Noticias Obreras, a Spanish digital labor publication published by the Workers' Brotherhood of Catholic Action (HOAC), took Pope Leo XIV's August 12 appeal to sanctify Sunday and transformed it into a call to advocate for Sunday rest for workers. In an article titled "Leo XIV Calls for Creating Conditions so that Work Does Not Prevent People from Enjoying Sunday," the publication argued that working conditions and economic structures must be adjusted so that Sunday can be protected as a common day of rest. Significantly, the article calls for tangible or "material conditions" that would make Sunday rest possible for working people.

Noticias Obreras published the following:

• "The pontiff recalled that Sunday constitutes, according to the Council Fathers, the 'foundation and core of the entire liturgical year' and recalled the teaching of John Paul II in Dies Domini, where it is presented as 'the day of the Lord, the day of the Church, the day of man' and, finally, 'the day of days'."

• "Leo XIV's request thus introduces a material reality into a fundamentally liturgical reflection: there are working people who cannot take Sunday off and whose working conditions hinder their participation in community life."

• "The Pope emphasized the collective and in-person dimension of the celebration. The Christian community, he explained, makes its communion visible when it gathers and actively participates. Therefore, he pointed out that the assembly "cannot be replaced by a merely virtual presence, nor is it reduced to a merely passive gathering."

• "The reference connects with a demand that Christian workers' organizations in Europe have maintained for years: to preserve Sunday as a common time for rest, family and social relationships, community participation and, for believers, the celebration of faith."

• "The call of Leo XIV now recovers this question from its Christian roots. Sunday appears not only as an individual religious precept, but as a shared time whose celebration also requires material conditions that make it possible."

This development is significant because the Pope's appeal is already being translated from religious language into labor and economic demands. On August 12, 2026, Pope Leo XIV explicitly described Sunday as the "Day of the Lord," said that sanctifying Sunday fundamentally involves the Eucharist, and urged communities to create the "best possible conditions" so that people who must work on Sundays can attend Mass.

Then, just four days later, Noticias Obreras, published by Spain's Workers' Brotherhood of Catholic Action (HOAC), took that appeal directly into the world of labor. The publication argued that the Pope's statement introduces a "material reality" into the Sunday question because employment conditions can prevent workers from resting, participating in community life, and practicing their religion. It then explicitly connected Leo's appeal with the long-running campaign of Christian workers' organizations across Europe to preserve Sunday as common time for rest, family and social relationships, community participation, and religious observance.

This is precisely why anything that the Pope says with regard to Sunday cannot be viewed as an innocent appeal for Catholics to attend Mass. Once Pope Leo states that society should create economic and working conditions that make Sunday observance possible, the world listens, and employers, unions, businesses, governments, labor laws, shopping regulations, and working schedules become affected. That is precisely what Noticias Obreras has now done: it took a papal appeal regarding Sunday worship and connected it to the restructuring of working conditions so that Sunday may function as society's common day of rest.

This is where Revelation 13 becomes relevant. The book of Revelation describes the final crisis as beginning with religious influence ultimately working through civil and economic power until Sunday worship becomes enforced by law:

"And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all... that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark" Revelation 13:15–17.

Notice how religion, civil authority, economic pressure, and worship eventually converge. That is why we have to watch the Sunday movement and the efforts to pass legislation even when they are initially presented as labor reforms rather than explicitly religious laws. What is especially noteworthy is the phrase "material conditions." Religion is no longer being discussed only as a personal or individual practice. The argument being presented here is that work schedules, commerce, labor protections, economic structures, and society itself should be arranged in a manner favorable to Sunday rest.

What we are witnessing is the Sunday question moving from biblical theology into the workplace through labor laws. The Pope speaks of sanctifying Sunday and enabling Sunday Mass, and Catholic labor advocates respond by saying employment structures must make Sunday available. Rome is increasingly providing a bridge between religious doctrine and public policy. Today the language is rest, family, community, dignity, and workers' rights. The next step will be, "What laws are necessary to guarantee these rights?"

https://adventmessenger.org/austrias-labor-unions-say-proposed-nationwide-sunday-openings-are-a-direct-attack-on-employees-and-families/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteAustria's Labor Unions Say Proposed Nationwide Sunday Openings are a Direct Attack on Employees and Families

As politicians and retailers in Austria push to weaken Sunday-trading restrictions and increase Sunday openings, labor unions are fighting back, insisting that Sunday remain a nationally protected, common day of rest for workers and families. This conflict is becoming increasingly prominent, showing that the Sunday question in Europe continues to intensify. The Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB) has entered the debate directly, calling for "Hands Off Sunday!" in the title of a press release published on August 5, 2026.

The ÖGB's statement regarding Sunday rest was as follows:

• "Nationwide Sunday openings for retail would be a direct attack on the quality of life of thousands of employees and their families. Anyone who wants to make Sunday work the norm is ignoring the reality in the stores and at the cash registers."

• "97% of retail employees are clearly against Sunday work. Politicians must not ignore this clear mandate."

• "For many, Sunday is the only reliably free day—for rest, family, and social participation. Especially in an industry where around 70% of the workforce is female and childcare options are lacking on Sundays."

• "Employees are already suffering from staff shortages, high workloads, and having to fill in at short notice. Extending opening hours would exacerbate these problems without any demonstrable benefit. Ultimately, it only risks a shift in revenue to the detriment of smaller businesses."

• "Anyone who speaks of the population's wishes is deliberately ignoring the facts: Across all federal states and age groups, the majority of Austrians are clearly against Sunday openings."

What we are seeing in Austria is significant because labor arguments are being used to justify preserving Sunday as the national day of rest. Sunday is increasingly being defended as something necessary for families, workers, and quality of life. That is precisely how Sunday legislation can gain broad public support without initially appearing to be religious.

People should rest, and there is nothing wrong with workers wanting time for rest and family—those are legitimate concerns. The danger arises when Sunday is made by law the common, protected day of rest for society. Once that happens, the civil power requires everyone to observe Sunday. In practice this shifts regular work and commerce onto Saturday, creating economic and social pressure that creates conflicts for those who conscientiously keep God's seventh-day Sabbath.

The real issue is who has the authority to designate sacred rest time. God has already designated the seventh day. Scripture never transferred the sanctity of the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday. The biblical command still declares that "the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exodus 20:10). When governments, churches, unions, and society unite around legally protecting another day, the controversy ultimately becomes one of human authority versus divine authority.

https://adventmessenger.org/polish-trade-union-calls-for-a-1-million-zloty-fine-us271172-and-a-15-year-ban-for-businesses-that-operate-on-sunday/

Quoted article below from link above. Where video may be viewed as well.

QuotePolish Trade Union Calls for a $1 Million Złoty Fine (US$271,172) and a 15-Year Ban for Businesses that Operate on Sunday

"Trade unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began" (Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 260).

On August 19, 2026, Radio Mary, a Roman Catholic news outlet, reported that the Solidarity Trade Union was calling for increased inspections of businesses it says are violating Poland's Sunday-trading restrictions. Union leader Alfred Bujara specifically cited penalties of up to $1 million Polish złoty (approximately US$271,172) and a 15-year ban on conducting business. He further argued that if courts actually imposed the $1 million-złoty penalty, other businesses would be deterred from violating the Sunday law. The stated purpose of such a harsh penalty is clear: punish one business severely enough that others will fear the consequences and obey.

Radio Mary published the following report on the Solidarity trade union's call for businesses to face severe penalties for violating Sunday-trading restrictions:

• "More and more shops are breaking the Sunday trading ban, warned Alfred Bujara, chairman of the national section of Solidarity trade workers. They are opening reading corners and thus trying to circumvent the law."

• "Trade unionists from the trade union Solidarity met with the Chief Labor Inspector and a representative of the Ministry of Family and Labor. Solidarity expects inspections of dishonest sellers."

• "Chairman Alfred Bujara reminded that violating the Sunday trading ban is punishable by financial penalties of up to one million zlotys, as well as a ban on conducting business activity for 15 years."

• "If the situation were treated seriously by the courts, today this million zloty fine could be imposed and I suspect that other entrepreneurs would not break the law as they are doing,' summed up the chairman of the national section of trade workers of the Solidarity trade union."

• "Trade unionists, citing research, indicate that as many as 98 percent of retail employees cannot imagine returning to work on Sunday, the only day off in the week."

Whether one agrees with Sunday-closing laws or not, a penalty capable of financially destroying a business, combined with a 15-year prohibition from conducting business, represents an extraordinary degree of coercive economic pressure. During the final crisis, labor unions will help impose economic coercion and agitate for the enforcement of Sunday observance. The warning is against powerful organizations that would use their influence to compel compliance through collective power.

This is where the principle of the "voice of the dragon" becomes applicable. Revelation 13:11 describes a political power that speaks like a dragon and will use its voice to force religious observance and punish dissent. The dragon's voice is heard when those in power declare: "Conform to Sunday laws or suffer economic penalties." Business-destroying economic penalties are being promoted today to specifically force conformity to Sunday restrictions.

Because Sunday is not the Sabbath established by God in the Fourth Commandment, the use of these kinds of economic sanctions to protect and enforce Sunday fits the prophetic pattern described in Revelation 13:17: "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark." In the final conflict there will not only be arguments to keep Sunday holy; people will ultimately be compelled to do it. Civil law will be used to punish dissent, apply economic pressure, and demand obedience. This is precisely the kind of coercive mechanism that Revelation warns will be employed in the final crisis.

https://adventmessenger.org/the-catholic-church-warns-that-changing-thousands-of-years-of-sunday-rest-would-threaten-society/

Quoted article from link above quoted below.

QuoteThe Catholic Church Warns that Changing Thousands of Years of Sunday Rest Would Threaten Society

On August 25, 2026, the Roman Catholic Church in Styria, Austria's second-largest state, published a protest on its official website titled "No Softening of Sunday Rest," in which it emphatically opposed any relaxation of Sunday-closing laws. The Catholic Church declared that Sunday has served as a common day of rest for "thousands of years" and insisted that it should remain so, warning that any attempt to weaken or change this long-standing practice would threaten society.

The Catholic Church published the following statement:

• "In the course of the current debate about the Sunday opening for small local suppliers, the Catholic Church of Styria is against shopping on Sundays."

• "A softening of the legal Sunday regulations in this profit-oriented area contradicts the idea of the free Sunday as a common day off for recreation and is clearly to be rejected."

• "The free Sunday offers common time for family, friends as well as for rest and recreation. Where this is lacking, values that make up our society are threatened."

• "Sunday is a day that has set the pace for our society for thousands of years and creates space for breaks, for community and celebrations. The Catholic Workers' Movement of Styria (KAB) is also clearly against further liberalization of shop opening hours."

Truth is not determined by time. Truth is determined by the Word of God. Sunday may possess centuries of ecclesiastical tradition behind it, but the seventh-day Sabbath possesses something infinitely greater: the direct command of the Creator.

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.... The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God." Exodus 20:8, 10

The question we must ask should be: Will we follow what has been practiced for generations, or will we follow what God has actually said and what He has actually done?

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:1-3.

Genesis 2:1–3 is especially significant because the seventh-day Sabbath predates sin, sinners, Israel, Judaism, Catholicism, the Papacy, Protestantism, and even the tradition of Sunday rest. Before there was a Jew or Gentile, before there was a fallen human being, and before there was any religious controversy over days of worship, God Himself established the seventh day at Creation. Scripture says that after completing His work, "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested" (Genesis 2:3).

Those actions—God resting, blessing, and sanctifying—occurred in a perfect world. This completely destroys the argument that Sunday should be respected because society has observed it for "thousands of years." The seventh-day Sabbath is older because it was blessed and sanctified by God at the very beginning of human history.

The Holy Scriptures do not record God removing that blessing from the seventh day and transferring it to the first day of the week. Human beings can establish customs and traditions, and governments can protect Sunday through legislation, but only God can make a day holy. Therefore, Sunday-rest tradition cannot claim authority simply because it is over 1,000 years old. Genesis 2:1–3 takes us beyond church history altogether—back before Constantine, before Rome, before Christianity, before Israel, before Abraham, and even before the entrance of sin. There, at the foundation of the world, we find not Sunday but the seventh day, Saturday, the true Sabbath, and its divine origin.

"The question is, 'What is truth?' It is not how many years have I believed that makes it the truth. You must bring your creed to the Bible and let the light of the Bible define your creed and show where it comes short and where the difficulty is. The Bible is to be your standard, the living oracles of Jehovah are to be your guide" (Faith and Works, p. 77).

https://adventmessenger.org/vatican-news-churches-oppose-the-erosion-of-sunday-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteVatican News: "Churches Oppose the Erosion of Sunday Rest"

On August 31, 2026, Vatican News weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding attempts to relax Sunday closing laws in Austria, expressing support for preserving Sunday as a common day of rest. In an article titled "Austria: Churches Oppose the Erosion of Sunday Rest," Vatican News cited the Catholic Bishop of Graz-Seckau, Wilhelm Krautwaschl—spokesperson for the Sunday Alliance, an organization committed to maintaining Sunday as a day of rest nationwide—who argued that expanding Sunday shopping opportunities would undermine what he described as the "right" to a shared day of rest.

Vatican News reported the following:

• "The nationwide alliance for Sunday rest in Austria has once again spoken out against any further expansion of Sunday trading hours."

• "The spokesperson for the Sunday Alliance, Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl of Graz, warned in a recent statement on his diocese's website against further erosion of the shared right to a day of rest on Sunday."

• "The Diocese of Graz-Seckau signaled its clear rejection of any expansion of this model in Styria. Peter Hochegger of the Diocesan Fund for Work and Education emphasized ... Sunday as a shared day off for rest and relaxation."

• "Bernhard Schwarzenegger, managing director of the fund (Catholic Diocesan Fund for Work and Education), described the largely work-free Sunday as a "high social asset." He said it creates time for family and friends, as well as space for reflection and relaxation."

• "The Catholic Workers' Movement of Styria also spoke out against further liberalization of shop opening hours."

• "The Austrian Sunday Alliance, which has been advocating for the protection of Sundays as a day of rest since 2001, explicitly understands Sunday as a broad social concern. Its members include church institutions, trade unions, the Chamber of Labor, and other social organizations. Its goal is to protect Sunday as a shared day of rest from a gradual expansion of working and consumption hours."

Austria's nationwide Sunday Alliance, with its influential Catholic constituents, is bringing together church organizations, labor unions, and other groups around the effort to preserve Sunday as a common, legally protected day of rest. The debate over Sunday closing laws is therefore not merely an isolated labor or economic dispute; it represents a broader nationwide church-labor coalition mobilizing to preserve Sunday as society's common weekly day of rest.

This is significant because Rome, through Vatican News, is amplifying these arguments and giving the campaign for Sunday rest a much broader religious and public voice. The case for Sunday protection is not being presented as simply a religious question; it is increasingly being connected with workers' rights, family life, recreation, social well-being, and national unity. By combining religious and secular arguments, the movement to preserve Sunday as the common day of rest is connected to a much broader spectrum of society.

This is precisely the kind of universal consensus Rome has long sought to build around Sunday rest. The plan is not simply to persuade Catholics to attend Mass on Sunday but to establish Sunday as the common weekly day of rest for society as a whole and to secure the legislation needed to protect it.

"The Word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as papists and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday. The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamb-like horns shall cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the papacy—there symbolized by the beast like unto a leopard" (Great Controversy, p. 578).

https://adventmessenger.org/trade-unions-launch-nationwide-enforcement-campaign-to-report-businesses-violating-sunday-closing-laws/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteTrade Unions Launch Nationwide Enforcement Campaign to Report Businesses Violating Sunday Closing Laws

On September 3, 2026, Business Insider reported that Polish trade unions have gone beyond simply advocating for Sunday closing enforcement and are now mobilizing the public to help ensure compliance. They are urging citizens to gather and document evidence on businesses that violate these laws and to submit that information to the prosecutor's office for legal action.

Business Insider published the following about how trade unions have escalated their campaign to enforce the nationwide Sunday-trading ban:

• "The NSZZ Solidarity trade union has appealed to customers to submit receipts from stores open on Sundays subject to the trade ban. The union wants to gather evidence of violations of the regulations and submit a request to the Prosecutor General to take action against the retail chains."

• "We're asking customers, trade unionists, and all Poles to help us provide documentation of violations of the Sunday and public holiday trading law. More and more chains are currently violating this law,' says Alfred Bujara, chairman of the National Section of Trade Workers of the NSZZ Solidarity trade union."

• "He noted that the collected receipts will be used as evidence when filing a complaint with the prosecutor's office. The union wants to see action against retail chains taken nationwide. He added that the union cannot independently monitor stores nationwide, so it relies on customer support. Receipts are required to document purchases made at stores open on Sundays."

This development is prophetically significant because the final mark of the beast crisis will involve Sunday observance being enforced through the power of civil government. Revelation 13:15–17 describes a system of coercion, legal restrictions, and economic pressure directed against those who refuse to submit to the demands of the beast power. In Poland, labor unions are demanding stronger enforcement of Sunday laws, while ordinary citizens are now being enlisted to document alleged violations, gather evidence against businesses, and submit that evidence to prosecutors for legal action.

The Sunday movement has shifted from the pulpit to legislation and from legislation to enforcement. Now labor unions are actively seeking out violators and calling for legal action against those who refuse to comply with Sunday closing laws. The book of Revelation warns that the final crisis over worship will extend beyond theological debates. Ultimately, the power of the state will be used to compel the conscience. When the Sunday agenda becomes legislation, and legislation gives way to penalties and enforcement, we see the very principles of the coming crisis taking shape.

Ah yes, the good old days, when citizens reported their fellow citizens for violating religious ordinances on behalf of the church unto punishment by civil authorities. We have all missed the dark ages so very much. Especially in Poland, where not to long ago Communists could report Christians to their government for action to be taken against them. Isn't it just grand that Christians will now be able to do that to fellow citizens for not honoring God as they believe one should.

All sarcasm aside, it wasn't many years ago that people argued on these boards even on this topic, that such a day would never come. Granted most were referring to such transpiring in these United States. Nevertheless, the Sunday rest issue is moving forward here as well. With many already calling to bring back Sunday rest legislation. Not just the Pope's and Catholic Church, who have always supported and do promote such in their teachings. As the Papacy has never supported a separation of church and state.

Quote

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

A day of grace and rest from work

2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country's legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."[125]

 

Quote from: Amo on Sat Sep 05, 2026 - 20:00:50https://adventmessenger.org/trade-unions-launch-nationwide-enforcement-campaign-to-report-businesses-violating-sunday-closing-laws/

Quoted article below from link above.

Ah yes, the good old days, when citizens reported their fellow citizens for violating religious ordinances on behalf of the church unto punishment by civil authorities. We have all missed the dark ages so very much. Especially in Poland, where not to long ago Communists could report Christians to their government for action to be taken against them. Isn't it just grand that Christians will now be able to do that to fellow citizens for not honoring God as they believe one should.

All sarcasm aside, it wasn't many years ago that people argued on these boards even on this topic, that such a day would never come. Granted most were referring to such transpiring in these United States. Nevertheless, the Sunday rest issue is moving forward here as well. With many already calling to bring back Sunday rest legislation. Not just the Pope's and Catholic Church, who have always supported and do promote such in their teachings. As the Papacy has never supported a separation of church and state.
 

 

Seeking recognition of a shadow used in a parable of the finshed work of the lamb slain from he foundation of the world the finished work six day Christ the father did work called today anytime we hear the gospel call and do not harden our new born again  The day set aside a parable

Quote from: garee on Sun Sep 06, 2026 - 12:26:07Seeking recognition of a shadow used in a parable of the finshed work of the lamb slain from he foundation of the world the finished work six day Christ the father did work called today anytime we hear the gospel call and do not harden our new born again  The day set aside a parable

Regardless of exactly what your above statements means, seeking recognition and mandating recognition unto penalties or persecution shall we say for those who will not recognize the illegitimate authority of such, are two very different things. Compulsory worship, is no true form of worship at all.

https://adventmessenger.org/sunday-rest-advances-through-the-vaticans-global-ecological-framework/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteSunday Rest Advances Through the Vatican's Global Ecological Framework

The International Theological Commission (ITC) is an official body of Catholic theologians established to assist the Holy See, particularly the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, in examining important theological and doctrinal questions. Through a series of consultations held between 2022 and 2025, the Commission prepared a document titled "Caring for Our Common Home." The final text was submitted to Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who then presented it to Pope Leo XIV. The document was subsequently approved for publication on August 21, 2026.

The document provides a theological foundation for caring for the earth and seeks to present certain environmental policies as rooted in God's design for creation. Drawing upon Laudato si' and other papal teachings and documents, it develops principles for environmental action, envisions governmental implementation of these ideas, and includes a provision for Sunday Sabbath rest.

1 – The Document is for Everyone

"Caring for Our Common Home" was written explicitly from a Catholic perspective, but its intended application extends to all Christians, other religions, governments, civil society, scientists, economists, and ultimately "all men and women of good will" participating in the care of creation, our common home. According to the Vatican Commission, caring for creation can only be accomplished through the cooperation of "all social actors" at both the national and global levels.

• Paragraph #119 – "The principle of responsible care for creation is unfeasible without dialogue and collaboration between all social actors, both at national and global level. This collaboration is the responsibility of international organizations, states, non-governmental organizations, scientists and all men and women of good will. It also concerns us who profess faith in Christ, and this implies dialogue and concerted action by all Christians in an ecumenical key."

2 – The Document Envisions Governmental Implementation

The "Caring for Our Common Home" document states that the ecological crisis requires the efforts of "law, civil organizations, and governments" and calls for these forces to join together and "actively collaborate" toward making our common home more habitable for everyone.

• Paragraph #133 – "The urgent urgency of the ecological crisis requires that all the forces in the field – science, politics, economy, law, civil organizations, government institutions of public affairs at all levels: state, regional, municipal – join forces and actively collaborate with the aim of making the common home habitable for all."

The Vatican Commission then discusses the need for stricter ecological policies or laws to be implemented in countries that cause greater harm to the environment than in those that cause less harm.

• Paragraph #125 – "Since we are all inhabitants of the same planet and jointly and severally responsible for its care, it cannot be ignored, however, that environmental deterioration is not caused equally by all human groups or by all countries, nor that it damages everyone to the same extent. Therefore, it is fair that the application of more responsible, demanding and respectful ecological policies is more rigorous for those who damage the common home the most or have so far damaged it the most."

3 – The Document Has a Sunday Rest Provision

There is a very significant Saturday-to-Sunday transfer when it comes to the Sabbath day in the text of the document. It develops an ecological theology of rest based on the biblical Sabbath and then explicitly transfers the solemnity and meaning of that Sabbath to Sunday.

• "Paragraph #82 – "The Sabbath principle – In the first account of creation we find the root of the sabbatical principle, so widely present in the Torah, with ecological implications. "

• Paragraph #82 – "Shabbat is a day of rest, according to the example of the Creator God. It also expresses the grateful memory of the liberation from Egypt and the entry into the promised land.

• Paragraph #82 – "In this way, in the Shabbat the faith in the creator and savior God is intertwined, whose honor and reverence are demanded and expressed in the rest of animals, fields and people."

• Paragraph #83 – "In the Christian tradition, the first day of the week, the dies dominicus, is understood in continuity with the Sabbath, welcoming its meaning and incorporating into it a new Christological and creature dimension, which brings the meaning inscribed in the Sabbath to its full fulfillment."

• Paragraph #83 – "On Sunday the last day is foreshadowed, in which we hope to enter into God's rest."

• Paragraph #83 – "Sunday is for the Fathers of the Church, at the same time, the first day of the week, after Saturday, and the eighth day, the beginning of the new creation."

• Paragraph #83 – "In the baptism and in the Sunday Eucharist both days, the first and, above all, the eighth, are present."

• Paragraph #108 – "From the Eucharist is released a spirituality capable of supporting and encouraging the ecological conversion that we so urgently need to undertake as a human family."

The Vatican Commission establishes Sunday Sabbath rest as an ecological principle. It states that Sunday stands in continuity with the Sabbath and is the new day of rest for Christians. It also associates Sunday Eucharistic worship with creation and presents it as a necessary element for the "human family" to experience an "ecological conversion." Ultimately, it calls for religion, politics, economics, law, and government at multiple levels to cooperate in caring for the "common home," while presenting Sunday as a day of ecological conversion and rest.

For Seventh-day Adventists, this should be a wake-up call of the highest order. In many respects, "Caring for Our Common Home" reads like Laudato Si' on steroids: the ecological coversion philosophy has been further developed, the appeal for cooperation has been extended across religions, politics, economics, law, civil society, and government, and Sunday rest has been tied directly into Rome's theological vision of caring for creation.

The Vatican is not retreating from the Sunday-rest agenda; it is pushing forward, building a theological, environmental, and political framework in which Sunday is being presented as the new day of worship and as a common good connected with creation, ecological conversion, and rest. By linking Sunday with concerns of the environment, Rome is promoting this day as the universal day of rest for the world.

We were warned long ago that the final controversy will center upon worship, the commandments of God, and the Sabbath. Now is the time to tell the world that the seventh day, or Saturday—not Sunday—is the Sabbath of the Lord, established at Creation, written into the Ten Commandments, and never transferred by divine authority to the first day of the week. The call of Revelation 14:7 must go to the world in a loud voice: "Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."

https://adventmessenger.org/catholic-diocese-transfers-the-sabbath-blessings-to-sunday/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteCatholic Diocese Transfers the Sabbath Blessings to Sunday

On September 9, 2026, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, published an article titled "Enter into God's Rest on Sundays." It presents Sunday as the weekly day of rest, refers to the seventh-day Sabbath established by God in Genesis and Exodus, cites the Catechism, and applies the blessings of God's Sabbath day to Sunday.

Although the Bible does not state that God blessed the first day or that He removed the holiness of the seventh day, the Catholic diocese published the following:

• "The Catechism describes Sunday as a 'day of joy and rest from work.' (CCC 1193) Its biblical roots stem from creation's seventh day, where God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. (Gen 2:2) So important is rest that God commanded it when giving the Law on Mount Sinai: 'Six days you may labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest." (Ex 34:21)."

• "Centered upon worship, Sunday culminates in the Eucharist, the sacrament of charity, whereby we are fused to Christ, and through him, to our brothers and sisters, the members of his Body."

• "This is why the Church prioritizes Sunday leisure, and dedicates it as a day of prayer and one spent in community."

When the language of creation, Sabbath rest, holiness, and divine blessing is taken from the seventh day and reassigned to the first day, we are confronting the very issue that will stand at the center of the final crisis over worship. Human tradition is being placed where God established His truth, bringing into sharp focus Christ's warning:

"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." — Matthew 15:9

Many Christians regard Sunday as a day of worship and rest, but biblically they cannot identify Sunday as the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment, because God Himself never did so. The real issue is one of authority: Can human religious authority place Sunday where God placed the seventh day?

Revelation 14:12 describes God's end-time people as those who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." That is why the Sabbath question cannot simply be dismissed as insignificant. It reaches to the very heart of the controversy over worship, obedience, and authority.

The biblical challenge remains simple and unavoidable: Show from Scripture where God changed His Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day. If such a text cannot be produced, then the authority for that change must come from somewhere other than the Bible. And that is precisely why the Sabbath issue carries such profound prophetic significance.

"For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men ... And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:8-9.

https://sabbathfacts.org/sunday-laws/

Interesting link concerning the topic at hand.

https://www.oliverduerr.de/society/project2025-senate-sunday-protection/

Another interesting article pertinent to this topic, concerning Project 2025.