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Trust that man In nothing who has not a conscience in everything. —Laurence Sterne.THE CHURCH AND SUNDAY SPORTSThe Eastern Synod of the Reformed church which closed ita annual sessions in Norristown Thursday, emphatically opposed the repeal of the Sunday Blue laws of 1 794.It regrets the passage of the Sunday sports bill in the Legislature and “earnestly exhorts its members to defeat this pernicious law at the November election.”It proposed that the Pennsylvania Council of Churches co-operate with the Governor and members of the State Legislature with the view of revising the Sunday laws of 1 794 in accord with the Christian spirit and in a form adapted to the present age, because:“We believe that the church and its members are better capable to say what is best for our country than petty politicians and professional sportsmen.”The Synod has a perfect right to denounce any change in the laws of the State. It is perfectly within its jurisdiction in advising its members to vote against a change in the Blue laws.But when it sets itself up above the common herd, when it asserts that its affiliates are better qualified than are politicians _to pass upon what you and 1 may do on a Sundaythen it is expressing an ego that is not in keeping with the times.For years the politicians of Pennsylvania have feared to change the Sunday law because of the so-called church vote. It only was after insistent demands of the taxpayers that the lawmakers agreed to a local option election on Sunday sports.Since 1 794 churches have labored under a law that should work to their advantage. Sports, fishing and theaters were notallowed to compete with their services.In spite of this protection the big majority of churches fail to attract audiences which more than half fill their pews. Does this mean that the church is slipping?We believe that the services, if made sufficiently appealing. will attract those who are religiously inclined.We also believe that that class of individuals which does not attend the Sunday meetings should have some say as to how it shall, under the Iaw\ spend the Sabbath.The Sunday sports law is a good law. It gives each community an opportunity to decide for itself whether it shall break down the old-time restrictions. It does not allow any class to dictate what others must do.
Newspaper Details
Pottstown Mercury And The Pottstown News
Pottstown, Pennsylvania, US
Sat, Apr 29, 1933
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Michael W.
NA, 09 Jul 2024
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