The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Caught between worldviews

When it comes to old friends, I don't have a problem seperating myself and/or politely declining events/activities that are not consistent with a Godly walk.....

but my dilema is with my extended family who are all Roman Catholic....

they do not keep the Lord's day and if Christmas falls on a Sunday (or Easter Sunday) they do not have a mind to keep it holy....

same for weddings and other events (i.e. 60th brithdays) in which the celebrations feature dj's, loud music & worldly dancing....

I am usually torn and conflicted at these times....

I do not want to participate, but also fear that my parents, etc. feel that I am abandoning or shunning them at these times.....

can anybody else relate to these issues, what is the best way for me handle it? I don't want to straddle the fence or stray from the narrow path in which I try to abstain from vanities....

AC,

Some, perhaps most of the examples you gave are a matter of personal judgment. Taking the easiest set first, "weddings and other events" where the atmosphere is less than acceptable, you might consider making an appearance at these events. Say your 'hellos', etc., and then leave. As far as what your extended family does on the Lord's Day, that is their decision and not yours. Not knowing how you and your immediate family fit into the festivities of those days, which btw are NOT "holy days"; days sanctioned by Scripture to be kept. They are days each individual can choose to recognize for the purpose of giving extra meditation and devotion to Christ and the redemption procured for us. If you were asked to attend a RCC mass on those days, then your conscience would have to be your guide. Jesus, Paul, Peter, et al all attended worship at their local synagogues without giving approval to what went on in them nor to the individuals who were in charge. On the other hand, it might be a better witness to God and your faithful commitment to His revealed will if you abstained and stated why you could not attend. When my mother-in-law died, the service was held in a Catholic church, and despite our misgivings, we attended out of respect to the family who are all Catholic. Yes, there are some churches who would excommunicate us for attending a Roman Catholic service. But the way I perceive it, those churches wouldn't be ones I would want to be a part of either.

That's my

Could you just elaborate on the Lord's Day.

It is a special day set aside for rest, worship and acts of mercy....to the delight of the sincere convert

Westminster Confession states a ceasing of work and recreation....

but the command to 'keep it holy' is not binding, correct? I'm not even sure what that meant in the OT and what it would mean in the NT (new covenant)....I believe in the new covenant it is not a duty but a privelage to recognize the Lord's Day



I usually do make an appearance and will probably continue to do so....

thanks

The Heidelberg Catechism answers this way here

I should not neglect to mention the articles that we have here on The Highway. Click here then navigate down to the section on the Sabbath.