What term do you prefer to use for the first day of the week?

Sonoftheday · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:47 PM

What term do you prefer to use for the first day of the week?

Sunday

Lord's Day

Sabbath

Davidius · #2 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:48 PM

I normally say Sunday.

***NaphtaliPress*** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:51 PM

Lord's day first, or sometimes Sabbath, or if necessary I'll use Sunday. But Lord's day mostly.

Daniel Ritchie · #4 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:53 PM

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

***Joshua*** · #5 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

Lord's day first, or sometimes Sabbath, or if necessary I'll use Sunday. But Lord's day mostly.

Sonoftheday · #6 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 05:57 PM

I wouldnt think it sin to call it banana day as long as you gave it to the Lord.

I prefer the term Lord's Day over sunday because it reminds of who the day is for. but among many of my non-reformed brethren I often have to say sunday or they dont know what Im talking about. (sad but true)

***NaphtaliPress*** · #7 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

It was a position of the Quakers that it was wrong to use the old (and forgotten) pagan names for the days of the week. Robert Baillie has an interesting comment somewhere about that, in regards to the Brownists I think. Not sure; in his Dissuasive somewhere maybe.

***NaphtaliPress*** · #8 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:04 PM

We should prefer Lord's day, at least in worship or ecclesiastical context, I think as that is what Scripture calls it.

Daniel Ritchie · #9 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

It was a position of the Quakers that it was wrong to use the old (and forgotten) pagan names for the days of the week. Robert Baillie has an interesting comment somewhere about that, in regards to the Brownists I think. Not sure; in his Dissuasive somewhere maybe.

Did not Cargill and Renwick have a similar problem with the Gibbites?

Daniel Ritchie · #10 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

We should prefer Lord's day, at least in worship or ecclesiastical context, I think as that is what Scripture calls it.

Interesting point, when we gather for corporate worship on the Sabbath, we are worshipping the risen Christ on the day of His resurrection - so maybe it is most appropriate to use "Lord's Day" in that context.

Or, here is another idea, what about Al Martin's term "Lord's Day Sabbath"?

Richard King · #11 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

I think that comes from the fact that the names come from a background of worshipers of stars, moon and sun or greek gods like Monday is Moon day, Thursday is Thors day, Saturday celebrates Saturn, Sunday in honor of the Sun.
Or so I am told.

***toddpedlar*** · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonoftheday

What term do you prefer to use for the first day of the week?

Sunday

Lord's Day

Sabbath

Are you asking about a term used all the time with the world around us, or within the church?
The answer differs....

***Joshua*** · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Or, here is another idea, what about Al Martin's term "Lord's Day Sabbath"?

Or we could go with the New-Covenant-One-Day-in-Seven-Christian-Lord's-Day-Sabbath.

A little much, IMHO.

***NaphtaliPress*** · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

It was a position of the Quakers that it was wrong to use the old (and forgotten) pagan names for the days of the week. Robert Baillie has an interesting comment somewhere about that, in regards to the Brownists I think. Not sure; in his Dissuasive somewhere maybe.

Did not Cargill and Renwick have a similar problem with the Gibbites?

Dunno.

VirginiaHuguenot · #15 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard King

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

I think that comes from the fact that the names come from a background of worshipers of stars, moon and sun or greek gods like Monday is Moon day, Thursday is Thors day, Saturday celebrates Saturn, Sunday in honor of the Sun.
Or so I am told.

Thomas Melville Slater (Reformed Presbyterian), Nicknaming the Sabbath: A Protest against using other than the Scriptural names for the Lord’s Day

Daniel Ritchie · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

It was a position of the Quakers that it was wrong to use the old (and forgotten) pagan names for the days of the week. Robert Baillie has an interesting comment somewhere about that, in regards to the Brownists I think. Not sure; in his Dissuasive somewhere maybe.

Did not Cargill and Renwick have a similar problem with the Gibbites?

Dunno.

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Daniel Ritchie · #17 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard King

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I have actually heard men in my church say - from the pulpit - that it is a sin to use the word "Sunday" instead of Sabbath or Lord's Day.

IMO this is nonsense, as the Sabbath takes place on a Sunday, so what is the big problem with using the word Sunday?

I think that comes from the fact that the names come from a background of worshipers of stars, moon and sun or greek gods like Monday is Moon day, Thursday is Thors day, Saturday celebrates Saturn, Sunday in honor of the Sun.
Or so I am told.

Thomas Melville Slater (Reformed Presbyterian), Nicknaming the Sabbath: A Protest against using other than the Scriptural names for the Lord’s Day

Covenanters eh; what would you do with them

et · #18 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 07:06 PM

Usually I say Sunday, in writing i usually use Lord's Day. Not sure why....I guess that like most people I can be little more formal in writing.

**Southern Presbyterian** · #19 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

We should prefer Lord's day, at least in worship or ecclesiastical context, I think as that is what Scripture calls it.

Great point.

Davidius · #20 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 07:58 PM

Just out of curiosity, how many times is the phrase "Lord's Day" used in the NT?

historyb · #21 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:02 PM

I have always said Sunday and suspect I always will. All days belong to the Lord.

Coram Deo · #22 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:04 PM

I call it the Sabbath and normally say to people "Good Sabbath"...

Daniel Ritchie · #23 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolinaCalvinist

Just out of curiosity, how many times is the phrase "Lord's Day" used in the NT?

I think it is only used by John in Revelation 1

**Southern Presbyterian** · #24 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolinaCalvinist

Just out of curiosity, how many times is the phrase "Lord's Day" used in the NT?

I think it is only used by John in Revelation 1

Correct; Revelation 1:20

**DMcFadden** · #25 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

We should prefer Lord's day, at least in worship or ecclesiastical context, I think as that is what Scripture calls it.

Sonoftheday · #26 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:20 PM

I am not one who cares about the pagan meaning things had many yrs ago, however I do like the term Lord's Day over sunday because the meaning the word sunday has now. Sunday is the day off work, the day to spend with the family, the day to watch football and nascar, the day to barbeque. The Lord's Day is the day to worship the Lord.

Davidius · #27 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:29 PM

Just change the -u- to -o- and you've got a Christianized name for the day as well as all kinds of cheesy merchandise.

Sonday!

Coram Deo · #28 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:37 PM

Does anybody know if there is a printed calendar to buy that has replaced "SUNday" with "SABBATH DAY"

That is one that I would like to buy....

VirginiaHuguenot · #29 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunaer

Does anybody know if there is a printed calendar to buy that has replaced "SUNday" with "SABBATH DAY"

That is one that I would like to buy....

Not sure about that, but the Trinitarian Bible Society makes calendars that use the term "Lord's Day."

et · #30 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunaer

Does anybody know if there is a printed calendar to buy that has replaced "SUNday" with "SABBATH DAY"

That is one that I would like to buy....

Not sure about that, but the Trinitarian Bible Society makes calendars that use the term "Lord's Day."

Gotta love TBS

SRoper · #31 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:06 PM

I say Sunday, but I'd like to get into the habit of saying Lord's Day to remind myself and others whose day it is.

VirginiaHuguenot · #32 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

jaybird0827 · #33 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaphtaliPress

Lord's day first, or sometimes Sabbath, or if necessary I'll use Sunday. But Lord's day mostly.

Coram Deo · #34 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:14 PM

I would love to read it, could you post a link...

I have thought about the same thing on and off the past year.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

**armourbearer** · #35 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

Jeremiah Burroughs on Hosea also has an interesting discussion on this idea.

VirginiaHuguenot · #36 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunaer

I would love to read it, could you post a link...

I have thought about the same thing on and off the past year.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

Maurice Grant, No King But Christ: The Story of Donald Cargill, pp. 160, 261-262:

Quote:

Events soon proved the truth of Cargill's prediction. At the beginning of May Gibb and his followers were all seized by the soldiers and carried to Edinburgh. The mere were imprisoned in the Canongate Tolbooth; the women were consigned to the 'correction house', the usual repository for the loose and immoral in the city. After some weeks in prison Gibb drew up a paper setting out his principles, which he presented to the Council. It was a wild, unbalanced document, aptly demonstrating the mind of its author and scarcely deserving to be treated seriously. It denounced the use of chapters and verses in Scripture, the metrical Psalms, the translation of the Bible out of the original languages, the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms, the Covenants and the Form of Church Government, the Queensferry paper, the Sanquhar Declaration and even the names of months and days of the week.1

1. The view that the common names of the days and months, being derived from pagan deities, were not worthy to be used by Christians, was not confined to Gibb and his followers. As contemporary records show, it was one of the chief points of difference between James Russel and the United Societies in the years following Cargill's death. Russel's friend and associate, Patrick Grant, maintained that his and Russel's views on the subject had been shared by William Cuthill, who died along with Cargill, and that Cuthill had asserted them in the portion of his last testimony which was supressed by the editors of the Cloud of Witnesses (1714 ed., p. 118). Grant also claimed that in his letter to Gibb's followers in the Correction House Cargill himself had expressed approval of these views, but there is nothing in Cargill's letter to lend support to this. Nevertheless it is clear that some who attended on Cargill's ministry and held him in the highest respect adopted the practice at about this time. A manuscript copy of Cargill's sermon at Dovan Common on 26 June, obviously recorded by a friendly hand, is dated 'the 26th day of the sixth month'. A letter from Patrick Forman, who with four others was put to death at the Gallowlee in Edinburgh in October 1681, is dated 'the 16th of this ninth month' and his testimony 'the 8th day of the tenth month'. The practice did not, however, become general, and was not adopted by James Renwick nor the other members of the United Societies.

Coram Deo · #37 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:36 PM

Could you elaborate on what Burrough said on Hosea with regard to this?

I love his works....

Quote:

Originally Posted by armourbearer

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

Jeremiah Burroughs on Hosea also has an interesting discussion on this idea.

VirginiaHuguenot · #38 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armourbearer

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie

I think Maurice Grant's biography of Donald Cargill No King But Christ (published by Evangelical Press) goes into this a bit.

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

Jeremiah Burroughs on Hosea also has an interesting discussion on this idea.

Jeremiah Burroughs, An Exposition of the Prophecy of Hosea, p. 147 (on Hosea 2.16-17):

Quote:

It were good therefore, seeing God hates and loathes it so much, that we should hate and loath it also, and therefore cast out even the name and memory of it; it were a happy thing if the names of popish, as well as heathenish, idols could be banished from the church; but I know not how it happens that we Christians still retain the use of them; the very days of the week among us are called by the names of planets, or heathen gods: not that I think it a sin, when it is the ordinary language of the world, to speak so as may be understood, for the apostle mentions the name of Castor and Pollux; but if there could be an alteration by general consent, (as our brethren in New England have), it were desirable; and still more so, that our children might not be educated in the use of heathen poems, whereby the names of heathen idols are kept up fresh amongst us: the papists themselves acknowledge so much in the Rhemish Testament, in their notes on Rev. i.10: "The name Sunday is heathenish, as all other of the week-days, some imposed by the Romans after the name of planets, some from certain idols which the Saxons worshipped, and to which they dedicated their days before they were Christians. These names the church rejecting, has appointed to call the first day Dominic, (the Lord's) the others by the name of Feries, successivly to the last day of the week, which she calls by the old name of sabbath, because that was of God, and not by imposition of the heathen." And in their Annotations upon Luke xxiv.1, "The first day of the sabbath; that is, the first after the Sabbath, which is our Lord's day. And from the apostle, 1 Cor. xvi.2, commanding a collection to be made on the first day of the sabbath, we learn," (say they) "both the keeping that day as the sabbath, and the church's naming the days of the week the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of the sabbath, and so on, to be apostolical, and the calling of the days of the week, the second, the third, the fourth, &c., to be likewise apostolical, which St. Sylvester afterward named the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Feriam." Thus you have the papists acknowledging the Lord's day to be apostolical, and the calling of the days of the week the second, the third, the fourth, &c., to be likewise apostolical. The heathenish Roman names of the days were taken from the seven planets: 1. Sol, thence Dies solis, Sunday dedicated to the sun. 2. Luna, Monday, dedicated to the moon. 3. Mars, Tuesday, dedicated to Mars. Our Tuesday is a Saxon name, from Tuisco, who they say was, since the Tower of Babel, chief leader and ruler of the German nation, who, in honour of him, called this day Tuesday, Tuisco's day. 4. Mercurius, to whom Wednesday is dedicated, and we call it so, is from the Saxon's Woden, who was a great prince among them, and whose image they adored after his death. 5. Jupiter, to whom Thursday is dedicated; so called by us from the Saxon Thor, the name of an idol which they anciently worshipped. 6. Venus, to whom our Friday, which name is given it from Friga, an idol of the Germans. This idol was an hermaphrodite, and reputed to be the giver of plenty, and the causer of amity; the same perhaps which the Romans called Venus. 7. Saturnus, dedicated to Saturn, whence our Saturday; or, as others think, from Seater, an idol of the Germans. Exod. xxiii.13, we have this charge, "In all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect: and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth." And Psal. xvi.4, David professes he will not take the names of idols into his lips.

ADKing · #39 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 09:55 PM

I make it a point to consistently use the term Sabbath or Lord's Day (though Sabbath is my preference). I find there are several reasons--some of which have already been stated:
1). I prefer using the Scriptural name God has given the day
2). It is a reminder of the morality of sanctifying the day--especially when you cannot miss the connection with the day and the 4th commandment.
3). I don't have any reservations about using the term Sabbath with unbelievers. Normally they are very clear on what is meant. If they inquire I have a chance to explain it to them. I have never been mistaken for a Seventh Day Adventist by an unbeliever--sadly the only times that question has been raised is by professing evangelicals. I think it is good and necessary to insist on the claims of the Sabbath day in society and not just as a term restricted to church.
4). I have found that the more consistent I am as a pastor in my use of the terms it does (slowly!) have an affect on the thinking and use of the members of the congregation as well.

Coram Deo · #40 (**permalink**) 12-14-2007, 10:02 PM

Ok, Maybe I am just tired tonight and too medicated up.. But what is a "Feriam" and "Feries"?

Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Quote:

Originally Posted by armourbearer

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirginiaHuguenot

Yes, Grant notes that John Gibb opposed any usage of days of the week or months based on their pagan nature; his objection was not confined to the Lord's Day/Sabbath v. Sunday. Grant has a lengthy footnote on the subject.

Jeremiah Burroughs on Hosea also has an interesting discussion on this idea.

Jeremiah Burroughs, An Exposition of the Prophecy of Hosea, p. 147 (on Hosea 2.16-17):

Quote:

It were good therefore, seeing God hates and loathes it so much, that we should hate and loath it also, and therefore cast out even the name and memory of it; it were a happy thing if the names of popish, as well as heathenish, idols could be banished from the church; but I know not how it happens that we Christians still retain the use of them; the very days of the week among us are called by the names of planets, or heathen gods: not that I think it a sin, when it is the ordinary language of the world, to speak so as may be understood, for the apostle mentions the name of Castor and Pollux; but if there could be an alteration by general consent, (as our brethren in New England have), it were desirable; and still more so, that our children might not be educated in the use of heathen poems, whereby the names of heathen idols are kept up fresh amongst us: the papists themselves acknowledge so much in the Rhemish Testament, in their notes on Rev. i.10: "The name Sunday is heathenish, as all other of the week-days, some imposed by the Romans after the name of planets, some from certain idols which the Saxons worshipped, and to which they dedicated their days before they were Christians. These names the church rejecting, has appointed to call the first day Dominic, (the Lord's) the others by the name of Feries, successivly to the last day of the week, which she calls by the old name of sabbath, because that was of God, and not by imposition of the heathen." And in their Annotations upon Luke xxiv.1, "The first day of the sabbath; that is, the first after the Sabbath, which is our Lord's day. And from the apostle, 1 Cor. xvi.2, commanding a collection to be made on the first day of the sabbath, we learn," (say they) "both the keeping that day as the sabbath, and the church's naming the days of the week the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of the sabbath, and so on, to be apostolical, and the calling of the days of the week, the second, the third, the fourth, &c., to be likewise apostolical, which St. Sylvester afterward named the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Feriam." Thus you have the papists acknowledging the Lord's day to be apostolical, and the calling of the days of the week the second, the third, the fourth, &c., to be likewise apostolical. The heathenish Roman names of the days were taken from the seven planets: 1. Sol, thence Dies solis, Sunday dedicated to the sun. 2. Luna, Monday, dedicated to the moon. 3. Mars, Tuesday, dedicated to Mars. Our Tuesday is a Saxon name, from Tuisco, who they say was, since the Tower of Babel, chief leader and ruler of the German nation, who, in honour of him, called this day Tuesday, Tuisco's day. 4. Mercurius, to whom Wednesday is dedicated, and we call it so, is from the Saxon's Woden, who was a great prince among them, and whose image they adored after his death. 5. Jupiter, to whom Thursday is dedicated; so called by us from the Saxon Thor, the name of an idol which they anciently worshipped. 6. Venus, to whom our Friday, which name is given it from Friga, an idol of the Germans. This idol was an hermaphrodite, and reputed to be the giver of plenty, and the causer of amity; the same perhaps which the Romans called Venus. 7. Saturnus, dedicated to Saturn, whence our Saturday; or, as others think, from Seater, an idol of the Germans. Exod. xxiii.13, we have this charge, "In all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect: and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth." And Psal. xvi.4, David professes he will not take the names of idols into his lips.