SkipCaptcha
35,519
edits
Changes
→Fourth century: antipathy towards the Sabbath
In the first Sunday law enacted, Emperor [[Constantine]] dictated:<ref name=veith/>
In the first Sunday law enacted, Emperor [[Constantine]] dictated:<ref name=veith/>
{{cquote|On the venerable Day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits: because it often happens that another Day is not so suitable for grain sowing or for vine planting: lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.|||Constantine I, 321 A.D.}}
{{cquote|On the venerable Day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits: because it often happens that another Day is not so suitable for grain sowing or for vine planting: lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.|||Constantine I, 321 A.D.}}
Some contemporary professed Christians defend Constantine's decree by arguing that Sunday observance was already a norm, and therefore it was solidifying a biblical tradition. Notwithstanding the fact that these claims have been refuted (mostly by Seventh-day Adventists), Constantine's declaration notably described the first day of the week as "venerable Day of the sun," indicating a pagan glorification.
The Council of Laodicea declared:<ref name=veith/>
The Council of Laodicea declared:<ref name=veith/>