Bakeries hit hard with surprise Sunday ban
Saturday, July 2, 2016 - 18:47
A ban on selling bread on Sundays will be enforced tomorrow, July 3. The ban, which was pushed for by church leaders and supported by members of parliament, re-enforces one of Tonga’s oldest laws, which forbids commercial undertakings on the Sabbath. However, owners of Tonga’s two biggest bakeries told Matangi Tonga Online that the ban would likely result in job losses because bakeries have been trading on Sunday for over 30 years.
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Bakeries can make a point
Bakeries can make a point here - give out bread for free on Sundays. In addition to free bread cease the donation of bakery products to religious organisations. Get the people onside and help the churches realise that we live in a world of give and take. Democracy is about the wishes of the majority not the entitled minority. Ennenda
Matthew 6:11-13 New King
Matthew 6:11-13 New King James Version
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Ennenda
Sabbath is based on the old
Sabbath is based on the old testament and recognized in the new testament and followed correctly by Jesus Christ. It is observed from Sundown Friday (evening) to Sundown Saturday (evening). The law was changed by Roman emperor Constantine in the year 321. He placed the Sabbath day at that time, on the Sun-worship day, being Sunday. If Tongan church leaders follow this Roman law, they risk being wrong. This is purely a Tongan law (albeit Roman based), not a "bible based" Christian law. Claiming so is incorrect. Teaching fellow believers wrong in ignorance happens. Knowingly stating the wrong day is a different matter.
Constantine wrote: "On the venerable day of the sun let the magistrate and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country however, persons engaged in agricultural work may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits; because it often happens that another day is not so suitable for grain growing or for vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment ".
That could mean that bakeries in the country side can be open. Just not in the city. Dear bakers, that is how you sell bread and stay within the law. Or are these church elders referring to another law? Which one? Exactly these issues have divided the Christian church and brought to light the Wesleyan church in its early days on the European continent. From where it made it to Britain and was exported to nations not in the know, at the time. Today we can all read the facts and do not need others to teach us. Oh, how beautiful this dilemma. I am sure that all parties know "on which side their bread is buttered ". "Pharisees ", meaning well but being confused, come in many forms and in any age. They have been found wrong before.