Editor,
At the time of reading the news item, “Sunday a sacred day….” I was also reading Joe Crews’s “Is Sunday really sacred? Joe Crews says that “Multitudes have inherited opinions about Sunday to be observed weekly, and they find it very difficult to look objectively at any other view point. Many of them know that one of the Ten Commandments requires the keeping of the Seventh Day of the week [Exodus 20:8]. They also know that the seventh day is Saturday. Yet they tenaciously follow the tradition of observing a different day from the one God commanded. They worship on Sunday the first day of the week, for which there is no biblical command. Why do they do it? Most Sunday keepers have simply accepted the practice of the religious majority in the community where they are raised; assuming that it has to be right because so many are doing it. Is this a safe assumption? Has the majority usually been right in religious matters?
The Bible clearly answers these questions in the negative. Every available source of information reveals that in religious matters, at least, the majority has always been wrong. Jesus himself said “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the son of man” [Luke 17:26] NIV. Remember only eight people went into the ark to be saved from the flood.” I fully subscribe to the view of Joe Crews. Today there are millions of sincere Christians who are religiously trying to protect the sanctity of Sunday. They don’t realise that there is really nothing to guard. The first day of the week is just as devoid of holiness as the deserted courtyard of roses of the Czar of Russia. Jesus said, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” [Mathew 15:13]
Yours etc.,
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
II
Editor,
One wonders how the Shillong Press Club along with the MTDF held the so-called debate on the Nov 1st 2011 when there was no opposition. Perhaps the organisers had a smug satisfaction that the “anti-secularist forces” dared not turn up. It would look as if the Church leaders and representatives of NGOs had neither guts nor arguments to face a live telecast debate. But for most of us, their absence shows that faith does not require a sweet tongue. The Church has every right to object to anything that stands against its principles and diktats, but it is up to individuals to respond to that. However, the Church’s voice always remains stifled especially in the name of secularism. It is a fact that many practising Christians no longer make Sunday a special day for worshipping God, and here is the Christian’s failure to testify their risen Lord. The Church in its objection to holding a festivity on a Sunday only challenges its faithful to choose their priorities, to worship God or otherwise. The modern Church does not ostracise a believer if he/she attends to other obligations, festivals, carnivals or any activity. For the true worshipper, Sunday and everyday is devoted to God. The Autumn Festival however, would not affect the Church because our churches are packed every Sunday, offerings flow to the coffers and the good work continues everyday. Finally, I laud the Church leaders for not attending the debate for this shows that they are following their Master’s example, who when accused and tried, never opened His mouth to defend Himself. And the Truth remains.
Yours etc.,
Sandra Ramsdam
Shillong -8
III
Editor,
Newspapers were flooded with views and opinions on whether the MTDF should hold the closing ceremony of this year’s Autumn Festival on a Sunday and opinions galore were put forth by the common man. I am of the opinion that this is a matter of personal choice; whether it is a Sunday or any other day the decision should be left entirely to the individual. I am only pleased and happy that a large scale event like the Autumn Festival is being held annually. The festival brings the people of the state together as they celebrate with joy and jubilation. Added to this is the obvious boost that the Festival adds to the tourism potential of Meghalaya. We should therefore laud the attempt of the MTDF. However, what is of concern is the traffic congestion on the closing day of the Festival leaving commuters stranded for hours on end on the road and of course not to ignore cases of drunken driving, a menace witnessed last year. The need of the hour is to work towards a tangible traffic regulation that will help ease movement of commuters to and from the venue, keeping in mind that this route being a National Highway, movements of commuters who are on their way to Guwahati to either board a train or a flight or even reach hospitals should not be disturbed.
At this juncture, I commend the MTDF for having called a debate to deliberate on the Sunday issue. There cannot be a better way to solve issues and differences but by having a face to face talk and discussion on the matter concerned. This should not be looked upon as a show of strength on the part of the MTDF but rather as a way that they have paved to encourage such open debates or discussions for several other matters of concern that pertain to the development of the state and its people. I do however agree with Morning Star Sumer in his letter dated 3rd Nov, 2011 that there is a need for a transparency of accounts extended towards the festival especially since the largesse comes from the government. For now let us look forward and hope that the MTDF will hold many such events to help boost tourism in the state at regular interval and throughout the year. After all, Meghalaya has great tourism potential. Happy Autumn Festival to all!
Yours etc.,
Jenniefer Dkhar