Sunday play

[_luc]

I watched or listened to most of General Conference a few weeks ago. I was kind of surprised to hear at least two instances where no sports on Sunday was mentioned. With all that young people are facing these days, they are still focusing on this?

A historic example of commitment to be strong and immovable for all ages was portrayed by a British Olympian who competed in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France.
Eric Liddell was the son of a Scottish missionary to China and a devoutly religious man. He infuriated the British leadership of the Olympics by refusing, even under enormous pressure, to run in a preliminary 100-meter race held on Sunday. Ultimately he was victorious in the 400-meter race. Liddell’s example of refusing to run on Sunday was particularly inspiring.
Depictions and memorials in his honor have referred to the inspirational words from Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”24
Liddell’s admirable conduct was very influential in our youngest son’s decision to not participate in Sunday sports and, more importantly, to separate himself from unrighteous and worldly conduct. He used the quote from Isaiah for his yearbook contribution. Eric Liddell left a powerful example of determination and commitment to principle.

and

Years later I found myself asking this same question to a less-active Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He was a wonderful man who loved his family. He, however, had not been to church for many years. He had a talented son who played on an elite travel sports team that practiced and played games on Sunday. That team had won multiple major championships. As we met, I reminded him that, as a priesthood holder, he was promised that if he magnified his oath and covenant, he would receive “all that [our] Father hath.”2 I then asked him, “Is a national championship worth more than all the Father has?” He gently said, “I see your point” and made an appointment to visit with his bishop.

I see kids that are dealing with this issue. It seems like a lot of pressure for a reason I don't totally understand. They help their team make it to the finals, the finals are on Sunday where they will most likely play the hardest game, and they can't play for fear of God being upset with them or not giving them, "all that He hath." Looks to me like Steve Young has been "blessed" after his Sunday play, as well as many other LDS NFL players. Why the double standard and pressure on kids that I don't think they need with everything else they are facing.

Thoughts?

[_son of Ishmael]

Did the Osmonds perform on Sundays?

[_Fence Sitter]

My father decided against a career in professional sports (he was a first round draft pick) partly because of the required Sunday play. While I respect his decision I think it had an obvious negative financial impact on him and our family. I really don't think God cares about what we do on Sunday over any other day.

[_Harold Lee]

My father decided against a career in professional sports (he was a first round draft pick) partly because of the required Sunday play.

Dang...

[_lostindc]

My father decided against a career in professional sports (he was a first round draft pick) partly because of the required Sunday play. While I respect his decision I think it had an obvious negative financial impact on him and our family. I really don't think God cares about what we do on Sunday over any other day.

holy sheet, i would be disappointed/pissed.

[Guest]

...

[_luc]

Did the Osmonds perform on Sundays?

I don't know but if they did they would have had a free pass--all of the Mormon poster children seem to get those.

My father decided against a career in professional sports (he was a first round draft pick) partly because of the required Sunday play. While I respect his decision I think it had an obvious negative financial impact on him and our family. I really don't think God cares about what we do on Sunday over any other day.

Dang! That's very impressive that your dad made it so far in his sports career. Did he ever express any regrets?

[_ludwigm]

On SABBATH, you should not push the button of 17th story in the elevator, because it is WORK.

You should walk all the way.

Don't you understand, STUPID???

[_Fence Sitter]

Dang! That's very impressive that your dad made it so far in his sports career. Did he ever express any regrets?

It was a long time ago when professional sports were not nearly as lucrative and popular as they are now so his decision then was not nearly as unusual as it would be today. He was not the only player in his draft that elected not to play, there were several others. I have never heard him express any regrets for not playing and in fact I believe he is proud of that decision to this day.

He is very TBMish, as is my mom. Sundays really were treated as a day of rest and worship in our household, as I grew up. No TV, no friends over, no going anywhere except for Church services, no purchases of any sort, we were not allowed to work on Sunday, rigid observation of fast Sunday and so on. To this day he avoids traveling on Sundays and all his vacations are planned so that he can attend Church somewhere. I am pretty sure he would consider a vending machine purchase on Sunday a no-no.

[_brade]

Years later I found myself asking this same question to a less-active Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He was a wonderful man who loved his family. He, however, had not been to church for many years. He had a talented son who played on an elite travel sports team that practiced and played games on Sunday. That team had won multiple major championships. As we met, I reminded him that, as a priesthood holder, he was promised that if he magnified his oath and covenant, he would receive “all that [our] Father hath.”2 I then asked him, “Is a national championship worth more than all the Father has?” He gently said, “I see your point” and made an appointment to visit with his bishop.

The idea of just floating off into inactivity for something like sports is so foreign to me. I know people like this exist, because I was a home teacher to many of them at one time, and even then it was hard for me to understand this whole drifting into inactivity thing. I want to assume that there's always a more substantive issue under it all, but I guess some people are so, I don't know, lazy about their beliefs that they can get distracted by something like sports.