In 1896, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church condemned bicycle riding on Sunday (click the link to view) because it was believed to entice Christians away from church attendance and violated the Fourth Commandment. Here’s a quote:
The Sabbath, the Lord’s Day of rest for the body, and of worship for the soul, is especially threatened by many unscriptural innovations…Sunday bicycle pleasure riding…
Hard to imagine in our modern world isn’t it?
This bit of history is more than something to be amused by. It speaks volumes about how the Church today still reacts to innovation. Instead of embracing it and looking for ways to leverage it, we feel threatened. Instead of learning how to adapt and minister in our culture, the church clings to the past believing yesterday was the golden era.
Can you think of some examples in which the church still reacts this way today?
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