Hunting, worshiping an idol?

[Hardcase]

Many churches, in addition to the normal Sunday morning service, have instituted a number of other service times (Wednesday night, Saturday night, Sunday night, etc.).

What are your opinions on attending an alternate night service instead of Sunday to allow more time in the woods during the fall? I can see the allure of going on another night, especially since the time change because it allows another morning to hunt other than just Saturday for those who work during the week and do not get home until just before sunset or after.

On the other hand, it could be seen as selfish, and maybe even pushes the ‘idol’ line a bit as hunting becomes more important than worshiping God. As a hunter, I can understand looking for ways to make time for hunting since the window of opportunity is small, but is this the correct way of going about it?

Several states do not allow Sunday hunting at all, so it doesn't affect those residents, but I am still wondering what opinions are here.

[gd3006]

Hardcase,

I've had this discussion many times with many other hunters. Can't say I've formulated my thoughts on the matter entirely. I've shot a few deer on sunday, and never really thought twice about it, but I think it falls under the line of INTENT. IF your intent is to skip out on church, then you're probably out there for the wrong reasons.

Or if you're looking for some quality time in God's creation, then maybe you're having a more spiritual morning than a lot of people who are in church.

I don't know what's right, but it will vary from person to person. It is what your intent is that counts.

Gale

[broncbuster2]

Most of the time I take a pocket BIBLE with me to the woods,
Like GD said you can't go wrong worshiping in the outdoors.

[Hardcase]

I thought I'd get more comments on this topic? Hmmm

[bambam]

We cannot hunt on Sunday here, but I can see both sides of this argument.


Like gd3006 said, if it is an excuse to skip Church or worship of God, then I think it is wrong.

On the other hand, when I am in the woods I feel closer to God than I do at many other times and places. I can talk to God without interruptions from phones, TVs, people, etc.

God said, " Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy " . Some people have told me that clearly implies that God does not want us to hunt on Sunday. I disagree with this for 2 reasons.
First, animal sacrifices were some of the Holiest religious rites throughout the Old Testament. The only reason animals are no longer sacrificed is that Jesus shed his blood for us on the cross.

Second, God gave man dominion over the beasts and fowl of the earth, for food, clothing , and shelter. Sunday is a day of rest and relaxation. Nothing to me is more relaxing than spending time in God's creation while hunting, fishing, or trapping.

If I could hunt on Sunday, I would and not feel guilty about it, because I do more praying in the woods than anywhere else, except maybe Church .

Now here is a related question and food for thought. We can no longer pray in our schools and many public buildings because of " separation of Church and state " , which, by the way, does NOT appear anywhere in our constitution, even though atheists would have us believe that it does. Therefore, how can it be "legal" that the same government who says we cannot worship our Lord and savior in public buildings, can at the same time forbid us to engage in an otherwise legal activity on Sunday ?