The Sunday Theater by W. A. C.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

The Sunday Theater

By W. A. C.

An anxious mother out West, speaking of Sunday theaters, inquires, “Why will the officials of Ogden make it so hard for us mothers to govern our boys and girls? I don’t want to be too stern with Nellie, but I know the Sunday theater is a step in the wrong direction. O, what can we mothers do with all these pitfalls waiting for the feet of our children?”

While this mother, and every other mother similarly situated, is to be sympathized with in her responsibility to bring up her boys and girls aright, she should go deeper into this matter. Not merely is the Sunday theater a step in the wrong direction, but theatergoing on any day and every day of the week. If Christian parents wish to bring up their children to be Christians, they must teach them to avoid the theater and all other questionable amusements altogether. Why should they ask the civil authorities to forbid to all the people, whether Christians or not, that which they are loath to forbid their own children? Abraham was commended and trusted by God because God knew that he would “command his children and his household after him.” If theaters, like the saloon, are of such a character that they should be closed on Sunday, they should be closed every day.

W. A. C.