Recreation and Amusements

Early in their history Seventh-day Adventists devoted little time to recreation or amusements. Three reasons for this may be cited: (1) the Seventh-day Adventist Church arose in New England, an area noted for its Puritan background, (2) the church arose during the Victorian Age, noted for its conservatism, and probably most important, (3) the early SDA pioneers believed that the Lord’s coming was so imminent that what little time remained should be occupied in proclaiming the Second Advent and preparing for that solemn event. As time continued and the membership grew, the need to satisfy the social requirements of the young people became increasingly apparent. Efforts were made to set up guiding principles in choice of acceptable forms of recreation and amusements. As early as 1865 the Review and Herald (25:87, Feb. 7, 1865) dealt with the problem: “They [amusements] are not the business of life, but interludes, recreations, refreshments, thrown in at intervals to save us from being utterly broken down by unceasing and perpetual toil. While we study or labor, while we do our part to work or to prepare ourselves for work, it is right, nay it is our duty as well as our privilege, to give ourselves up, from time to time, to amusements. “But when amusements become the chief thing, when they take the place of the serious duties which God has imposed on every man whom He has created, then they undermine our principles, and impair our faith in whatever is noblest in virtue, or most holy in religion.” In 1868 L. D. Santee described an SDA New Year’s party, which indicates the kind of activity that was considered proper for SDA s 100 years ago: “It may perhaps interest some to know how the church in this place [Gridley, Illinois] spent New Year’s It was determined to provide a basket dinner and recreation for the church and Sabbath-school scholars. Some wondered what could be done for amusement, as we do not believe in the popular amusements of the day. . . . The little folks began to gather in good season. . . . They amused themselves in various ways until dinner. One of the Sabbath-school scholars read the 150th Psalm, after which the children gathered around a large table spread with an abundance of healthful food, the older ones being served afterward. Dinner over, another short Psalm was read, when nearly all adjourned to a wide lane and engaged in simple and athletic games calculated to give tone and vigor to the system. . . . After playing a suitable length of time, all returned to the house, where Bro. J. M. Santee addressed us for a short time on the debt of gratitude that we owe to our Creator and Preserver, and on the duty of children to their parents” ( Review and Herald 31:83, Jan. 21, 1868). A few years later, in 1873, G. I. Butler, then president of the General Conference, set forth in the Review and Herald (41:169, 170) certain principles for guiding SDA s in matters of recreation: “In the training of children, that course should be pursued which gives the best assurance of the formation of a right character. We want our children to grow up to manhood and womanhood with characters which will illustrate the principles of justice, truth, faithfulness, and the fear of God, that they may be kind and tenderhearted toward those deserving sympathy; cheerful, hopeful, and earnest in behalf of right; and that they may bear up with courage under adversity and suffering. We want them to have minds, able to discern, quick to detect, and with courage to expose and resist wrong. We want them, also, to have bodies properly developed and hardened by exercise. . . . “So far, then, as amusements are consistent with and help bring about the proper formation of such characters as we have referred to, so far they should be encouraged, otherwise, they should be discouraged. Proper development, then, of the mental, physical, and moral is the great end to be kept in view in the training of children; the moral being the highest and most important of the three. “We first inquire, Do children need amusements at all? We believe they do. . . . “Children must be active and stirring. Any system of training so repressive in its character as to make children like old men and women will dwarf and hinder natural development, sour the disposition, and make the spirits gloomy and misanthropic. . . . Cheerfulness is better than discouragement; hopefulness than despondency; courage than gloominess. Let such a course be taken, then, as will be most likely to produce such results. We think a certain amount of amusement conducive to such an object. . . . “But while I thus plead for innocent amusements, I would ever guard against giving children the impression that they are the main object of life. . . . That parent who grants reasonable recreation and ‘agreeable entertainment’ to his children will far more easily be able to make the proper distinction appear to the mind of the child than he who always holds him to the same level sameness of useful plodding. . . . “If it then be granted that some amusements are proper, commonsense would seem to teach us to permit only those which are innocent, and reject those which are demoralizing, or those which will throw our children under bad influences.” After setting forth the basic philosophy of what he considered constituted proper recreation and amusements, Butler applied these principles to various activities: “Music, in its various forms, seems to be a very proper means of recreation and enjoyment. Within reasonable bounds, it seems to be eminently worthy of cultivation. . . . But when it is made the great object of life, we respectfully submit that it has exceeded those limits. . . . “Athletic exercises, such as skating, sliding, swimming, playing ball, pitching the quoit, running &c., &c., are all proper and innocent in themselves, when kept within proper limits, and when connected with proper associations. . . . “I now notice another class, such as marbles, checkers, chess, fox and geese, dominoes, billiards, backgammon, cards, &c., many of them involving games of chance, and games which may lead to gambling. There is such a variety of these that it is impossible to speak definitely of all. Some are far more objectionable than others. How far should these be permitted or encouraged? and how far forbidden? . . . “I will commence at the most simple, marbles. There can be nothing objectionable in children’s having marbles to roll upon the floor or smooth ground, so far as that is concerned. But it seems to me the idea should be most thoroughly instilled into the mind from the very first that gambling will not be permitted for the smallest amount. . . . Property gotten without giving a fair equivalent for it is not properly gotten. . . . “It cannot be denied that chess, and checkers, &c., do afford discipline to the mind. The man who can play a game of chess or checkers, successfully, has got to think, and think sensibly. Neither are they ever used to any great extent in gambling. But they become so fascinating to the mind that they are apt to take far more time and attention than they are worth. . . . I therefore think they should be discouraged as amusements. “Card-playing consists of a mixture of skill and chance, and is so universally associated with gambling and debasing associations that it should be frowned down.” SDA s today face the problem of evaluating many kinds of entertainment, some completely unknown to their predessors. Visual Entertainment. This includes such forms of entertainment as serial cartoons, motion pictures, television, videos , attendance at the theater and commercialized sports. Seventh-day Adventists have been governed in their choices in these types of entertainment by certain general principles that are applicable in varying degrees. Pictures are known to be one of the most effective means for influencing behavior that humans know. This being true, it is evident that there are great possibilities for good or evil in pictures, depending on the character of what they portray. Because of this, one of the basic criteria Seventh-day Adventists have used in determining what is proper or improper for a Christian to see is the character of the things portrayed. Serial Cartoons. These are usually a series of drawings in narrative sequence. They may, for example, depict Bible stories; portray wildlife, historical events, or scientific processes; or picture scenes of crime, violence, and immorality. The character of the activity portrayed is what should determine whether the cartoons are proper for a Christian to look at. Seventh-day Adventists make use of serial cartoons for teaching Bible stories and imparting scientific and historical information to children, but regard the “comics” generally as being detrimental to the formation of a wholesome character. Motion Pictures and Videos. The development of the moving picture, especially with sound, made possible astonishingly realistic portrayals of dramatic productions. Conservative Christians who had previously recognized the evil influences of the theater saw the same effects in the mass-produced movie. It is well known that the influence of the scenes portrayed, especially on children and young people, is powerful, and that the content of most of the dramatic shows is not in the direction of high ideals. These shows often glamorize the banal and tawdry, if not the violent and criminal aspects of life, and glorify unworthy characters and actions. Seventh-day Adventists have been warned (in the Church Manual [1990], p. 145) “against the subtle and sinister influence of the moving-picture theater,” which is a training school in what to the Christian are false values—worldliness, laxity, and love of pleasure—and at times exposes the young people who attend to harmful associations. While condemning the motion picture theater, Seventh-day Adventists are not opposed to the viewing of nontheatrical moving pictures, if the character of the activities portrayed is wholesome and instructive and if temperance is exercised in the amount of time spent. Church-sponsored institutions show, for their own groups, selected films. Television. Through television the decision as to what to see has become a daily problem in the home. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has not condemned TV, but advises members to apply to all programs the same principles as for moving pictures, and further, to avoid spending too much time watching even good programs. The following is part of a statement prepared under the direction of the General Conference Committee and published in 1956 (“What About Television?” p. 4): “Unless viewers are constantly on guard, TV consumes an excessive amount of their time. Christians are stewards of the talent of time, being accountable to God for every moment to improve it to His glory. Time has been given to mankind for self-improvement, for work and physical exercise, for communion with God, for service to God and man, for recreation and enjoyment, and should therefore be employed in a balanced program that would bring honor to God and would fulfill all of life’s needs and duties.” The Church Manual (1990, p. 145) gives the following counsel on television: “Safety for ourselves and our children is found in a determination, by God’s help, to follow the admonition of the apostle Paul: ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things’ ( Phil. 4:8 ).” Attendance at the Theater and Commercialized Sports. Unlike the other forms of visual entertainment that have been discussed in this article, the stage (including drama and opera) and commercialized sports (including commercialized entertainment) employ living performers or contestants, but many of the principles that apply to serial cartoons, motion pictures, and television also apply to them. Ellen White writes concerning the stage: “Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life, than theatrical amusements. “The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence. . . . The only safe course is to shun the theater” ( MYP 380). The patronizing of commercialized sports such as baseball, football, and basketball games is discouraged by the church. Thus the Church Manual ( p. 146) urges: “Let us not patronize commercialized amusements, joining with the worldly, careless, pleasure-loving multitudes who are ‘lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.’” Games and Sports. Games. Games such as card playing are forbidden by the church because of their association with gambling (see below) and vice. Thus the Church Manual (1990, p. 182) calls for “complete separation from worldly practices, such as card playing.” Other games such as checkers, dominoes, Monopoly, chess, etc., are discouraged principally because of the time they consume and because they may open the door to other evils. Concerning them Ellen White declared: “There are amusements, such as dancing [ see below], card-playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil” ( MYP 392). Nature card games, Bible games, and certain word games are recognized as being instructive and even valuable, provided not too much time is spent on them. In general, if the character of the game and the spirit in which it is played are wholesome, the question of whether it is proper for an SDA to participate in it is determined largely by the amount of time spent playing it and the associations involved. Any expenditure of time that tends to rob from a well-rounded development should be avoided; any associations that are likely to lead away from God are to be shunned. Sports. These include both outdoor and indoor physical activities, often competitive, although they may be purely recreational. The Seventh-day Adventist Church generally encourages the outdoor recreational sports in preference to the indoor competitive sports. The latter are not condemned when they are the best form of exercise available, provided that they are carefully supervised, that they are not carried to excess, and that a spirit of Christian fair play is maintained. But they are recognized as being a second-best form of exercise: “Gymnastic exercises fill a useful place in many schools; but without careful supervision they are often carried to excess. In the gymnasium many youth, by their attempted feats of strength, have done themselves lifelong injury. “Exercise in a gymnasium, however well conducted, cannot supply the place of recreation in the open air” ( Ed 210). Granted that the character of the sport itself is beneficial or at least harmless, SDA s have adopted several criteria for determining whether a given sport is proper for an SDA Christian. Among these may be cited environment, associations, the spirit in which the sport is played, and the outlay of time and money involved. Thus, for example, while billiards and bowling provide some exercise, they are frowned upon by the church because of the environment and the associations generally involved. In regard to these types of sports Ellen White wrote: “The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon” ( MYP 398). Gambling. In common with most Christian churches, SDA s object to gambling on several grounds. They believe it violates the principle of Christian stewardship of property, it is antisocial, it is uneconomic, since it does not add to the wealth of the community and it tends to make chance the basis of conduct. Gambling is incompatible with the Christian life because it generates and promotes selfishness, covetousness, and greed. Gamblers are not knowingly retained as members. “Card playing, betting, gambling, horse racing, and theatrical performances are all of his [Satan’s] own inventing, and he has led men to carry forward these amusements as zealously as though they were winning for themselves the precious boon of eternal life” ( CS 134). Dancing. Dancing in some form has been a worldwide practice throughout history. The ritual dance is found among the most primitive of peoples. In Bible times religious dances were associated with worship, as when Miriam led the singing and dancing in gratitude for deliverance at the Red Sea ( Ex. 15:20 , 21 ), and when David “danced before the Lord” ( 2 Sam. 6:14 ). However, social dancing as it is known today is not found in Scripture, and from the beginning the Seventh-day Adventist Church has objected to it. “The amusement of dancing, as conducted at the present day, is a school of depravity, a fearful curse to society” ( MYP 399). Because it is maintained that the dance tends to lessen interest in spiritual life, usually involves unchristian associations, and creates excitements that can lead to immorality, baptismal candidates are instructed to refrain from dancing ( Church Manual [1990], p. 182). Biblical Principles. In 1991 the Youth Department published an article, written by Malcolm Allen, world director of Pathfinder and youth evangelism, which identified five biblical principles to be used in the selection and evaluation of recreational activities: “1. Stewardship of the Gospel. ( 1 Peter 3:11 , 12 ; 1:15 , 16 .) A positive, balanced, healthy, happy, and vibrant lifestyle based on sound biblical principles is a strong argument in favor of Christianity. Our choices of recreation and our use of leisure time are an integral part of a practical religion. These should reflect the happiness we experience from a lifestyle molded by the ‘good news of salvation.’ They will confirm and not conflict with the principles of His Word and will help to develop and enhance His image in us. By our choices we will give a practical example of living Christianity that will show to the world our belief in the gospel. . . . “2. Stewardship of Time. ( Ps. 90:12 ; Eph. 5:16 ; Eccl. 12:1 ; Col. 4:5 .) Time is the greatest talent and most precious possession that God has given, and it is to be used wisely in work, education, or leisuretime activities that will develop our intellect, strengthen our bodies, improve our health, and develop and strengthen our appreciation of God. . . . “3. Stewardship of Finance. All things belong to God ( Haggai 2:8 ; Ps. 50:10 ). It is He who gives us the ability to make wealth. Some of this He asks to be returned as His ( Mal. 3:10 ), but the remainder is ours to be used in a way that may bring the greatest benefit and blessing to us, to others, and to God. In our choice of recreation these demands and principles should be remembered. . . . “4. Stewardship of Influence. Our behavior and choice of recreation influence others. If we uphold the principles of His Word and ‘walk as he walked’ ( 1 John 2:6 ; Eph. 5:1 ), our influence will also tell, as His did, and we will be ‘known and read of all men’ ( 2 Cor. 3:2 ). “5. Stewardship of Self. We owe our existence to God. He created us ( Ex. 20:11 ; Col. 1:6 ), and we are made in His image ( Gen. 1:27 ). Our body is the ‘temple of the Holy Ghost’ ( 1 Cor. 6:19 ), in and through which He abides and works. His desire is that we care for this physical body and keep both body and mind in the best condition. . . . To do this, we should be concerned with: “a. What we put into it—food, drink, drugs, etc. “b. How we clothe and adorn it—dress, jewelry, cosmetics. “c. What we do with it—the use or abuse of the body itself. “d. Where we take it—work, recreation, amusement” ( pp. 31–33). The article also provided several guidelines to be used in the implementation of the five biblical principles ( pp. 38–41). Possibilities for Christian Recreation. Seventh-day Adventists have endeavored whenever possible to take a positive attitude toward recreation. Thus local church organizations and the youth departments of the local conferences encourage such types of outdoor sports as hiking, camping, cave exploration, and boating. Local AY Societies may offer opportunities for wholesome fellowship in both service and recreation. Pathfinder Clubs, nature clubs, and hobby clubs sponsor various indoor and outdoor recreations. School entertainments of various sorts—some of them conducted by the students—crafts, collecting, AY class projects, hobbies at home, as well as parties of the wholesome sort offer further opportunities for pleasurable Christian recreation for the youth of the church.