JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

October 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning whether it is proper to eat in a restaurant on the Sabbath.

The Church has long taught that it is not wrong to eat out on the weekly Sabbath occasionally or on the annual Holy Days, depending upon one's circumstances and preferences.

Those waiters, waitresses, chefs, and the like, who may serve in a restaurant, are not our "servants" in the way described in the Fourth Commandment. They are the employees of the owner of the restaurant. They would be working regardless of whether or not we ate there. God does not hold us responsible for their working on the Sabbath just because we use their services -- unless we were the only ones who ever ate in that restaurant on the Sabbath. Obviously, we make up a very small portion of the customers served in restaurants on the Sabbath or Holy Days.

Further, eating out occasionally on the Sabbath can enhance spiritual fellowship with brethren and allow family members more time to be with one another.

Some may still feel that eating out is not included in those things a Christian may do on the Sabbath and Holy Days. No person should violate his own conscience in this matter, nor should he judge someone else on this subject. It is a matter of personal conviction. However, whatsoever is not of faith is sin. See Romans 14:22-23. Therefore, be fully persuaded in your own mind according to your own faith in Christ Jesus.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. We appreciate the opportunity to help you in this way.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT