A little deviation from the other heavier news articles.
A few rambling thoughts from myself on this.
Personally, as an atheist, the whole Sabbath thing the petition talks about isn’t something I find remotely relevant. And I think religious persons trying to force their beliefs onto others is undemocratic and illiberal.
At the same time, I doubt Tesco would truly stick to its claim that “no staff member would be forced to work on the Sabbath.” Profit comes first after all. (Note, they already have staff in on a Sunday to restock, though I imagine it’s quite a pleasant day for them without customers there.)
To be honest, I’m not sure it’s worth petitioning against. If it were to open on a Sunday, like those on the mainland, no one is forced to go and use it. Perhaps they could have a four-hour window, say 10-2 or 11-3. That might be best.
evenstevens280 on
I thought Scotland didn’t have Sunday trading laws.
pissflapgrease on
Why is this even an issue? just open the shops up. weekends are the only time the vast majority of people have to get shit done.
flyconcorde007 on
They’re working on a Sunday anyway, they’re replenishing stock. Some people on that island clearly have a very low IQ.
FrostFalcon on
It was the same thing when the Sunday flights started, then the sailings, then one petrol station, etc. Guess what, they all have demand and get business.
An ever shrinking vocal minority on Lewis are desperate to pretend non-Christians don’t exist and that they live in some 60’s style golden-era. And yet they seem shocked that young people increasingly leave the island when it refuses to adapt to changes in people working habits and lifestyles.
arncl on
If the Christians don’t want to shop on a Sunday, then nobody is forcing them. But why should their belief in a sky fairy give them the power to dictate how other people get to live? If the demand is there, then let Tesco open. If the demand doesn’t exist, then Tesco will change the hours back.
AntiquusCustos on
Business: we’re planning to be open for more days so that our customers have greater choice and flexibility
Residents: And I took that personally
WilliamWeaverfish on
What’s wrong with dedicating a day to being more relaxed, and taking life at a slower pace? It’s a long-standing tradition in Germany that is widely supported and appreciated by nonreligious people
It’s funny. So many people on here complain about how busy life in a modern capitalistic society is, and want us to work fewer hours. But then when a community says “let’s agree to all have a day off once a week”, most people suddenly howl with rage
ChangingMyLife849 on
Personally not really bothered by Sunday trading but who really cares?
MeanCustardCreme on
I realise most people replying here will probably be atheist, and find the idea of the Sabbath ridiculous, but I’m going to say I agree with the locals on this. Religion aside, the island has a long history of a Sunday being a day of rest, and I don’t blame them for being against it. Even culturally, given that the rest of the country has long lost many of its traditions, I don’t see a problem with cultural preservation. My understanding is that 90% or even higher than that, are Christians observing Sunday. Personally, if I moved to Lewis I’d be respecting it regardless of my personal beliefs. On top of that, if I was a local who observed the Sabbath, and I were to change my mind on it, I don’t think Tesco of all places would be who I wanted opening up.
10 Comments
A little deviation from the other heavier news articles.
A few rambling thoughts from myself on this.
Personally, as an atheist, the whole Sabbath thing the petition talks about isn’t something I find remotely relevant. And I think religious persons trying to force their beliefs onto others is undemocratic and illiberal.
At the same time, I doubt Tesco would truly stick to its claim that “no staff member would be forced to work on the Sabbath.” Profit comes first after all. (Note, they already have staff in on a Sunday to restock, though I imagine it’s quite a pleasant day for them without customers there.)
To be honest, I’m not sure it’s worth petitioning against. If it were to open on a Sunday, like those on the mainland, no one is forced to go and use it. Perhaps they could have a four-hour window, say 10-2 or 11-3. That might be best.
I thought Scotland didn’t have Sunday trading laws.
Why is this even an issue? just open the shops up. weekends are the only time the vast majority of people have to get shit done.
They’re working on a Sunday anyway, they’re replenishing stock. Some people on that island clearly have a very low IQ.
It was the same thing when the Sunday flights started, then the sailings, then one petrol station, etc. Guess what, they all have demand and get business.
An ever shrinking vocal minority on Lewis are desperate to pretend non-Christians don’t exist and that they live in some 60’s style golden-era. And yet they seem shocked that young people increasingly leave the island when it refuses to adapt to changes in people working habits and lifestyles.
If the Christians don’t want to shop on a Sunday, then nobody is forcing them. But why should their belief in a sky fairy give them the power to dictate how other people get to live? If the demand is there, then let Tesco open. If the demand doesn’t exist, then Tesco will change the hours back.
Business: we’re planning to be open for more days so that our customers have greater choice and flexibility
Residents: And I took that personally
What’s wrong with dedicating a day to being more relaxed, and taking life at a slower pace? It’s a long-standing tradition in Germany that is widely supported and appreciated by nonreligious people
It’s funny. So many people on here complain about how busy life in a modern capitalistic society is, and want us to work fewer hours. But then when a community says “let’s agree to all have a day off once a week”, most people suddenly howl with rage
Personally not really bothered by Sunday trading but who really cares?
I realise most people replying here will probably be atheist, and find the idea of the Sabbath ridiculous, but I’m going to say I agree with the locals on this. Religion aside, the island has a long history of a Sunday being a day of rest, and I don’t blame them for being against it. Even culturally, given that the rest of the country has long lost many of its traditions, I don’t see a problem with cultural preservation. My understanding is that 90% or even higher than that, are Christians observing Sunday. Personally, if I moved to Lewis I’d be respecting it regardless of my personal beliefs. On top of that, if I was a local who observed the Sabbath, and I were to change my mind on it, I don’t think Tesco of all places would be who I wanted opening up.