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[Malak]

The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago.
Wallner has ten youth-level caps for Switzerland and was tipped to break into their senior side.

He landed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side Blau-Weiss Linz in September, penning a two-year deal.
But he has now ended his contract by mutual consent after putting faith ahead of football.

Wallner insisted:

"I am a devout Christian and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.

"I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.

"As a footballer this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.

"This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days.

Wallner had made just five appearances for Linz, who sit midway in Austria's 12-team top-flight.
He came through FC Zurich and played 49 senior games for the Swiss Super League club.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Athletes with Faith-based Convictions?

Wallner’s decision is emblematic of a growing trend where athletes are increasingly transparent about their beliefs and the role these beliefs play in their lives. The sports community is beginning to recognize the importance of mental and spiritual well-being alongside physical performance. As athletes like Wallner choose to follow their convictions, they pave the way for future generations to prioritize their faith and personal values, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional sports.

In conclusion, Silvan Wallner’s departure from football to focus on his faith is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal beliefs and professional pursuits. His story encourages athletes and fans alike to reflect on what truly matters in their lives, fostering a culture that respects individual choices and celebrates the authenticity of each journey. As Wallner embarks on this new chapter, he not only redefines success in his own terms but also inspires others to consider the importance of aligning their lives with their deepest convictions.

The Shabat

Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is a memorial of creation established by God in favor of humanity:

Gen 2:1-3: "And the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made."

And it was kept by the faithful throughout the Bible, including Jesus and the apostle Paul who had this habit as a lifestyle:

Luk 4:16: "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read."

Act 17:2-3: "and Paul, as his custom was, went in unto them, and for three sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures, opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ."

In addition to being a sign that will identify God's faithful in the end time:

Rev 12:17: "And the dragon waxed wroth with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, that keep the commandments of God, and hold the testimony of Jesus:"

'I've quit football at 22 to become a churchgoer, I can't play on Saturdays'

TOP-FLIGHT champion Silvan Wallner has quit football aged just 22 in favour of going to church every Saturday. The defender won the Swiss league title with hometown club FC Zurich two years ago. Wa…

www.thesun.co.uk

Silvan Wallner Leaves Football at 22 to Embrace Faith and Focus on Spiritual Journey

Discover the story behind Silvan Wallner’s decision to prioritize faith over football. This article explores the intersection of personal beliefs and professional aspirations, shedding light on the challenges faced by athletes in balancing their careers and their convictions. Learn about...

g3.football

 

[FunkMiller]

Fucking your career for a non-existent sky fairy.

 

[poppabk]

"As athletes like Wallner choose to follow their convictions, they pave the way for future generations to prioritize their faith and personal values, potentially reshaping the landscape of professional sports."
What?
Brave of this guy to follow his convictions but it's not going to do any more to professional sports than some guy who throws his career away on women and booze, probably less.

 

[Hrk69]

Brave choice

 

[Tams]

 

[Trogdor1123]

Good on him for standing by his convictions. We need more people to stand up for what they believe in.

It could also be pointed out that you can actually designate a different day as your day of rest. It doesn’t always have to be exactly the same day. The point of it is to put aside work to focus on your relationship with god. My pastor has his on Thursday and sometimes Wednesday

 

[Soodanim]

What you think of this is almost certainly tied to your level of theism. It got a laugh reaction from me. Not just for the decision, but also the article's stream of nonsense about how it could spark a change in any way.

High level/professional football is a financially driven sport. Games are primarily on Saturdays because people are more likely to not be at work and therefore free to attend or watch TV. The change of the sport suddenly respecting this instead of the club dropping him the first chance they get is zero.

 

[winjer]

What a waste...

 

[Malak]

Brave of this guy to follow his convictions but it's not going to do any more to professional sports than some guy who throws his career away on women and booze, probably less.

The article's claim was a bit exaggerated, but so was your comment. If it makes just one person think about their faith and convictions and be more faithful to biblical principles, that will be a great achievement. And that's not difficult to happen.

The change of the sport suddenly respecting this instead of the club dropping him the first chance they get is zero.

It is very difficult to measure the impact of the consequences of one person's actions on others. Maybe it won't change anything about football itself, but God's objective through his gospel is to make people come to the knowledge of the truth and change their lives. And this can happen, if it is His will, through a simple act, testimony.

Fucking your career for a non-existent sky fairy.

What a waste...

It depends on your point of view, if his decision leads him to live better and with purpose, instead of dedicating his life and body to something that will not fulfill him as a person, and in addition to freeing him from possible vices and immoralities common in these environments, it is already a great victory.

 

[Kraz]

"
Wallner insisted:
"This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days."
"I am not yet a member of any church."
Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.
"

He mentioned reading the Bible, but it seems that it's Ellen White's books that sent him reeling.

 

[T8SC]

to stand up for what they believe in.

To have the strength to do what's right. That's Turtle Power.

 

[Malak]

He mentioned reading the Bible, but it seems that it's Ellen White's books that sent him reeling.

Any deep and serious student of the Bible knows that the day established for rest is Saturday. This is very clear from Genesis to Revelation. In fact, the word Sunday doesn't even exist in the Bible, just the first day of the week. The only day that received a name and was blessed and sanctified was Saturday. You don't need anyone's affirmation to reach this conclusion. Just read the Bible. If he came to this conclusion for her, or anyone else, I don't see a problem with that. Because this is the duty of every Christian, to guide people to Jesus and his Word. About Ellen White, I read some of her writings, she is a great writer and knows how to base her ideas very well on the Bible. Unfortunately, many are prejudiced and make false claims because they belong to a certain church. But this is already a problem for people, if someone calls themselves a Christian and at the same time is unfair, a liar and prejudiced, it is a character problem and if it is not resolved it will certainly lead the person to be led down a bad path.

 

[Kraz]

Any deep and serious student of the Bible knows that the day established for rest is Saturday. This is very clear from Genesis to Revelation. In fact, the word Sunday doesn't even exist in the Bible, just the first day of the week. The only day that received a name and was blessed and sanctified was Saturday. You don't need anyone's affirmation to reach this conclusion. Just read the Bible. If he came to this conclusion for her, or anyone else, I don't see a problem with that. Because this is the duty of every Christian, to guide people to Jesus and his Word. About Ellen White, I read some of her writings, she is a great writer and knows how to base her ideas very well on the Bible. Unfortunately, many are prejudiced and make false claims because they belong to a certain church. But this is already a problem for people, if someone calls themselves a Christian and at the same time is unfair, a liar and prejudiced, it is a character problem and if it is not resolved it will certainly lead the person to be led down a bad path.

No doubt there is dogma that is particular to the belief system and its fabrication. Calendars were essential to many cultures and arranged astronomically with astrological significance of human activity projected, incl. their holy days.

For calculating spiritual days I prefer the what the Bible would call Prophetic Years and sidereal decans calculated from the equinoctial point.

Arranged in geocentric apparent celestial motion Eris day, Saturn day, Sun day, Moon day, Urania Day, Mars Day, Mercury Day, Neptune Day, Jupiter Day, and Venus Day. Same order as the seven day week taken from the heptagram, but adds some recently discovered planets to better reflect reality and nature in, at this time, a hylozoic cosmological model(Just recently switched model from panpsychism).

 

[AJUMP23]

I think it is good that he has a conviction and follows through it.

In New Testament Christianity they meet on Sunday the lords day because that is the day Christ rose from the grave. But there is no obligation that it has to be that day. My father use to have to work on Sunday in the medical field. But as a Christian I understand the desire to be in fellowship regularly.

 

[Trogdor1123]

To have the strength to do what's right. That's Turtle Power.

Omg, that’s awesome! Loved that song as a kid.

 

[Pegasus Actual]

This guy is all levels of confused... Christianity is the religion where you take Sundays off to watch actual football

Oi you're still free to kick the ol' soccer ball on a Saturday govna

 

[PuppetMaster]

Wasn't this scenario basically the whole plot of that movie Chariots of Fire. I guess it was based on actual events too.

Anyway. Ya, what a dumb ass. But it's his decision to make.

 

[EverydayBeast]

It’s fine to go to church and play football, choosing one over the other is the issue here.

 

[DaciaJC]

I'm proud of this man, it takes genuine courage to stand up for your faith like he did when you're a public figure.

 

[Tams]

"
Wallner insisted:
"This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days."
"I am not yet a member of any church."
Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.
"

He mentioned reading the Bible, but it seems that it's Ellen White's books that sent him reeling.

So really, it sounds like he wants to world to revolve around him.

Bruh, most people are not going to change the day they watch and play footie, just so you can worship a god you believe in (but not even seriously by the looks of it).

What a narcissist.

 

[RagnarokIV]

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Saturday, the seventh day of the week, is a memorial of creation established by God in favor of humanity:

It's Sunday. Here, take it from the guy that achieved much more than 22-year old privileged Swiss boy:

Eric Liddell - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

EDIT: Ok, I see the guy is edgy AF:

Wallner is a believer in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who observe Saturday not Sunday as the day of rest.

 

[nkarafo]

Well, he is a big boy. He can ruin his life as he sees fit.

 

[GymWolf]

Fucking your career for a non-existent sky fairy.

Pretty much.

 

[DKehoe]

Can't say it's the choice I'd make but fair enough to him for having that strength in his convictions. Although I wonder if he will come to regret it in a few years.

 

[kurisu_1974]

Didn't even know we had these nutters that think Sunday is on Saturday here in Europe. The fact that he chooses this weird flavour of Protestantism and is so outspoken about it might point to mental health issues.

 

[daffyduck]

Well, he is a big boy. He can ruin his life as he sees fit.

Or not ruin it.

The one-time James Bond guy turned down a huge payday/grand lifestyle to be a dirt biker. But it was his choice to make.

 

[6502]

Cool. He isn't going to change the world but he can make contribution to Sunday league (if they have that there).

 

[Branded]

You love to see it. More and more people are speaking out and proclaiming their love for Christ.

I've been an atheist for the majority of my life but am glad I've found God as well.

 

[Highway Star]

He'll regret it in 10 years, when he's past his prime.

 

[yet_another_alt]

I can't see why quite a few posters are so hostile to the guy and his beliefs. His decision doesn't really affect you. Are you just mad that he's not spending his weekend running around a field for your entertainment?

 

[kurisu_1974]

I can't see why quite a few posters are so hostile to the guy and his beliefs. His decision doesn't really affect you. Are you just mad that he's not spending his weekend running around a field for your entertainment?

I wonder what the intent of the OP was other than promoting (his?) brand of religion.

 

[Malak]

It could also be pointed out that you can actually designate a different day as your day of rest. It doesn’t always have to be exactly the same day. The point of it is to put aside work to focus on your relationship with god. My pastor has his on Thursday and sometimes Wednesday

No doubt there is dogma that is particular to the belief system and its fabrication

In New Testament Christianity they meet on Sunday the lords day because that is the day Christ rose from the grave. But there is no obligation that it has to be that day. My father use to have to work on Sunday in the medical field. But as a Christian I understand the desire to be in fellowship regularly.

This guy is all levels of confused... Christianity is the religion where you take Sundays off to watch actual football

Wasn't this scenario basically the whole plot of that movie Chariots of Fire.

It's Sunday. Here, take it from the guy that achieved much more than 22-year old privileged Swiss boy:

Didn't even know we had these nutters that think Sunday is on Saturday here in Europe.

I don't know if you know, but Sunday, the day of the sun, as a recent day of worship, began in Rome, which worshipped the stars. Constantine, through a political/religious move, united pagans and certain Christians through this day. Even when he united church and state.

The Edict of Constantine talks about it and you can find it on Google:

"Let all the judges, and all the inhabitants of the city, and all the merchants and craftsmen rest on the venerable day of the Sun. Nevertheless, let the farmers attend with full freedom to the cultivation of the fields; since it often happens that no other day is so suitable for sowing grain or planting the vineyard; hence the favorable time granted by heaven should not be allowed to pass by" - Codex Justinianus lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; trans. in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, p. 380, note 1

And this became accepted by Rome throughout the Middle Ages as Christians who were faithful to the Bible were persecuted.

But Biblically there was never such authorization or change either from Jesus or his apostles.


Jesus said:

Mat 5:17-19: "Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

And the Apostle Paul said:

1Co 4:6: "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other."

In fact, from Genesis to Revelation there is not a single text that teaches the change from Saturday to Sunday, or that Sunday was blessed. There is indeed a text speaking of some meetings, but nothing about changing the day of worship established by God. Even in the text above it is clear that both Jesus and Paul kept the Sabbath. This change was a human action contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and in the Middle Ages there were many other things in this sense. In fact, the only day of the week that has a name is Saturday, which was given by God; all the others are called first, second... Anyone can see this in the Bible.

In fact, the Bible in Daniel warns about a power that would put itself in God's place and change His law, and it was fulfilled:

Dan 7:25: "And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time."

Jesus said that true worship consists in doing the will of His Father through His commandments and not following the teachings of men:

Mk 7:6-8: "And he said unto them, Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men. Ye leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men."

The Sabbath, besides being a memorial of creation, reminds us of where we came from, where we are and where we are going, reminds us that we are images and likenesses of God, no one is better or worse than anyone else. It also reminds us that God loves us and takes care of us by setting aside a day and blessing it where everyone, regardless of where they are, can worship Him.

 

[IDKFA]

Whatever works for him. If he wants to give up football for his faith then why not? It's his life.

 

[Kraz]

The Sabbath, besides being a memorial of creation, reminds us of where we came from, where we are and where we are going, reminds us that we are images and likenesses of God, no one is better or worse than anyone else. It also reminds us that God loves us and takes care of us by setting aside a day and blessing it where everyone, regardless of where they are, can worship Him.

Don't need to believe in Jesus or the Bible for any of that. The universe existed before the creation of the Jesus myth and will exist after Jesus is forgetten. They're just correspondences of projected ideas.
Anyone can make those correspondences on their own, definitely of a better model of reality, more spiritually true, philosophically coherent, with modern understanding of the natural world than that ancient book, while attributing a secular humanistic ethics.

I wonder what the intent of the OP was other than promoting (his?) brand of religion.

Christian proselytizers seem emboldened lately to push their model of reality. Largely harmless at this point to anyone but themselves, but the undercurrent is believe in Jesus or suffer. A Le Petomane Thruway(tollbooth) to the intelligent.

Regardless, Saturday got me to rewatch Road to Wellville on my way to Megalopolis via Battle Beyond the Sun(FFC asc prod) for viewing lenses.

 

[Putonahappyface]

 

[RJMacready73]

What an absolute bellend, someone should let him know it's all a lotta bollocks

 

[RJMacready73]

Whatever works for him. If he wants to give up football for his faith then why not? It's his life.

It's his decision of course but he's given it all up for a magical sky daddy, it don't get more stupid than that

 

[TheDreadBaron]

I don't know if you know, but Sunday, the day of the sun, as a recent day of worship, began in Rome, which worshipped the stars. Constantine, through a political/religious move, united pagans and certain Christians through this day. Even when he united church and state.

The Edict of Constantine talks about it and you can find it on Google:




And this became accepted by Rome throughout the Middle Ages as Christians who were faithful to the Bible were persecuted.

But Biblically there was never such authorization or change either from Jesus or his apostles.


Jesus said:




And the Apostle Paul said:



In fact, from Genesis to Revelation there is not a single text that teaches the change from Saturday to Sunday, or that Sunday was blessed. There is indeed a text speaking of some meetings, but nothing about changing the day of worship established by God. Even in the text above it is clear that both Jesus and Paul kept the Sabbath. This change was a human action contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and in the Middle Ages there were many other things in this sense. In fact, the only day of the week that has a name is Saturday, which was given by God; all the others are called first, second... Anyone can see this in the Bible.

In fact, the Bible in Daniel warns about a power that would put itself in God's place and change His law, and it was fulfilled:



Jesus said that true worship consists in doing the will of His Father through His commandments and not following the teachings of men:



The Sabbath, besides being a memorial of creation, reminds us of where we came from, where we are and where we are going, reminds us that we are images and likenesses of God, no one is better or worse than anyone else. It also reminds us that God loves us and takes care of us by setting aside a day and blessing it where everyone, regardless of where they are, can worship Him.

OK. So maybe traditionally Saturday was considered the day of rest, but I'm pretty sure the bible doesn't mention the word "Saturday" which is in reference to Saturn is it not? The day is arbitrarily chosen by some person, not dictated by god. It all depends on what you consider the first day if the week. I'm pretty sure god wouldn't go by the Gregorian calendar or care which day you rest.

 

[IDKFA]

It's his decision of course but he's given it all up for a magical sky daddy, it don't get more stupid than that

In your opinion it's a "magical sky daddy". Some people find deep meaning and purpose in their religion. It's his choice to make, even if we don't understand it.

 

[JimmyRustler]

What an absolute bellend, someone should let him know it's all a lotta bollocks

Like Carl Jung?



I find it sad how many people flat out dismiss faith these days, especially in the Western Societies. It’s gonna be very bad for us down the line.

 

[Tams]

I can't see why quite a few posters are so hostile to the guy and his beliefs. His decision doesn't really affect you. Are you just mad that he's not spending his weekend running around a field for your entertainment?

On the other hand it feels to some of us that some in this thread are proselytising. Pretty extemely as well.

 

[RJMacready73]

In your opinion it's a "magical sky daddy". Some people find deep meaning and purpose in their religion. It's his choice to make, even if we don't understand it.

By all the laws of physics and nature not to mention our understanding of the human mind and evolution, it is indeed a magical sky daddy, it's no more a work of fiction than Santa Claus and the single most cause of human suffering throughout human history

 

[IDKFA]

By all the laws of physics and nature not to mention our understanding of the human mind and evolution, it is indeed a magical sky daddy, it's no more a work of fiction than Santa Claus

Unfortunately science cannot disprove God, Allah, Zeus or any other diety people wish to worship. This is because all religion is based on faith.

and the single most cause of human suffering throughout human history

As a history scholar, I can say that is absolutely not true.

 

[LMJ]

It's his decision of course but he's given it all up for a magical sky daddy, it don't get more stupid than that

Fucking your career for a non-existent sky fairy.

Well, he is a big boy. He can ruin his life as he sees fit.

He has faith shun him, shun him

Good thing the "intellectuals" are here...

What an incredibly boring and sad world it would be if we didn't follow our convictions regardless of how baffling they might be to some

 

[FunkMiller]

He has faith shun him, shun him

Good thing the "intellectuals" are here...

What an incredibly boring and sad world it would be if we didn't follow our convictions regardless of how baffling they might be to some

Ok snowflake

 

[FunkMiller]

You love to see it. More and more people are speaking out and proclaiming their love for Christ.

I've been an athiest for the majority of my life but am glad I've found God as well.

Ah yes. People who have definitely been atheists for the majority of their life always spell atheist wrong

 

[Werewolf Jones]

Got more respect for religious people these days tbh. Football is a dogshit sport that's more consumerist than fucking Pokemon so...

 

[TheDreadBaron]

Ah yes. People who have definitely been atheists for the majority of their life always spell atheist wrong

I was a devout atheist my entire life but on my deathbed I realized how empty my life had truly been and it was then our Father revealed his love to my undeserving eyes. I immediately renounced Satan (the atheist god) and my cancer simply withered away.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

I don't know if you know, but Sunday, the day of the sun, as a recent day of worship, began in Rome, which worshipped the stars. Constantine, through a political/religious move, united pagans and certain Christians through this day. Even when he united church and state.

The Edict of Constantine talks about it and you can find it on Google:




And this became accepted by Rome throughout the Middle Ages as Christians who were faithful to the Bible were persecuted.

But Biblically there was never such authorization or change either from Jesus or his apostles.


Jesus said:




And the Apostle Paul said:



In fact, from Genesis to Revelation there is not a single text that teaches the change from Saturday to Sunday, or that Sunday was blessed. There is indeed a text speaking of some meetings, but nothing about changing the day of worship established by God. Even in the text above it is clear that both Jesus and Paul kept the Sabbath. This change was a human action contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and in the Middle Ages there were many other things in this sense. In fact, the only day of the week that has a name is Saturday, which was given by God; all the others are called first, second... Anyone can see this in the Bible.

In fact, the Bible in Daniel warns about a power that would put itself in God's place and change His law, and it was fulfilled:



Jesus said that true worship consists in doing the will of His Father through His commandments and not following the teachings of men:



The Sabbath, besides being a memorial of creation, reminds us of where we came from, where we are and where we are going, reminds us that we are images and likenesses of God, no one is better or worse than anyone else. It also reminds us that God loves us and takes care of us by setting aside a day and blessing it where everyone, regardless of where they are, can worship Him.

I still think the Saturday idea is stupid AF, but I truly appreciate the effort you put into explaining it to us heathens.