Civic Laws

[Augustine3]

I was listening to Franciscan priest give a talk and he mentioned something that caught my attention. He said we do not necessary commit a sin if we break certain civic laws in certain circles such speeding in a car 60km/hr in a 40km/hr zone. Then I thought of St Paul “Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, purchase to themselves damnation.” – Romans 13:1-2

Is the priest right?

God bless,

 

[Aelred_Minor]

Ordinarily we must obey all civil laws, as long as the law is just, which speed limits are.

On the other hand we must interpret the law according to how it is intended and enforced. Speed limits exist for the sake of maintaining safe driving conditions. No cop is going to pull you over for driving one mile over the speed limit if the conditions are safe, not unless they are trying to raise money for the town through speeding tickets or something like that. But the speed limit law is what it is so they can fine you for each mile (or kilometer, outside the hearty old US of A) per hour over the limit you were going.

Because of this I would think it’s not immoral to speed a little if done in a safe manner (good weather, not a school zone, not taking turns too fast, not bumper-riding, etc.), and as long as you are willing to comply with the law if you do get pulled over.

 

[Saburo]

It is impossible to adhere to all traffic ordinances just as it is impossible to adhere to all provisions of US tax code. I’ll give you an example:

In most states, you must signal for at least the last 100 feet before turning or changing lanes, but there are many times when you must turn left, drift several lanes to your right (while your turn signal is still indicating left), and then enter the rightmost lane where you can finally indicate a right turn — all within less than 100 feet. Yet, you have violated the ordinance at least twice. You have probably also violated an ordinance that requires you to enter the lane closest the one from which you have turned, i.e. the left lane, but you barely grazed it as you tried to worm your way over into the right lane in heavy traffic.

Traffic laws are meant to optimize traffic flow and maximize safety. They aren’t meant to turn drivers into the condemned. The priest must be right, or there is little hope for anyone who drives, and less for any taxpayer. I assure you, every single driver violates traffic laws. In fact, there are many signalized traffic lights which force you to violate traffic laws, as any civil engineer is aware. Google “dilemma zone” for an explanation, and watch those short yellows.

 

[bmonk]

Another factor is extenuating circumstances. For example, if you have a seriously injured person in the car and are taking him to a hospital, you would be sinning if you drove at only 40 mph when you could safely go 60. And if a cop stopped you for driving 60, he’d see the injured person, would not write the ticked, but likely would escort you (likely at even higher speeds) to the hospital.

 

[jcrichton]

I was listening to Franciscan priest give a talk and he mentioned something that caught my attention. He said we do not necessary commit a sin if we break certain civic laws in certain circles such speeding in a car 60km/hr in a 40km/hr zone. Then I thought of St Paul “Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist, purchase to themselves damnation.” – Romans 13:1-2

Is the priest right?

God bless,

…it sures opens up to error… did Jesus not tell His Disciples that their justice had to be greater than that of the Sadducees and Pharisees? …and was it not St. Paul that pronounced that we are free to do anything but not everything edifies?

…Priests, Nuns, and other religious (as well as laity) can fall prey to hollowood’s spiritualism (“just do it” or “takes evil to do good” or “if you don’t get caught no crime has been committed” or “do you…”); sadly, he, as well as all others who teach/lead, will be held accountable for those whom they have not warned about the impendent dangers!

Maran atha!

Angel