is this a sin?

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Montie_Claunch

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Alright, this is me thinking hear so. Would breaking (civil) laws be sins? The ones that are arn’t sins that are in the bible or Sacred Tradition. For example, drugs and what have you. Not that I do those things but, it just occured to me that would breaking a law that didn’t go against God be a sin. I know that Romans 13 says to be subject to the higher authority and I guess there is still enough german/austrain (?) to take that to the extreme and I don’t want to go around condemning people for going two miles over the speed limit if its not a sin.
Any idea?
Thanks and God bless.
 
Montie Claunch:
Alright, this is me thinking hear so. Would breaking (civil) laws be sins? The ones that are arn’t sins that are in the bible or Sacred Tradition. For example, drugs and what have you. Not that I do those things but, it just occured to me that would breaking a law that didn’t go against God be a sin. I know that Romans 13 says to be subject to the higher authority and I guess there is still enough german/austrain (?) to take that to the extreme and I don’t want to go around condemning people for going two miles over the speed limit if its not a sin.
Any idea?
Thanks and God bless.
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Yes. God has placed people in authority situations to make laws for the greater good. You shall render unto Ceasar what Ceasar is due. As to whether or not 2 miles over the limit is a sin…are you not starting down a slippery slope? Hypothetically…we were just flirting…is that a sin (adultery)?..we didn’t do anything …yet. But that’s where it always goes. Humans push the limits. Remember…it’s not the letter of the law, it’s the spirit that counts. Sins are of 2 kinds, mortal and venial, each with their own requirements. Maybe going 2 miles over the speed limit is a venial sin if you really didn’t mean to…but if you think “Well…I’ll show da man and go 5 miles over”…then you’re getting into problems. The main point is: Are you breaking the law because you are just ignorant (venial-if at all)…or do you know better, acknowledge that, and do it anyway (mortal)? I think even small things can be mortal sins if we have the mind to make them so. BTW…you have no place to condemn anyone…love the sinner and leave the rest to God.
 
In Catholic Moral Teaching a “Just Law” has three criteria: 1. serves the common good 2. Equality of proportion (each person must carry the burden of the law as much as they are able - i.e. graduated tax system) 3. all authority comes from God’s authority, therefore no law can contradict God’s law and be just.

The Church then goes on to say that a Just Law binds us in conscience and we are committing a sin if we break it.

We are also bound in conscience to try and change and even, when necessary, to disobey UNjust laws (i.e. abortion, euthenasia, etc.).
 
Anthony's Mom:
  1. Equality of proportion (each person must carry the burden of the law as much as they are able - i.e. graduated tax system).
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Equality of proportion means each carries an equal share. What you use as an example (graduated tax system) is inherently and purposefully unequal.

It is also a central tenent of Communism. See the link below.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Manifesto
 
Michael's Sword:
Equality of proportion means each carries an equal share. What you use as an example (graduated tax system) is inherently and purposefully unequal.

It is also a central tenent of Communism. See the link below.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Manifesto
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Actually, what you stated is exactly what equality of proportion does NOT mean. You are confused, as are many other people and have turned equality of proportion on its head. It means that each carries the burden of the law as far as they are able. Therefore, a paralyzed man cannot be expected to participate in a war where a draft is being called. It does NOT mean that “each carries an equal share,” regardless of their situation in life.
The graduated tax system is an accurate example of the Catholic Moral teaching on Just Law. Communism is completely opposed to this aspect of a just law.
 
Might I politely pose a question?

This morning I went for a run. Towards the end, I had to cross a street in order to get back to my home. Rather than go up the street to the crosswalk, I just ran across the street. Technically, this is jaywalking, but what if no cars were coming in either direction? How does this compute?
 
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LBP:
Might I politely pose a question?

This morning I went for a run. Towards the end, I had to cross a street in order to get back to my home. Rather than go up the street to the crosswalk, I just ran across the street. Technically, this is jaywalking, but what if no cars were coming in either direction? How does this compute?
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You are doomed … doomed I say to burn… What? Oh!

Never mind …

(no. it is not sinful under most circumstances … like you were not tempting a 3 year old to follow you, right?)
 
i remember an “ask an apologist” question like this. they stated that breaking of some laws is not a sin in itself. however we should follow the laws. also as far as getting drunk or doing drugs - that is wrong becuase we are allowing ourself to not be our true selves which can lead to sin. we are to avoid the near occasion of sin. doing drugs distorts our behavior and could let the evil one have more influence on us to sin because we are not 100% “on top of our game” as you might say. plus drugs are bad for you body which you want to take care of because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and a gift from God.
 
Anthony's Mom:
Actually, what you stated is exactly what equality of proportion does NOT mean. You are confused, as are many other people and have turned equality of proportion on its head. It means that each carries the burden of the law as far as they are able. Therefore, a paralyzed man cannot be expected to participate in a war where a draft is being called. It does NOT mean that “each carries an equal share,” regardless of their situation in life.
The graduated tax system is an accurate example of the Catholic Moral teaching on Just Law. Communism is completely opposed to this aspect of a just law.
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Iffy,

Equality of Proportion would precule, for example, a straight tax, say everybody being required to pay $12,000, regardless of income.

The concept of a flat tax, a common percentage charged equally to all, say 15% is equally just under EoP. (otherwise sales taxes would be unjust, for example)

EoP by no means requires a graduated tax, but it does not preclude it either.

In both cases, flat and graduated, unjustice is possible. In the case of a flat tax, to charge a rate that the poor cannot reasonable afford, and in a graduated tax, to place too much of the burden on the higher earners.
 
By the way taking or selling illegal drugs is a mortal sin ((Fifth Commandment).
 
Anthony's Mom:
Actually, what you stated is exactly what equality of proportion does NOT mean. You are confused, as are many other people and have turned equality of proportion on its head. It means that each carries the burden of the law as far as they are able. Therefore, a paralyzed man cannot be expected to participate in a war where a draft is being called. It does NOT mean that “each carries an equal share,” regardless of their situation in life.
The graduated tax system is an accurate example of the Catholic Moral teaching on Just Law. Communism is completely opposed to this aspect of a just law.
Click to expand...
So you mean each should give according to his ability and each should receive according to his need, right?
 
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Brendan:
Iffy,

In both cases, flat and graduated, unjustice is possible. In the case of a flat tax, to charge a rate that the poor cannot reasonable afford, and in a graduated tax, to place too much of the burden on the higher earners.
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A flat tax would never get too high. High taxes are only possible when they can be imposed on others without the “imposer” having to pay them.

Voters in the US can be comfortable voting for politicians that are intent on raising taxes since the majority know the taxes will not affect them. The top 50% of earners pay 96% of all income tax.
The top 10% pay 60+%.

Does that seem equitable to anyone?
 
As far as drugs go, I have heard that drinking and being drunk is not a sin. But getting into a car after drinking a couple and feeling buzzed is, you see?

If you endanger others, hurt charity, or take the focus away from God, you are sinning.

God bless,
Aaron
 
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