Fidei Defensor Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Discuss. What does this say about the respect owed to governmental authority? Did God ordain that Barack Obama should be President of the United States? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tufsoles Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I think of it this way. Would you speed? It seems simple. I know that many of us do not agree with President Obama's beliefs on various Catholic issues. We as good citizens should follow the laws of the land and the law of God. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 I think of it this way. Would you speed? It seems simple. I know that many of us do not agree with President Obama's beliefs on various Catholic issues. We as good citizens should follow the laws of the land and the law of God. I see nothing wrong with speeding, as long as one is not reckless or driving in such a way that puts themselves or those around them in danger. Speed limits are rather arbitrary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tufsoles Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Nihil that is my exact point. They are arbitrary but we still have free will to speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Nihil that is my exact point. They are arbitrary but we still have free will to speed. But are you saying we should follow speed limits anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tufsoles Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 As good citizens, we should but do we always do it. no. That is why they are arbitary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 As good citizens, we should but do we always do it. no. That is why they are arbitary. I disagree that we have a moral obligation to follow the speed limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 My pastor told me that we are morally obligated to do it. Speed limits are set by a legitimate authority. Even though they are more or less useless, it still behooves us to follow them. And yes, I did just use the word "behooves." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Discuss. What does this say about the respect owed to governmental authority? Did God ordain that Barack Obama should be President of the United States? Anyway, going back to the OP, we are required to follow legitimate authority. But not when it contradicts God's law. Speed limits are not divinely ordained. However, in other cases, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). So, when a legitimate authority makes a law that does not conflict with divine law, we must obey. However, when it does, we must not obey. Back to the speed limit thing: If there's a good reason (say, your appendix is exploding), that changes the game. However, under normal circumstances, it is an obligation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tufsoles Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 Well, Played Byzantine. You could express it better than I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 (edited) Well, Played Byzantine. You could express it better than I can. Quick, we need to get this thread off topic. Edited March 20, 2013 by Byzantine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byzantine Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 http://youtu.be/VWDc9oyBj5Q Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tufsoles Posted March 20, 2013 Share Posted March 20, 2013 :sos: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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