Breaking the Law

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Is it a sin to break the law? For example, I'm 18 and in Germany I am allowed to drink whatever I want. But when I go back to the U.S. I'm not allowed to drink. Is it a sin if I do?

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004

Answers

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-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.

You're talking about alcohol , mmmm , in Germany , there are different rules than in the USA , like here in my country , it's allowed to drink beer from the age of 16 , but to be honest , I disagree !! Why ?? Alcohol & accidents & young & unresponssible !!

More info (if it's not OK , plz , feel free to delete the link , in that case , my apologies) !!

Germany: Underage alcohol buying and consumption:

http:// www.toytownmunich.com/lofi/index.php/t10112.html

Salut & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), December 22, 2004.


Yes, it is a sinful, because you are obliged, as a Catholic, to obey the civil government that is legitimately in place unless said obedience is contrary to the teachings of the Church and hence to the teachings of Christ.

When it becomes dicey is when you cooperate with unjust laws. Here you must follow the rules clearly deliniated in moral theology as how when it is permissible to cooperate with unjust laws.

There was a paper in the Homiletic and Pastoral Review magazine a few years back that gave very specific criteria to make such decisions. It remains a great source for those who want to authentically practice their faith. It was written by a Doctor May, I believe.

http://www.christendom-awake.org/pages/may/publications-schol.htm

It was after reading Dr. Mays work that I saw the error in the catholic church and cooperating with unjust civil laws, as the catholic church does, immorally, regarding annulments.

Karl

-- Karl (Parkerkajwen@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.


Breaking any just law is a sin..drinking under age, speeding, falsifying a tax return, all of these are sinful.

During WW II, when the Nazi government made it illegal to harbor Jewish citizens,it would not be a sin to keep Jewish neighbors hidden..the alternative would be to participate in a grossly immoral and heinous crime against persons.

-- Lesley (martchas@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.


Lesley it’s easy to see in cases like that where the law is obviously unjust. What about the more murky cases we see even in democratic countries, such as giving sanctuary to illegal immigrants, or avoiding the military draft? What is an unjust law?

Btw I don’t think it’s illegal for a minor to “drink” alcohol, only to buy it or drink it in a public place.

-- Steve (55555@aol.com), December 22, 2004.



I believe that giving alcohol to a minor outside of the context of a family-type gathering, especially if they get too much alcohol, can be prosecuted as contibuting to the delinquency of a minor, or child endangerment. It may be somewhat murky.

karl

-- Karl (Parkerkajwen@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.


No fault divorce laws are unjust laws and the Church cooperates in them all the time instead of making the judgement itself which it is obliged morally to do.

Karl

-- Karl (Parkerkajwen@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.


cameron, as an american citizen who spent time in germany as well, and having alot of connections with the military, i can tell you for fact that the american law holds no stipulation about your consumtion of alcohol on foreign soil. consuming drugs is another story, but if you'd like to have a glass of wine or a good german beer with dinner that is fine.

BTW, from personal experience, the paulaner pils is a very decent beer, although there are many others that trump it as well. also, dont forget to try some of the likors which are generally made in small distilleries there... but dont try the schnaps, its like rubbing alcohol.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), December 22, 2004.


IMHO there is nothing "murky" at all about hiding illegal immigrants or trying to avoid a legal draft.

There are plenty of immigrants who are legally trying their darndest to enter countries around the world..they play by the rules, wait their turn, fill out the proper forms, and respect the laws of whatever country it is which they wish to call their new "home". Why would anyone be so moved as to harbor someone who already flaunts the laws of their potential adopted country? I wouldn't.

Countries which have a legal draft should expect their own citizens to honor it. Citizens of a country who do not wish to be members of any military action can serve in other capacities. To simply avoid serving in any capacity at all is abdicating one's responsibility.

-- Lesley (martchas@hotmail.com), December 22, 2004.


I agree with you Laurent. I don't know how many times I've seen 13 and 14 year olds getting drunk in public places. But I was thinking about bringing a bottle of wine for my parents, and then maybe sharing a glass with them. Is that a sin?

P.S. Paul, I already tried schnaps, it cleared up my stuffy nose but I couldn't stop coughing!

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), December 23, 2004.



well cameron, the law you are under says it is not illegal, so you are not violating a just law of your country. to drink excessively is not morally right, but to simply have a few glasses of wine with your parents is not wrong in the slightest. God does not condemn the consumption of alcohol, mearly the violation of just laws regarding it, with which you are in full cooperation while you are in germany.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), December 23, 2004.

I agree with you Laurent. I don't know how many times I've seen 13 and 14 year olds getting drunk in public places.

In Belgium , unfortunely , I've seen this also , but not only drunk , also stoned !! __ I don't even understand why they want to be like that ?? __ Is it to be tough , is it because of the effect , it "solves" problems ?? __ Anyway , It's expensive wasted money for nothing !!

But I was thinking about bringing a bottle of wine for my parents, and then maybe sharing a glass with them. Is that a sin?

In such cases , for so far as I know , it's not wrong !! __ But is a sin or not ?? __ Sorry , I can't tell you that , 'cause I'm not catholic !!

Salut & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), December 23, 2004.


paul, I meant when I go back to the U.S.

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), December 28, 2004.

oh, when you come back? not sure if its illegal or not, i did it and declared the wine on my customs form before i turned 21, noting that it was a gift and they never mentioned it, so i wouldnt think that its illegal. even if it were, the worst they are going to do is to confiscate it, its not a crime in the sense that you could be punished.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), December 28, 2004.

Thanks. That puts my mind at ease.

-- Cameron (shaolin__phoenix@hotmail.com), December 28, 2004.


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