tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post8438610863139844757..comments2024-03-28T13:08:26.494-04:00Comments on Religion & American Law: Fine for Buggy Safety?Brantley Gasawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02894338478934982958noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-56896854645746910712011-09-21T10:00:39.881-04:002011-09-21T10:00:39.881-04:00Christopher, two comments:
1. In this class, at s...Christopher, two comments:<br /><br />1. In this class, at stake is a <b>constitutional</b> issue and not a <b>theological</b> one. As the Supreme Court ruled in <i>Watson v. Jones</i>, "The law knows no heresy, and is committed to the support of no dogma, the establishment of no sect." So focus not on whether you agree with our subjects' theology but on the constitutional issue at stake.<br /><br />2. <i>IF</i>, however, their theology was our focus, do you really want to make this argument? Do you level the same judgment and use the same interpretations of Romans 13 against the American colonists who treasonously rebelled against England? Do you expect all Christians to submit to all governments in all contexts? Be careful about proof-texting, for there are plenty of other biblical passages that suggest the legitimacy of disobedience to some governments under some circumstances.Brantley Gasawayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02894338478934982958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-59968013160308851722011-09-21T01:29:45.892-04:002011-09-21T01:29:45.892-04:00While I understand the argument being made by the ...While I understand the argument being made by the Amish, I have to disagree with their logic. Romans 13:1-2 says “let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained by God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Simply put, governments have authority because God has given them authority, and disobedience towards man’s laws is by extension disobedience to God. Thus, the Amish in question have, according to this passage, sinned against God by not following the laws of a government that receives its legitimacy from God. <br />I would also argue that the Amish have actually sinned against God by not paying their traffic fines. Romans 13:7 says “render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” By not paying their fines (tribute) to a government that has been established as having received its authority from God, they have actually committed a sin. <br />In short, I feel that the Amish in question did the wrong thing for the right reasons. In an attempt to stay true to certain religious edicts, they ended-up violating other ones.Christopher J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04936751773005561475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-18016310413525454902011-09-20T23:24:11.340-04:002011-09-20T23:24:11.340-04:00Harry’s comment that the law does not establish a ...Harry’s comment that the law does not establish a preference toward “plain people” is supported by Cochran v. Board of Education (1930) which stated that “individual interests are aided only as the common interest is safeguarded.” This precedent asserts that religious accommodations for individuals may be constitutionally defended when common interests are protected. Thus, by “safeguard[ing]” driving conditions for all people who use public the road through secularly intended law, the state of Kentucky is justified in arresting these nine Amish men.Kathryn M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15143712660663893424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-606201113344523885.post-59143414974173113062011-09-18T12:30:48.424-04:002011-09-18T12:30:48.424-04:00In this case I agree with Harry. The state of Kent...In this case I agree with Harry. The state of Kentucky is not trying to restrict the practices of the Amish or infringe on their beliefs because they disagree with them, rather it is because these buggies are a threat to the safety of other motorists. This is a case that calls into question whether or not the state can keep a group from practicing their beliefs, but when it comes to the safety of its citizens the state must step in. Also, the state was completely respectful of the Amish beliefs when they gave the inmates dark colored jumpsuits to wear because they knew their religion would make them opposed to the typically orange outfits. This shows that the state is not trying to force the Amish to go against their beliefs. In its entirety the state of Kentucky was right to arrest the Amish for failing to comply with the completely secular government laws that are intact for the safety of its citizens.Allison Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00751308319211025853noreply@blogger.com