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Can an action be immoral and not be illegal?   Yes,  we can certainly find many examples of that.

Can an action be illegal and not be immoral?

Ive found a lot more of the first than the second.

Hi,

Are you talking about illegal in the U.S. legal system, or under some other nations code of justice?

cheers,

Jimmy

Circle talkers are the most fun.... ;D


Who sets the moriality standard you are asking of?

Now Reba, I certainly hope that was not some sort of back-handed jab at me... That would not be an overly kind thing to do, seeing as I have been nothing but friendly with you.

My question was simply designed to gain an understanding for the frame of reference here.  In fact, your question was quite similar to my own in that regard.

cheers,

Jimmy

Let's start with the Christian standard of morality and the Western countries legal system  (North American, European countries).

I suppose many traffic violations probably fall into the lllegal but not immoral category.

Some might also argue the Medicinal marijuana angle within that framework

cheers,

Jimmy

Hmmm..

Its illegal to shoot off fireworks in the city limits.

Its illegal not to wear a helmut riding a motorcycle.

Its not illegal to tell a lie.

Its not illegal to hate someone.

(not to open up a can of worms) but its not even illegal to kill the unborn.

I guess if you look at the first two in the framewok of not abiding by the law, that in itself could be immoral.

Currious to see where M is going with this.

Where is M going with this????

I was hoping someone might have some scriptural wisdom on this topic.  

Some bylaws are very strange such as  prohibition of lawn ornaments.   Kite flying is prohibited in public parks where I live.  This was because some people were flying "fighting kites" that have razors on the tails.  People were concerned about these kites falling are hurting people and animals in the park.  But they just banned all kites.  

Here's what scripture says about it.

Rom 13:1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom 13:3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rom 13:4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Rom 13:5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Rom 13:6  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.


Rulers are not a terror to those who do good, but those who do bad.   Sure they might hinder what we can and can't do, but I wouldn't call that terror.

Let me add for clarity, that laws forbiding serving and worshipping God, or forcing people to worship another god  would be an exception here....as was the story with Daniel.

"Rulers are not a terror to those who do good, but those who do bad. ???  Sure they might hinder what we can and can't do, but I wouldn't call that terror." ???  I have to disagree with you here 2T.  Regardless of the good one does, if one is hindered by a ruler from continuing to do good, then that IS a form of terrorizing, subtle as it may be.  Here, that ruler is putting fear into that one, hindering him.  Maybe I've misunderstood your post.  If so, forgive me.


 

Quite right cris....thats what I get for trying to elaborate on what Paul has already made plain  :-[  :)....let me quote Him again in NSAB  

Rom 13:3  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
Rom 13:4  for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

There thats better...lol   I knew what I was trying to say, but it didn't come out right.  Oh well.

I am also thinking about the story of Esther.  

So I guess sometimes we have to obey laws that seem trivial just to show that we respect authority.  

It is difficult not to speed when everyone else is driving over the limit.  I often try to think of the consquences for speeding:  getting a ticket, causing an accident,  higher insurance premium.  Could poor witness also be thrown in their too.  How far should someone go in trying to obey all the laws?