Posted on 06/19/2007 2:26:13 PM PDT by Cat loving Texan
Vatican Issues 10 Commandments for Driving
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican today issued a set of "Ten Commandments" for drivers, telling motorists not to kill, not to drink and drive, and to help fellow travelers in case of accidents.
An unusual document from the Vatican's office for migrants and itinerant people also warned that cars can be "an occasion of sin" — particularly when they are used for dangerous passing or for prostitution.
It warned about the effects of road rage, saying driving can bring out "primitive" behavior in motorists, including "impoliteness, rude gestures, cursing, blasphemy, loss of sense of responsibility or deliberate infringement of the highway code."
It urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, drive with a moral sense, and to pray when behind the wheel.
Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the office, told a news conference that the Vatican felt it necessary to address the pastoral needs of motorists because driving had become such a big part of contemporary life.
He noted that the Bible was full of people on the move, including Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus — and that his office is tasked with dealing with all "itinerant" people — including refugees, prostitutes, truck drivers and the homeless.
"We know that as a consequence of transgressions and negligence, 1.2 million people die each year on the roads," Martino said. "That's a sad reality, and at the same time, a great challenge for society and the church."
The document, "Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road," extols the benefits of driving — family outings, getting the sick to the hospital, allowing people to see other cultures.
But it laments a host of ills associated with automobiles: drivers use their cars to show off; driving "provides an easy opportunity to dominate others" by speeding; drivers can kill themselves and others if they don't get their cars regular tuneups, if they drink, use drugs or fall asleep at the wheel.
It also pointed the finger at traffic problems particular to Rome: "Danger also derives from city cars, which are driven by youngsters and adults who do not have (full) driving licenses, and the reckless use of motorbikes and motorcycles."
It called for drivers to obey speed limits and to exercise a host of Christian virtues: charity to fellow drivers, prudence on the roads, hope of arriving safely and justice in the event of crashes.
And it suggested prayer might come in handy — making the sign of the cross before starting off and saying the rosary along the way. The rosary was particularly well suited to recitation by all in the car since its "rhythm and gentle repetition does not distract the driver's attention."
The document is intended for bishops conferences around the world, and as such offered recommendations for their pastoral workers, including setting up chapels along motorways and having "periodic celebration of liturgies" at major road hubs, truck stops and restaurants.
The "Drivers' Ten Commandments," as listed by the document, are:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
Is this a joke?
I don't read this to include vans, do you?
LOL
I hate to say it, but I’ve been having serious doubt about my religion (Catholicism) over the past few years and this kind of stuff, if true, doesn’t help me to reconcile my differences with the church one bit...
This has been posted already a few times.
That's their solution to every crime -- from stealing to child molesters. Law enforcement doesn't really enter into things.
the 11th ...thou, shall not leave one right turn signal (esp. FLA. :)
the 12...thou shall not drive under 25mph (40kph) in the Fast (left) lane. :D
Numbers 9 & 10 would be good advice on how priests should treat alter boys.
They don't really explain it either. So long as you are emasculated in every conceivable way, they are satisfied with that.
They left off “Thou shalt not chase down the Popemobile”...
Don’t be offended, but I had to click your link to make sure this wasn’t a joke. Another reason why I don’t go to church anymore (cradle Catholic)...among others.
To be recited as you join the pontiff in bowing toward Mecca. Just don’t forget to kiss the Koran before you kiss the Traffic 10 Commandments.
You know, freepers, I expect more here.
I am not a practicing Catholic, but I was raised Catholic, ,and I’ve been reading this site for nigh 10 years now. I’ve seen many of you post in support of papal writings before.
Granted, it’s fairly ludicrous for this to even exist (parody?), but upon reflection I think it’s a fairly reasonable set of guidelines.
How many of you have failed to stop for a motorist in distress because you were too busy, out of fear, or laziness? I know I have.
I think a memo reiterating the actual 10 commandments should work just fine, personally, but to interpret them in a particular context is not outlandish.
I guess when you grow up with the Catholic church, you learn quickly to dismiss some of its more aggravating paternalistic features, and focus on the meat of what it means to understand the teachings of Jesus.
I can understand why many of you are making light of this (hey, it’s funny), but I strongly doubt any of us have been in one of the described scenarios and failed to act as Jesus (and indeed, all good human beings) would, and should.
Again, I don’t go to church.
X
# 11: “Thou shalt not be seen driving a Pontiac Aztek.”
“What do you mean ‘posted already?”
I never saw it before, and I’m the center of the universe!.
Didn’t you get the memo?”
I must admit: being behind the wheel of my car brings out the worst in me. You have no idea how many times I’ve called someone an “a****le” right in the middle of reciting a Hail Mary for the rosary. I am truly ashamed, of course. So, these 10 Commandments for Driving are right on the mark for me. And I am a practicing Catholic.
As a lifelong Catholic myself, I’d love to see a return of a more fundamentalist, conservative Catholocism. Whatever happened to “onward Christian soldiers”. Between all the worthless old nuns and their embarrassing “stop the war now” and “no blood for oil” protests and now this 10 commandments business, no wonder the rest of Christianity doesn’t quite “get us”. I’ve got an 11th commandment for driving;
Though shalt not deplete the worlds supply of corn by buying into the ethanol scam.
11. Hang up and drive you SOB
12. Stay outta my lane.
13. SUVs are people too
14. You toucha my car, I breaka you face.
15. If this cars a rockin, don’t come a knockin.
LOL...I liked yours better.
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