Vatican’s ‘driving commandments’
The Vatican has issued a set of “10 commandments” for motorists to promote safer driving. The “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” call on drivers to respect speed limits, refrain from drinking before driving and avoid cursing.
Roman Catholics are also urged to make the sign of the cross before setting off on a journey.
This is said to be the first time the Vatican has specifically dealt with the growing worldwide problem of road rage.
‘Occasion of sin’
The 36-page document was put together by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant People.
“Thou shalt not drive and drink”, “thou shalt not make rude gestures behind the steering wheel” and “help accident victims” are among the 10 recommendations for motorists. Read more here
I used to have a van with a “How would Jesus drive?” bumper sticker on it. I liked it because it reminded ME that claiming to be a Christian and then flipping someone off did not quite go hand in hand. Some of my thoughts about how Jesus WOULD drive include:
1) He would “render unto Caesar”, i.e., obey the traffic laws, including the speed limit (I wonder how many Christians worldwide are habitual criminals on this one thing alone? I know I transgress).
2) He would think of others and let them go first.
3) He would forgive those who trespassed against Him by cutting Him off or otherwise being rude.
But of course, the ultimate point is:
4) He would walk, because that’s what He did anyway.
Very good points Jim. You’ve reminded me of a guy my husband worked with before he went into ministry. Jonathan has a fish sign on the back of his car, and he was chatting with someone outside of work one day by his car. The guy saw the fish sign and asked what garage it was from, Jonathan explained it meant he was a Christian. The man replied to him “Oh, I thought that people with those signs on brought their car from a particular garage, and I vowed never to shop there, because everyone with one of those signs on their car seems to be a really bad driver!”
they are a good reminder, thanks lyn…
Actually, to correct the story. I had a fish badge on my lapel. The guy asked what motor garage it represnted saying they sold every kind of car, and all of the drivers were bad!
Oooo, sorry, I got it wrong – same principal!