When Can a Catholic BREAK the Law? w/ Fr. Gregory Pine, OP 

You can never “break” a law. But an unjust law is no law at all, so you can ignore that law.

Thank you, Fr.

Hope you are doing well king. Keep up the great work!

We don't often talk about the issue of proper promulgation, but I think the sheer number of laws that dictate what we may or may not do in our lives raises an issue for proper promulgation. The fact that it would be functionally impossible for me to aware of all of the laws that relate to things that I do on a daily basis I think implies that they are not properly promulgated even if it would be possible for me to look up any given restriction

Something I consider is that Our Lord’s docility before His enemies had to do with knowing that His suffering was part of a plan for our salvation, whereas mine would not be. I think we should fight like hell against unjust laws and tyranny of any sort. As Catholics. Because we’re Catholics.

Excellent

Great Britain has taken all pandemic restrictions have been lifted for the most part

When the law is unjust, and most laws are unjust. But it's still probably a bad idea. State agents will kill you for breaking the most insignificant laws. You just need to decide for yourself when it's worth the risk of breaking an unjust law.

What about laws that are insignificant in some cases? Like the law who forbids children under 18 (in my country) of drink alcohol, ok, it's fair to prevent many problems. But, in some cases, can this law be broken without scruples? Like when in a dinner the parents want to permit children of drink a little wine.

It's easy give to Caesar, but what is not from Caesar is of God, so also obbligation for mandates, that is intrinsecally evil.

Father Gregory Pine, if someone (such as myself) lives in a country where taxpayers are forced to pay for abortion because of universal healthcare, is it a sin to pay one's taxes given that one is cooperating with evil? What should one do to if in that situation? Thank you.

Pines with Aquinas :)

I think it is worth pointing out that in the case of the injustices committed against Jesus and in the case of St Joan of Arc's unlawful death (which she called out the bishop for but did not resist), He suffered humbly and St Joan followed His example. But these injustices were not being forced upon the masses and all of society. They were unjust and evil actions, but Our Lord and St Joan were more justified in accepting their suffering for themselves than they would be in suffering injustice that was happening to everyone. St John the Baptist spoke out against tax collectors and the soldiers' abuse of authority even though these were arguably less egregious offenses compared to wrongful death. I think it is noble to accept your own suffering but when it comes to the unjust suffering of others, we have more of a duty to stand up against it.

Hey friends, can you please suggest any worthwhile books/documents that treat this subject? Thank you 😀

In short, sitting in order to uphold the law is a no-go, but simply engaging in something that is imprudent, unnecessary, or which lays down heavy burdens is something we must be prepared to do. Jesus did that himself. As for example when he paid the temple tax despite the blatant corruption.

Live in NYS, been attending Mass for half a year or so, and then the mask mandate started in the middle of Advent. Now I've been told I'm not allowed to attend RCIA or Mass anymore since I declined to wear a mask. My family still prays the rosary together daily, and I'm still committed to being catholic and being confirmed as soon as the mask mandate ends, but it has been an ordeal and certainly affected the Faith that my family (especially my wife and brother) has in the Church and Clergy.

What if the "new law" breaks previous laws? What if the law would lead to the mark of the beast? We know that it will lead to eternal damnation without, in itself making us immediately sin.

lex iniusta non est lex

Just curious. Are these just your thoughts or is there some authority behind what you have said. Speaking of authority, the Word of God (God) has some great scriptures on this subject. You never cite scripture. Is there a reason?

Everyone should oppose such lawless laws regardless of their vax status. This is just unacceptable in a free country.

A Catholic cannot break civil law since you have to comply to the laws of the Church and the State. At least in my country the Philippines that is. Bill of Rights: The separation of the Church and State shall be inviolable.

So I should get the vax when obligated instead of going on hunger strike in prison for not paying the fine? "Lamb to the slaughter"... I hadn't thought of the Lord in the vax passport context. I'll submit when the law passes, father. Thank you.