The Difference Between "Man's law" and "God's law"

There is no such thing as the perfect legal system. No matter how much we try to perfect it, there will always be flaws with it. Some laws that serve to protect us in certain cases may serve no purpose, and can even be harmful to us, in others. Other laws may just be plain stupid in most circumstances.

Granted, most of our legal system is based on our existing morals that are there for a reason (like how it's wrong to murder innocent people), but then there are those laws that only seem to have a negative impact in a lot of cases, or are just plain stupid. These laws are what I'd like to call "Man's laws".

Laws in different situations

Surely you have had a moment when the law has stood in your way for no apparent reason other than to piss you off. For instance, it is illegal to run a red light, even if you're out in the middle of nowhere and have a clear view of the road for miles  in all directions. Breaking this kind of law would have no negative impact on anyone, ever, and the only reason you follow it is because it's the law. Another example would be when the law stands in the way of doing what is morally right.

 As mentioned, a lot of laws only serve a purpose in certain situations, and to certain people. That's why, in a situation of doubt, we need to ask ourselves if the law really serves a real purpose in that situation, or if it's there simply for the point of it being the law. If following the law serves no good to anyone in your situation, and breaking it would do no harm, then what is the point of you following it?

"Man's laws" Vs. "God's laws"

In addition to this, you also need to realize that all laws are not equal. Just blindly following every single law will leave you crippled in some situations in life, and you need to accept that in your lifetime, you will probably have to break several laws. We all do, whether we mean to or not - there are just so many minor laws that everyone breaks without even realizing it.

But what's important to keep in mind is that there are higher laws, and lower laws (or "God's laws" and "Man's laws", as someone colorfully addressed it). For instance, we all feel that some crimes are just horrible to commit, like murder, or personal theft. Those laws would be part of the "higher laws". Mostly, those crimes tend to be harmful to other people.

Then we have the lower laws, which are mainly there to keep people, and society, under control. Such laws include taxation laws and behavioral laws (like how it's forbidden to smoke in most public places these days). A lot of these will limit our freedom, and prevent us from doing what we want in life.

So when it comes to doing our best in following the law, we must realize that not all of  "Man's laws" make sense at all times. Unlike the higher laws, these can't, and shouldn't, be followed blindly in every situation.

Is it ever okay to break the law?

Blindly following the rules and laws of society like a well-trained dog seems like a given to a lot of people, but there are times when stepping over the boundaries of the law might be okay, and perhaps even necessary. Although a lot of this must be determined by your own morals, there are some key questions to be considered when in doubt about the law:

• Would breaking the law be more beneficial than following it?
• Would breaking the law do any harm to yourself or anyone else?
• Would you follow the law because of a real reason, or simply because you don't want to be punished for breaking it?
• Is the law in question stupid?

Sure, a puppet of society would argue that the law is the law and must always be obeyed - But as a free thinker, you have to ask yourself Why would you blindly follow the law in question? Is it because your own moral tells you to, or is it simply because you don't want to risk being penalized for breaking it?