What are your thoughts on Missouri requiring Mennonites to be photographed for a driver's license?

Question

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/us/25mennonites.html

Answer 1

Well, the bible does say that we must subject ourselves to the laws of the land in which we live.

See Romans 13:1 (quoted below)
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God

Missouri currently requires a photograph on a license, therefore, it seems to me that folks just have to have their picture on their license if they expect to have a license. They are free to try to have the law changed, however, by contacting their representatives in government. Missouri allows that.

Answer 2

I'm from St.Louis but live near Rolla, and I deal with these folks on a regular basis, but I think it's wrong to force these hard working, dependable, people into going against their own beliefs for the sake of national security. It's wrong and just plain silly to think they're a threat to the security of the nation. If they move to Arkansas, like many have and many are planning, it would be a detriment to those of us that depend on their labor and value their friendship. They're economically beneficial to the areas they call home, and It would really be a shame to lose their much needed support in some of the struggling small towns in middle Missouri.

Answer 3

The Mennonites should know this scripture and obey it.
(ROMANS 13:1-2) “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. 2 Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves.”

the ' superior authorities' are/is the government of Missouri, in their case. If that government requires a photo on a drivers licence, then it is very difficult to see why they would not comply.
the requirement does not go against any of God's laws..
but if that same authority requires someone to join the army with the possibility of going to war and killing someone, then that would be in violation of " you shall NOT kill".

Answer 4

Concerning the above answer:

What do the events in Waco, and the Branch Davidians have to do with driver's licenses in MO?

If they want a license, they can have their picture taken, or move somewhere else. Seems some already have moved, and some are getting their pics taken.

But, I am still confused about the "Wacco, TX" comment. Seriously, still trying to draw a correlation between the two.

Answer 5

We all have to comply with security rules. If the Afghan government can make women take their burkahs off their faces for passport pictures, Mennonites can allow a picture for their drivers license. Digital photos aren't really graven images anyway.

Answer 6

where on the horses butt do they hang the liscense plate. Although I have to admit it conjurs up humurous images of a Mennonite being pulled over for speeding or slowing. Or agressive driving and being frisked by a cop. Imagine. Good officer get thee hands off of there.

Answer 7

I think that after 911 every one should have to have an I.D. card with picture.Children on up.All school children with a school I.D. for protection.
Every one else for my protection.
Sorry if that sounds mean,but it is the same with women covering their face and body.You could be a man with a bomb under that garb.When in America,do as the American.<><

Answer 8

Most of them are quite reasonable, and agree to be photographed for security reasons, and to have a photo on file, but not on their licences. I don't know why this pragmatic solution, which has been done in the past, isn't kept. I doubt that any of them are a threat to anyone.

Answer 9

Hmmm...according to Mennonite beliefs, all those idiots who scream "graven images!" at Catholics are themselves guilty of violating that commandment for having photographs of Grandma, etc. LOL!

Answer 10

Good for them for sticking with their religious beliefs. I don't agree with all of them, but that's their business. One big item on that - it doesn't hurt me, and they're not trying to hurt/change/kill/convert me, so I'll let them be.

Good for them - they want to stay respectful of their government's rules, so they will comply with both their beliefs and the rules - and move.

On the other hand, too freaking bad. If you want a license to drive on my roads, you will get your picture on the little piece of plastic that says you're allowed to drive. It's a privilege, not a right. If you don't like the rule, don't get a license.