Is texting or using a hand held cell phone a sin to confess?

[MariaRegina]

Okay, fess up. How many are using texting or hand held phones while driving?

If so, do you confess this as a sin that could harm or lead to the death of another person?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/technology/02texting.html?_r=1&nl=technology&emc=techupdateema1

November 2, 2009
Driven to Distraction
When Texting Kills, Britain Offers Path to Prison

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
OXFORD, England — Inside the imposing British Crown Court here, Phillipa Curtis, 22, and her parents cried as she was remanded for 21 months to a high-security women’s prison, for killing someone much like herself. The victim was Victoria McBryde, an up-and-coming university-trained fashion designer.

. . .

The crash might once have been written off as a tragic accident. Ms. Curtis’s alcohol level was zero. But her phone, which had flown onto the road and was handed to the police by a witness, told a story that — under new British sentencing guidelines — would send its owner to jail.

In the hour before the crash, she had exchanged nearly two dozen messages with at least five friends, most concerning her encounter with a celebrity singer she had served at the restaurant where she worked. . . .

[Please see link above for the complete story.]

 

[Dorothea]

I don't text. It is a pain, and takes too long to find the letters on my numbers on my phone. I don't have the newer phones with the little mini keyboards. I already have the start of carpal tunnel. I don't need tendinitis to go along with it.

No, I don't think it is a sin. I don't think it's too smart to text while driving since your eyes have to look at what you're texting and all. Unless one can do texting without having to look away or not for more than a second, then I guess you could. I just don't. I do dial phone numbers and talk sometimes while driving. I do wish I had a speaker phone on my phone like my hubs has or a bluetooth. I don't do well driving and trying to do something else (like eating or something).

 

[Kristos]

I don't have a cell phone, so...

Is outrage!

 

[HandmaidenOfGod]

I think this is something that is best left for discussion between the penitent and his/her Spiritual Father.

 

[JacksLadder]

This might qualify for a confession.

Sexting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Greg the byzantine]

Well I don't have a car so this is a moot point. NY has already passed legislation on this, so it's a ticketable offense therefore I will try to not do it. As if I had anybody to text on a regular basis anyway

 

[katherine2001]

I wouldn't say that I consider it a sin, but I don't believe people should be on a cell phone (even if they have a hands free system) or texting while driving. I never answer my cell phone while I am driving, because that takes my attention away from my driving and noticing what other drivers are doing and the traffic lights and signs. I definitely don't believe people should be texting while driving. I can see where health care professionals (especially doctors) or er workers (fire personnel, EMT, and police personnel) may need to be on cells while driving, but I don't believe anyone needs to be texting while they are driving. The city where I live is thinking of making it against the law to use your cell while driving.

 

[michaeldimmickjr]

I have a cell phone that I rarely use. I never text on it. I don't see how it could be considered a "sin" though. "Stupid" or "careless" would be more fitting. Especially to do it while driving.

 

[ArmyMatt]

it's stupid, but not a sin.

 

[Philothei]

MR have you consider about your poll in the case of emergency? I mean why do we have always to be so legalistic about it? We are EO we do not consider one sin worse than the other... so... End result... It is between us and our Father Confessor. Most of sensible people use the cell phone for emergencies... Putting the state Law in the same level as God....it just does not sit good with me



Is leaving your high headbeam lights on to "blind" the other drivers who go by a sin? Some senior citizens do just that cause they cannot see....at night... Is it justifiable?...


The same with the cell phone for some of us we use it while driving for "emergency" *I had to know where I am going late at night* I was going slow anyways... so was I commiting a sin? How can we be cut and dry here? Sensible thing to do was to stop and make a phone call....but if you feel tailgated and followed would you do it? NO .... so I would say to do the lesser evil between the two.

The cell phones are not the only hazard during driving what about:

Driving with a lap top next to you, driving with headphones on... (now that i see a lot ) or with the gps.... paying more attention to that and the directions than driving... Unfortunatety elecronics have dominated our lives and they are used more and more while driving.

I personally can multitask so I am in advantage I do not use my cell phone but I do answer it and tell the person to call later.... I wonder later on it will be against the law to look for money for paying tolls in a while in general any distraction during driving should be outlawed.... But if it is I wonder if it is worth it as accidents are bound to happen and if we do not realize from within (our consience). Do we really need to be told by the law or our spiritual fathers what is dangerous to do while driving?

 

[bsd31]

A sin? No.

Entirely stupid and irresponsible? Yes

 

[Dorothea]

My priest was just talking about texting in his homily this past Sunday...actually, the Sunday before this one. He was talking about texting and all this instead of speaking to people face-to-face. We've become so impersonalized and less social in that aspect. He said that doesn't mean texting is bad or a sin...only if it takes over your life. Then there's a problem, of course. But we should work on talking with people face-to-face more often.

I would agree, but most of my friends are out of state. But, whenever I can, I try to visit with my friends in person.

 

[MariaRegina]

MR have you consider about your poll in the case of emergency? I mean why do we have always to be so legalistic about it? We are EO we do not consider one sin worse than the other... so... End result... It is between us and our Father Confessor. Most of sensible people use the cell phone for emergencies... Putting the state Law in the same level as God....it just does not sit good with me



Is leaving your high headbeam lights on to "blind" the other drivers who go by a sin? Some senior citizens do just that cause they cannot see....at night... Is it justifiable?...


The same with the cell phone for some of us we use it while driving for "emergency" *I had to know where I am going late at night* I was going slow anyways... so was I commiting a sin? How can we be cut and dry here? Sensible thing to do was to stop and make a phone call....but if you feel tailgated and followed would you do it? NO .... so I would say to do the lesser evil between the two.

The cell phones are not the only hazard during driving what about:

Driving with a lap top next to you, driving with headphones on... (now that i see a lot ) or with the gps.... paying more attention to that and the directions than driving... Unfortunatety elecronics have dominated our lives and they are used more and more while driving.

I personally can multitask so I am in advantage I do not use my cell phone but I do answer it and tell the person to call later.... I wonder later on it will be against the law to look for money for paying tolls in a while in general any distraction during driving should be outlawed.... But if it is I wonder if it is worth it as accidents are bound to happen and if we do not realize from within (our consience). Do we really need to be told by the law or our spiritual fathers what is dangerous to do while driving?

Philothei,

I did talk with my priest. He said that the word sin comes from the Greek hamartia, which means "to miss the mark."

Of course, each person has formed his or her own conscience, and some people have more sensitive consciences than others. When we stand before Christ, our Lord God and Just Judge, all the excuses we may want to use will be pointless as Christ knows our intentions and can read our hearts and souls.

So, when we are driving, we should be focusing on the road and on doing the will of God, which is to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."

Furthermore, my Priest said that when we are being ruled by cell phones, internet, and other gadgets, these electronic gadgets prevent us from being in the presence of God. If we are addicted to chattering and texting, then we are shutting off God in our lives and are not living in His Presence. Conversations can wait until we are pulled off safely to the side of the road or are parked safely.

So, yes, using a hand held cell phone or texting when we are driving and knowing that such use could cause us to drive recklessly is missing the mark.

My Priest also told me that if we have any accident with our vehicles which takes the life of another person, then we will most likely have a time of penance prescribed where we will be asked to refraining from receiving Holy Communion because receiving Holy Communion after committing deliberate or indeliberate manslaughter is not "unto our salvation" according to the canons of the Holy Orthodox Church.

Are we (my priest and I) being legalistic? I do not think so. I am being obedient to my priest, my God, and to the State.

We are simply being cautious by obeying the state law because that law is trying to prevent loss of lives. To deliberately disobey a good moral law that has the intention of saving innocent lives, is not only a crime but also a sin because it misses the mark.

 

[seashale76]

I wouldn't call it a sin either, just extremely dangerous. I've lost count of how many times my car has almost been side swiped by some fool on a cell phone. There should be laws.

Personally, I don't text. I've only ever sent two text messages in my life. It took too long. I don't have the right kind of phone to make it convenient anyway. By the time I figure out how to abbreviate everything, I could have typed it all out a gazillion times over. Texting has contributed to the decline of adolescent spelling skills and that's a travesty.

I keep my cell phone in my car for emergencies. Otherwise, I take great pleasure in being unreachable and annoying people by being unreachable if I'm not at home to take the call on my land line (which my husband is all for getting rid of, but I'm being obstinate). If I'm at home, I screen my calls and might not pick up anyway. Phones are lovely conveniences to have around, but I'm under no obligation to waste all of my time on them.

All in all, I dislike phones more than I like them. The majority of my phone conversations are work related, and therefore unpleasant. The rest of the time, I'm dealing with family and friends who know I don't like talking on the phone, but I do it for them because it is more convenient. I'd just rather not if presented with the option.

 

[Melania Rose]

It is negligence, so is negligence a sin? I never used my cellphone but once while driving, and decided it was far too destracting to my driving, besides, I made the guy angry behind me because I inadverdantly slowed down. So I decided (well before laws were in place) to just pull over to make a phone call, and not bother with the thing while driving. Anyone in front of me texting or talking on cellphone is outrage... for me.

 

[Dorothea]

Well, for me, anything I am doing in addition to driving in my car is dangerous, as I have trouble doing more than the task of driving. Even if I'm trying to drink from a bottle of water. My hubs uses his speaker phone for his cell. He has to have it on 24/7 because of his job. But in the car, on base, you can't talk on a cell phone unless you have the hands free type. I would like to have that type...maybe someday I'll upgrade to that. I think I'd be a safer driver in that instance...just a disclaimer. I'm not a huge chatter on the cell phone. I am on it occasionally. As a matter of fact, my sis called my cell while I was driving to the base today. Lost signal somewhere in the hilly portion of CO Spgs. lol Oh well. So, didn't bother to call her back then because was getting on base anyhow, and can't talk on cell phone on the base anyway.

 

[Philothei]

Philothei,

I did talk with my priest. He said that the word sin comes from the Greek hamartia, which means "to miss the mark."

Then neglecting not to look both ways when you cross is an amartia...BTW i know what it means cause i am Greek
Anything that endanger our safety or the safety of others is sinful you missed my point here..but that is okay .... i did not say that we are not in the wrong... I said the circumstances under when this 'amartia' took place is not cut and dry.... I will try one more time....You are tailgated and followed by another car....You HAVE to call the police and thus use your phone "common sense" you have to.... Now you might THINK you are followed ...*it happened to me* ...so I used it. If we are to take this to the limit I commited a sin...Legalistically I have. But according to MY Spiritual Father I DID NOT.... as I feel threatened ...Do you understand the difference of what I am talking about now??? Hope you do....

Of course, each person has formed his or her own conscience, and some people have more sensitive consciences than others. When we stand before Christ, our Lord God and Just Judge, all the excuses we may want to use will be pointless as Christ knows our intentions and can read our hearts and souls.

sure agree here.

So, when we are driving, we should be focusing on the road and on doing the will of God, which is to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."

If we have another emergency we need also to attend to that.... Like it was said to you priests, doctors etc. HAVE to use sometimes their phones for emergencies....Those are exceptions to the "rule'....

Furthermore, my Priest said that when we are being ruled by cell phones, internet, and other gadgets, these electronic gadgets prevent us from being in the presence of God. If we are addicted to chattering and texting, then we are shutting off God in our lives and are not living in His Presence. Conversations can wait until we are pulled off safely to the side of the road or are parked safely.

No disagreement here too....And that is your priest other people use the "gadgets" for their safety.... A call can safe a life, GPS can save us from detours that when we are in a pintch for time can even save a life....Of course recreational chatting on the cell phone is unecessary this is not the point though. I am the person who does not even take a phone when goes shoping.... I hate cell phones never mind texting....

So, yes, using a hand held cell phone or texting when we are driving and knowing that such use could cause us to drive recklessly is missing the mark.

see above ....

My Priest also told me that if we have any accident with our vehicles which takes the life of another person, then we will most likely have a time of penance prescribed where we will be asked to refraining from receiving Holy Communion because receiving Holy Communion after committing deliberate or indeliberate manslaughter is not "unto our salvation" according to the canons of the Holy Orthodox Church.

of course negligence is an unvoluntary sin... no disagreement here either...

Are we (my priest and I) being legalistic? I do not think so. I am being obedient to my priest, my God, and to the State.

When we apply that rule for ALL cases and we exclude emergencies yes we are been legalistic follwo the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law. And if that is between you and your SF that is great Anyhow spiritual advice is not one size fits all... since we are all at a certain spiritual maturity and our SF is aware of our spiritual state. My SF would not advice me any different either.... BTW.

We are simply being cautious by obeying the state law because that law is trying to prevent loss of lives. To deliberately disobey a good moral law that has the intention of saving innocent lives, is not only a crime but also a sin because it misses the mark.

It is not a state law for every state. Second like I said it all depends to what degree we use the phone.... Crime is when we actually commit it.. If we are negligent about our duty to our fellow human we are in the wrong defenately but still falls under unvoluntary sins.

As even having a heavey conversation with your company can lead someone to an accident.... is that a crime? Of course it is but it is due to negligence .... again...Any activity we do in the car can endangers us to have an accident from looking for change for tolls to drinking water
So I would say that we should not OBEY it as ONLY state law but we should know our limits and act appropriately. if we get distracted easily we should avoid then any activity as it is 'missing the mark'

 

[MariaRegina]

It is negligence, so is negligence a sin? I never used my cellphone but once while driving, and decided it was far too destracting to my driving, besides, I made the guy angry behind me because I inadverdantly slowed down. So I decided (well before laws were in place) to just pull over to make a phone call, and not bother with the thing while driving. Anyone in front of me texting or talking on cellphone is outrage... for me.

In the prayers before Holy Communion, we acknowledge all our sins: deliberate and indeliberate, known and unknown. Negligence is missing the mark, according to my priest.

Since becoming Orthodox, Confession sets me free from rationalizing and scrupulosity because I confess all that I can remember. It is a very liberating experience.

 

[Philothei]

And also what about using the phone at a red light? is that also a sin? In States that the usage is allowed I think that would not be considered a sin.... We do not endanger anyone's life and if we have a need to do so that time should be the most appropriate one That is what I call legalism btw. Allowing the letter of the law dictate the spirit of the law.....

 

[MariaRegina]

Here in California, at a red light, police do consider cell phone usage without a blue tooth-like device to be an infraction and there is a hefty penalty attached to that violation. Do you want to fork out more than several hundred dollars? I do not have that kind of luxury. Oh, most cities here are broke, so they are looking for violators to help pay their salary. Seriously.

The only time you can use a cell phone to text or to make a call, you had better be legally parked with the brakes on.

If my hubs is driving and I am with him as a passenger, I call on the cell phone for him or receive the call for him. No problem. We work as a team.