In response to my previous post in this series, a number of people commented concerning how one might decide what sort of car to buy. Obviously there are a number of criteria that are morally neutral – colour, for example. But something like cost is not morally neutral – we have to think very carefully concerning how much we are justified in spending.
This is not an easy question. Even on a purely economic level, a vehicle of high quality will last longer, and so even if it is more expensive, might still represent the best value for money. One of my anonymous correspondents raises the issue of beauty vs. utility. As Christians, we should not disdain fine furniture or beautiful paintings. Cars are not merely means of getting from A to B – we should buy a car that looks good. So maybe colour isn't morally neutral after all...
In regards to buying a flashy or expensive car, however, we need to examine our motives. Why do we want such a car? We also need to think about our social context. When I become a pastor, for example, I will need to get a new car. I suspect that most Presbyterians would prefer not to have their minister driving an '83 model station wagon. But they might not like him driving a brand new BMW either.
Finally, we also have to take environmental impact into account. Craig thinks that high-efficiency diesel engines might be the way to go. Much has been written on the ethics of owning an SUV – Bill McKibben claims that driving one instead of a normal car for a year is the equivalent of leaving your fridge door open for six.
Oh, and there is even a What Would Jesus Drive? website.
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