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The Ten Commandments. Mr. Richards Fall 2008. Introduction.
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The Ten Commandments Mr. Richards Fall 2008
Introduction • Most people know the Ten Commandments — or perhaps it is better to say that they think they know the Ten Commandments. The commandments are one of those cultural products that people imagine that they understand, but in reality, they frequently can't even name all of them, let alone explain them. People who already think they know all they need are unlikely to take the time to research the subject with any great care and precision.
1st Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me • There is only one God • Regards Pagan Gods • God of the sun, moon, trees, war, love
2nd Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images
3rd Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain • No blasphemy, stupid! • Prohibition was limited to the use of the name of God in any frivolous manner. • Prohibition against the use of the name of God in magical or occult practices. • Geez…Thank God!??!
4th Commandment • Remember the Sabbath, Keep It Holy • Only ritualistic commandment • Hebrews seem to be the only ones to have set aside an entire day every week as sacred, reserved for honoring and remembering their god
5th Commandment • Honor Thy Father and Mother • True in ancient societies where life could be precarious and it’s a good way to ensure the maintenance of important social bonds • Is the Fifth Commandment something that everyone should obey?
6th Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Kill • The most basic and easily accepted of all the commandments • Relies upon a superficial and uninformed understanding of what is going on • Self-defense • Contradictory to members of the military?
7th Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery • Any act of sexual intercourse outside of marriage • Any act of sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse
8th Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Steal • A prohibition against stealing from another individual or just against the government • A starving man steals bread for his family…
9th Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness • Prohibit lying in a court of law (perjury) • For the ancient Hebrews, anyone caught lying during their testimony could be forced to submit to whatever punishment would have been imposed upon the accused — including death
10th Commandment • Thou Shalt Not Covet • The most difficult to justify imposing upon others, and in some ways the least reflective of modern morality—materialism • “If I see myself as what I actually am, as the house of the Holy Spirit, as the temple of God” What then belongs to me?
Enforcement… • Who enforces the 10 commandments? • ______________ • ______________ • ______________ • ______________ • ______________ • ______________ • ______________