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Ten CommandmentsThe first commandment, to have "no other gods but me", the second commandment, not to make carved images or any likeness of anything and not to worship that image if you do make it, and the third commandment, not to take the name of the Lord in vain, are not moral guides, but religious instructions.

The next commandment says to do no work on the Sabbath, nor to require or request others to do so or even allow an animal to do so, and is almost never honoured. Once again, this is not a moral guide, but a religious instruction.

The fifth commandment is to honour your father and your mother, a useful social rule, but arguably not a moral guide.

The last five commandments do indeed define some important moral ideals: do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness against your neighbour, do not covet that which belongs to your neighbour, including his wife or slave. Although only stated in general terms, they provide a foundation on which moral guides can be built.

The fact that the tenth commandment acknowledges the rights of a slave-owner is hardly a good moral guide, and was one of the biblical references used by Christians for many centuries to justify this inhumane practice.

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Beatitudes are all noble statements, worthy of a great religion, but are they all moral guides? "Blessed are the merciful" certainly is, as are "Blessed are the pure of heart" and "Blessed are the peacemakers". "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice", provides comfort for those who have not received justice, a noble sentiment, but lacking in imperatives. "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness sake" should not be interpreted as encouraging us to suffer persecution, although the pursuit of righteousness or justice is a worthwhile goal. Another ambiguous Beatitude is "Blessed are they who mourn", since it is unclear what moral imperative this provides.

SummaryFive of the Ten Commandments define some important moral ideals in general terms. The Beatitudes are noble statements and some do provide important guides in a succinct and beautifully written format that will stand the test of time.

While spiritually satisfying and noble, they clearly do not provide a comprehensive moral guide for modern times. There is no injunction, nor in a patriarchical society was there intended to be, against a woman coverting her neighbour's husband. Adultery was seen by the ancient Jews as a man having sex with a married woman other than his own wife, thus protecting the rights of her husband, but what about the rights of a woman whose husband is unfaithful. There is no stipulation of monogamy, and both the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes are silent on the issue of premarital sex.

The limitationsof The Bible in setting out moral guidelines has created an entire field of study for Christian morality, whereby theologians seek to put their stamp on what Christians should do when faced with moral dilemmas. Nevertheless, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes, along with the Golden Rule, are a start.

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How do the ten commandments help you in life?

The Ten Commandments provide moral guidelines for ethical living, promoting principles such as honesty, respect, and fairness. Following these commandments can help individuals make wise decisions, cultivate healthy relationships, and contribute to a harmonious society. Ultimately, the commandments serve as a blueprint for virtuous behavior and moral integrity.


Why have the ten cammandments influenced many people around the world?

The Ten Commandments are considered a moral code that provides guidelines for ethical behavior and relationships with others. They are seen as a foundational set of principles in many Western religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and have been integrated into legal and ethical systems globally. The commandments are valued for promoting concepts such as honesty, respect, and justice, which resonate with people across different cultures and beliefs.


How did the ten commandments help shape the basic moral laws of many eurpean nations?

The Ten Commandments, which are foundational principles in Judeo-Christian ethics, influenced the development of moral codes in many European nations by emphasizing values such as honesty, respect for life, and respect for authority. These principles were incorporated into legal systems and cultural norms, shaping the ethical standards of societies in Europe.


Can a person be saved by keeping the ten commandments?

No you can not be saved at all, with the help of the ten commandments only, You must admit in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, then only can you be saved. Otherwise you are lost for ever.


Why was it necessary for God to create the ten commandments?

In ancient times, laws were only as effective as the ruler who promulgated them, so the best laws were those based on religion. The Ten Commandments were the most important of many commandments in the Hebrew Bible and were written down as having been received from God, thus ensuring their absolute observance by the faithful. The Ten Commandments is a mix of codes to ensure proper religious observance, and rules for harmonious society.A:Whether the Ten Commandments are really of divine origin depends on whether the biblical Exodus from Egypt is historically true. On this, the strong consensus of biblical scholars is that there never was an Exodus from Egypt as described in the Bible, in which case the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God can not be historical. There is no evidence that the Ten Commandments ever existed outside the Bible. They belong to traditions put down in writing during the middle centuries of the first millennium BCE. The first four commandments focus on religious observance. In fact the first three commandments are essentially different ways of saying to worship no other god. The remaining six commandments focus on some rules for a harmonious society. We need not regard them as rules for strict moral conduct because, for example, the tenth commandment says not to do not covet that which belongs to your neighbour, including his wife and slaves. We no longer think of wives as mere chattels, and ownership of slaves is now considered morally repugnant.The Ten Commandments hold a more honoured place in Christian religion than in modern Judaism. For Jews, although important, they are ten of the many important biblical laws they must obey. For Christians, the Ten Commandments are at the heart of the Old Testament.

Related Questions

How do the ten commandments help you in life?

The Ten Commandments provide moral guidelines for ethical living, promoting principles such as honesty, respect, and fairness. Following these commandments can help individuals make wise decisions, cultivate healthy relationships, and contribute to a harmonious society. Ultimately, the commandments serve as a blueprint for virtuous behavior and moral integrity.


What beatitudes help with moral issues?

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


How do using beatitudes affect your daily lives?

Using beatitudes affect your daily lives because they help you through each and every day.


What is a commandment in the Bible and how does it guide the moral and ethical behavior of believers?

A commandment in the Bible is a rule or guideline given by God to guide the behavior of believers. These commandments are seen as moral and ethical standards that help believers live a righteous and virtuous life. By following these commandments, believers aim to please God and live in accordance with His will.


What did Jesus give to us to help us follow the Beatitudes?

Our Blessed Lord gives us grace to help us follow the beatitudes. We receive this grace through primarily through the sacraments and prayer.


How does religion help us?

Religion can provide moral values, Ex: The Ten Commandments


Commandments 4-10 help us to build up your relationship with who?

Commandments 4-10 help us to build up our relationship with other people around us.


Can mediums be friends with ghosts?

Yes, they have their guides which they are freinds with and then guides can help contact with other spirits


How did the ten commandments help shape the basic moral laws of many eurpean nation?

It is used by courts, in settling cases, like they use some laws from those of Moses. Like no murder, robbing, coveting leading to bigamy is now in the courts, in the west.


Why have the ten cammandments influenced many people around the world?

The Ten Commandments are considered a moral code that provides guidelines for ethical behavior and relationships with others. They are seen as a foundational set of principles in many Western religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and have been integrated into legal and ethical systems globally. The commandments are valued for promoting concepts such as honesty, respect, and justice, which resonate with people across different cultures and beliefs.


How do religions teach moral values?

Most religions teach morals through the use of stories and anecdotes. For example, the Bible is full of stories that try to teach us to act a certain way. Each story has moral to it. They also try to teach us moral values through strict rules, like the 10 commandments. If you don't follow the rules, you may be punished in the afterlife, so fear is also used to help enforce the morals they teach.


What companies produce Forex trading guides?

The companies that produce Forex trading guides are Oanda, FXCM, and Investopedia. Forex trading guides help an individual with beginner trading strategies.