The Eighth Commandment

The Eighth Commandment

“You Shall Not Steal” Exodus 20.15 This is pretty basic. If a society condones stealing victims of theft will resent their loss and take matters into their own hands. At best the victim would try to recover their property. At worst they would try to recover their...
The Seventh Commandment

The Seventh Commandment

“You Shall Not Commit Adultery” Exodus 20.14 Most ancient societies were patriarchal; laws and customs were established by men for the benefit of men. Women had very few rights. Husbands could divorce a wife for as minor an offense as burning the soup; wives were...
The Sixth Commandment

The Sixth Commandment

“You Shall Not Murder.” Exodus 20.13 Earlier translations read, “Thou shalt not kill.” This was not an accurate translation because ancient Israel was involved in many wars. They had capital punishment. Clearly the intention here is against committing murder, killing...
In Congress, July 4, 1776.

In Congress, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the...
The Fifth Commandment

The Fifth Commandment

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land That the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20.12 In that time and place very few people could read or write. It was a traditional, oral culture in which knowledge and lore were memorized...
The Fourth Commandment

The Fourth Commandment

“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” Exodus 20.8 I lived in Massachusetts when the state legislature voted that stores and businesses could be open on Sunday. Legislators were very vocal in promising that under the new law no one would be fired for refusing to...