Monday, April 07, 2008

Ten Commandments Weekend

Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and Joe Lieberman (J-oementum) have introduced a bill in the Senate that would designate the first weekend in May 2008 as Ten Commandments Weekend. Nice idea, if we could agree on what the commandments are and, within that, how they should be observed.

There are two versions, in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, of the statements that we commonly regard as commandments. They aren't numbered. The specifics differ, depending on the translation and the sectarian history. Furthermore, even if we try to observe the fourth (or third) commandment, remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, we can't agree on the day of the week that we should remember.

So, maybe we should think again about designating creating a holiday based on such uncertainty. Besides, when asked which commandment was the most important, Jesus replied:

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”

A great answer to a great question: accept the Lord our God is One, love Him, and worship Him to the best of your ability.

Jesus was not finished. He had more to teach. Obviously Jesus was teaching the man everything he needed to get into the Kingdom of God. Jesus added:

“…The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

The Great Teacher further clarified:

“There is no commandment greater than these.”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Aside from the biblical and socio-historical troubles with this bill, does anyone have a problem with the whole "FREEDOM OF RELIGION" thing? I mean, it seems pretty clear that this would be an infringement on that.

Then again, I was watching "Mr. Smith goes to Washington" recently and I was shocked that the senate sessions were started with prayer in those days.

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