In this work, Dan Lioy first investigates the biblical concept of the law. He then conducts a thoroughgoing analysis of the Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount. He gives particular attention to the connection between these two great bodies of biblical literature. The result is a comprehensive study that argues for the enduring relevance of the moral law. This volume is appropriate for personal study and is also suitable as a college and seminary text.

David L. Baker offers a rare and valuable study of the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, within their biblical and ancient Near Eastern setting. In addition to an informative discussion of introductory and background issues, he gives each commandment focussed attention, offering commentary as well as consideration of its meaning for today. What is the Decalogue? (Shape, form, origin, purpose) Loving God (1 - 5: loving God, worship, reverence, rest, family) Loving neighbour (6 - 10: life, marriage, property, truth, coveting) The Decalogue Today Bibliography

An exploration of how the Ten Commandments have been understood throughout history.

This collection of papers arrives from the eighth annual symposium between the Chaim Rosenberg School of Jewish Studies of Tel Aviv University and the Faculty of Protestant Theology of the University of Ruhr, Bochum held in Bochum, June 2007. The general theme of the Decalogue was examined in its various uses by both Jewish and Christian traditions throughout the centuries to the present. Three papers deal with the origin of the Decalogue: Yair Hoffman on the rare mentioning of the Decalogue in the Hebrew Bible outside the Torah; E. L. Greenstein considers that already A. ibn Ezra doubted that God himself spoke in the Ten Commandments and states that more likely their rhetoric indicates it was Moses who proclaimed the Decalogue; A. Bar-Tour speaks about the cognitive aspects of the Decalogue revelation story and its frame. The second part considers the later use of the Decalogue: G. Nebe describes its use with Paul; P. Wick discusses the symbolic radicalization of two commandments in James and the Sermon on the Mount; A. Oppenheimer explains the removal of the Decalogue from the daily Shem'a prayer as a measure against the minim's claim of a higher religious importance of the Decalogue compared to the Torah; W. Geerlings examines Augustine's quotations of the Decalogue; H. Reventlow depicts its central place in Luther's catechisms; Y. Yacobson discusses its role with Hasidism. The symposium closes with papers on systematic themes: C. Frey follows a possible way to legal universalism; G. Thomas describes the Decalogue as an "Ethics of Risk"; F. H. Beyer/M. Waltemathe seek an educational perspective.

Because the Ten Commandments seem harsh and unyielding to modern ears, few today realize that they embody the most perfect expression of human freedom. Only by abiding by the Commandments can you have a fully human life and achieve union with God. But you need more than a tenth-grade understanding of them to unleash their remarkable spiritual power in your daily life...which is why Fr. Brian Mullady has written this remarkable book that reveals the many often-overlooked, soul-nourishing elements and implications of each of the Commandments. Here you'll come to understand how the Commandments are not just ten individual rules; they are an entire plan of life that draws you ever more into God and brings you enduring peace with others—and with yourself. With the help of the wise Fr. Mullady, you'll soon come to see how the Commandments not only distill the teachings of Christ in the Beatitudes but are themselves fulfilled when you live in accordance with those Beatitudes. You're sure to close the pages of this book with renewed gratitude for the incredible divine gift of the Commandments and with a greater resolve to believe in them, to meditate on them, and to strive ever to live in accordance with them. From Fr. Mullady you'll learn: How obedience and love are necessary companions How the moral truths revealed by God complement the truths of nature How the First Commandment speaks of a kind of “marital love” God shares with us How “tempting God” involves doubt about God's nature The two conditions that mark any legitimate Sabbath rest Four ways you can place your anger under the control of reason The two kinds of “natural” rights you have as a human — and its relation to the right to own property The five main categories of sinful speech How the “negative” commandments complement the “positive” commandments

This invaluable resource offers planning processes and practical tools for fashioning and implementing a lifelong curriculum. Includes a CD-ROM with PowerPoint presentations for each chapter as well as worksheets and handouts.