Research Contemp-4

4.1 Discussion Response Post

INSTRUCTIONS: Respond to the two discussion posts below.

Kathryn

Discuss the Ten Commandments as a whole, noting how they are all interwoven with one another. 

The Ten Commandments give guidance on having a correct view of God and a correct relationship with others. In Matthew 22, Jesus summarized the law: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22, ESV, 2016). The commandments that relate to interpersonal relationships are all connected to placing God in His proper place. It requires that people do not put other gods above Him (Commandment 1), do not place things above Him (Commandment 2), disrespect God’s name (Commandment 2), or refuse to rest (Commandment 4). When God is in His proper place, his authority is respected, and his goodness is trusted. Then people can lovingly interact with other people. The outward expression towards other people indicates inward thoughts about God. 

Share how breaking one of the commandments may lead to breaking all of them. 

A way that breaking one commandment breaks them all is that it creates separation from God. God redeems, forgives, and continues to forgive, but moments of disobedience cause a barrier in the relationship. The further someone gets from God by sinning, the easier sinning become. In C.S. Lewis’s book The Screwtape Letters, an expert demon wrote this to a demon in training, “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts” (2012). So often one sin leads to another down a vicious spiral.  

References 

English Standard Version. (2016). BibleGateway.com.   https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/#booklist  

Lewis, C. S. (2012).  The Screwtape letters. Collins. (Original work published 1942) 

4.1 The Whole of the Commandments

Alea The ten commandments are interconnected and act as guidelines for how we should live our life. They demonstrate how God wants us to live a good life. It shows that not committing theft or harming others protects people in the world and it shows love and respect for each other. It shows how honoring your father and your mother demonstrates respect and kindness towards others and promotes peace and harmony in the world.

By not following one commitment it may lead to not following another. I believe it shows that disregarding one commandment can lead to disregarding others. For example, stealing something can lead to disrespecting others and it can escalate and lead to not following other commitments. I believe the commandments act as a supporting guidance for each other and each commandment is important, not following the commandments can potentially lead to not following others and it can weaken the way you should live your life.