February 13, 2011
We all live within the parameters of laws and human limitations. For example: when we, as full fledged middle aged persons, attempt to act like teenagers in either dress or demeanor, there will be repercussions. It might be the minor embarrassment of being attired in an age inappropriate manner, or it could be a major injury because we decided to begin hang gliding at fifty without physical training or flight instruction.
Laws are those things set forth as important restrictions with the intent of ordering behavior in order to protect society. We have laws for virtually every facet of life. From the way we drive, to how we conduct business. In some cases the areas we live have laws which regulate what color our homes may be painted and how long the garage door may remain open. Laws are not a new concept. Any civilization with a recorded history has codes of behavior for its people. In most cases these are related to religious or cultural tradition and in many cases both.
Religion has influenced the laws of many lands. The Muslim, Jewish and Christian interpretation of the Holy Scriptures we hold in common has long been subject to debate in terms of understanding. However, it is curious that these faiths along with most other historic faith traditions all have a form of what most theologians call the Ten Commandments. These rules or laws are found in the Bible in Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20. Even if we can’t recite them, we remember the essence of them as being tied to private and public behavior held in relation to God and others. In other words we may not get all the thou shalts perfect, but we know they are important. Perhaps in an effort to make them easier to remember, the Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas has posted The Ten Commandments Cowboy Style on one of its walls.
1. Just one God 6. No Killin’
2. Put nothin’ before God 7. No foolin’ around with another
3. Watch yer mouth fellow’s gal
4. Git yerself to Sunday meetin’ 8. Don’t take what ain’t yers
5. Honor yer Ma & Pa 9. No telling tales or gossipin’
10. Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff
2. Put nothin’ before God 7. No foolin’ around with another
3. Watch yer mouth fellow’s gal
4. Git yerself to Sunday meetin’ 8. Don’t take what ain’t yers
5. Honor yer Ma & Pa 9. No telling tales or gossipin’
10. Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff
There has been much time and money spent in debate over the last several years about the placement of The Ten Commandments on the walls of courts or in monuments before State Houses. It seems somewhat silly to hang them on the wall of a Court, or for that matter even the wall of a house of worship. After all Moses was given these gifts that those who came to know them would find room for them in their hearts. Not to regulate or remind humans of their limitations, but to point to the possibility found in Holy relationships.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
