Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Ten Commandments and World Religions

No one ever claimed that "our" Ten Commandments are unique, but if you search online you'll find lots of different versions. In the packet found here, I compare and contrast the "Big Ten" as they are expressed by major world religions. Did you know, for instance, that for Hindus, the "tenfold law" as they call it, includes self control, forgiveness, wisdom and abstention from anger? Buddhists include not killing, stealing and coveting wives, but also refraining from "divisive, harsh and senseless speech." Imagine planting two tablets containing
that on a courtroom lawn!

I also explore some of the commandments individually. For the Sikhs it is a sin to argue with your parent. An African proverb states, "If a parent takes care of you up to the time you cut your teeth, you need to take care of them when they lose theirs."

You can see how vociferously Islam condemns the murder of innocents and that Confucianism states, "No crime is greater than having too many desires."

Check out our Big Ten against theirs... here.

No comments: