Religion and Theology

Open the television and what you may ask takes one of the biggest TV viewing audience shares Talkshows it is. From Oprah to Ellen, the talk show biz has gone a long way and delves on lives of celebrities and all other things that stirs the enthusiasm and interest of people young and old. With this power to influence the public, why not dwell on a subject that encompasses the very foundation from which all our life rules are based

The Ten Commandments  still commands a sense of respect when mentioned. Even a small kid to the oldest of old still feel a sense of awe when hearing this. It somehow awakes a nostalgic feeling especially to the Christians because it holds the guiding rules of life passed through generations by their forefathers. This set of guiding principles have been intricately interwoven in our culture and society and have been the basis for our very own fabricated laws and statutes. Ancient as it is, it may very well be the most easy to grasp handbook in the life of man. Easily put and in summary, the New Testament in Matthew 22 says, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law Jesus replied  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 2236-40). Clear as a cloudless sky, it communicates to us the simple yet meaningful relevance of recognizing a higher power that is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent as well as valuing the very gift that we should be most thankful for- life. As we value life, we make the best out of it and go out of our way to extend concern for others.

However, modernization and globalization tend to bend these marks set in in stone. Popular culture may have just found a way around this and have formed ways to justify countering the commandments. In todays world the Decalogue, another term referring to the Ten Commandments, as like in a talk show may just be facing its own issues ---Are these commandments still followed In a society that craves for makeovers as they do for ice cream on a hot summer day, has the Commandments had a makeover Having one true God is not anymore the norm, as is dictated by our multi-faith society. Idols and images are of different sizes and materials that adorn places of worship. As for not using the name of God in vain, TV shows such as Southpark for one periodically use God as a subject of humor. Sad as it is, a number of viewers would find it amusing. Sabbath day has now translated to rest and relaxation day for most. The fifth commandment strictly points out the importance of loving your parents but this may not hold true today  love thy mother and father  now translates to  familiarity breeds contempt . No killing What more is there to say Since 1964, the U.S. crime rate has increased by as much as 350, and over 11 million crimes were reported in the year 2007 alone (DeBrodie 1). Adulterous acts is not as grave as it was before. In fact it is one of the juiciest plot for TV shows and movies.  Thou Shalt Not Steal  , not obviously it is. From the streets to the multinational scene, stealing has always been an issue. As for not bearing false witness against your neighbor At least perjury is still a serious crime. Last among the ten is specific on not coveting thy neighbors property, wife or his properties. Well, not while your neighbor is at home at least. Humor aside, it is frustrating that instances such as these have gotten way out of hand. Laws have been designed and punishments strictly implemented. Despite these, the constant rule breaking increase over time and dismayed as we are, we have reached another era that challenge yet again our human nature.

Agnostics, atheists and non-Christians may not be fans of the Commandments yet they recognize it. It is a widely recognized set of morals. Morals. The spirituality of the Ten Commandments may be an issue for a variety of groups but the morality that is plainly presented and enumerated by the Commandments is a canopy that is multi faith in nature. In emphasis to the age of the ten Commandments, it has been passed on at arms length through generations and might as well be the law of all laws because time has not had the luck or the power to have it eliminated in history. Unamended by the passing of eras, it is a testimony that there is a higher power that governs mankind. That higher being who has the magnificent mind to create such a firm and encompassing set of commands. Not even the best leader that has been elected may have the greatness that can surpass ever creating a work unerasable by time and human frailty. Being drafted from love it is precise in communicating that the solution to the complexities of life as we know it is simple. Extending self love to our peers. In remembrance of the power that the Commandments was based on, it may be hard but it is possible to amplify the value of neighborly love in ways that we are very capable of imploring.

In conclusion, the Ten Commandments may not be eye candy or gossip for all but it definitely will outlast the error of human perception and ignorance. Its validity and age make it all the more credible to serve as the guiding principle in society, culture and human development. Simplicity is a key factor that makes it easy to embrace and is formatted in a way that is applicable to all. The Ten Commandments, hands down are the 10 vs the millions rules that make the more impact and are central to improving mans way of life. It is not the Ten Commandments that needs a makeover, we do.