Michael Brooks
The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a set of rules that people of Judeo-Christian heritage hold in high regard. While the Catholic Church's interpretation of the Ten Commandments differs slightly from that of other faiths, they are generally regarded as universal principles that apply to all, regardless of religious affiliation. The commandments encompass a range of topics, from faith and worship to respect for oneself, others, and their property, and are derived from ancient Christian traditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Faith, hope, love, and worship of God | God |
| Reverence for holy things | Holiness |
| Prayer | |
| Reverence in speaking about God and holy things | |
| Keeping of oaths and vows | |
| Going to church on Sundays and holy days of obligation | |
| Love, respect, and obedience on the part of children | |
| Care on the part of parents for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children | |
| Obedience to civil and religious superiors | |
| Safeguarding of one's own life and bodily welfare and that of others | |
| Chastity in word and deed | |
| Respect for the property rights of others | |
| Paying of just debts | |
| Paying just wages to employees | |
| Integrity in public office | |
| Honouring your father and mother | Family |
| Respect for the rights of others |
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What You'll Learn
Commandments and forbiddances
The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a set of laws that form the basis of the Judeo-Christian moral code. While the exact enumeration of the commandments varies slightly between different traditions, the underlying principles remain universal. The Catholic Church divides the commandments into three categories: the first three are sins against God, and the last seven are sins against one's fellow man.
Sins against God
Commandments:
- Faith, hope, love, and worship of God
- Reverence for holy things
- Prayer
Forbiddances:
- Idolatry
- Superstition
- Spiritism
- Tempting God
- Sacrilege
- Attendance at false worship
- Taking the Lord's name in vain: this includes speaking irreverently about God and holy things, as well as breaking oaths and vows
Sins against one's fellow man
Commandments:
- Respect for the rights of others
- Safeguarding one's own life and bodily welfare and that of others
- Chastity in word and deed
- Love
- Respect
- Obedience, specifically for children towards their parents and civil and religious superiors
Forbiddances:
- Theft, including the desire to take or keep another's property
- Damage to the property of others
- Unjust killing, including suicide, abortion, and dueling
- Impure actions alone or with others, including obscene speech
- Hatred of parents and superiors, as well as any form of disrespect or disobedience
- Bearing false witness against one's neighbour: this includes speaking the truth, respecting the good name of others, and maintaining secrecy when required
- Coveting one's neighbour's wife or goods
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Honouring God
The first three commandments in the Catholic tradition are considered 'Sins against God'. The first commandment is about monotheism and loyalty, stating, "I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me." This affirmation of monotheism corresponds to the "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:4 and establishes the exclusivity of worship and loyalty to God.
The second commandment forbids idolatry and the worship of images or other deities. This commandment is often interpreted as prohibiting polytheism and the creation or reverence of idols or false gods.
The third commandment is about reverence for God and holy things. It commands, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." This commandment instructs individuals to speak about God and holy matters with respect and also emphasises the importance of keeping oaths and vows. It forbids blasphemy, the irreverent use of God's name, and the breaking of vows.
Additionally, the commandments emphasise the importance of faith, hope, and love of God, as well as reverence for holy things and prayer. Catholics are called to direct their love, faith, and hope towards God, demonstrating their devotion through prayer and reverence for sacred objects and places.
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Honouring parents
Honouring one's parents is one of the Ten Commandments in the Catholic Church. The commandment, "Honour thy father and thy mother" (Hebrew: כַּבֵּד אֶת־אָבִיךָ וְאֶת־אִמֶּךָ לְמַעַן יַאֲרִכוּן יָמֶיךָ), is considered the fourth commandment by Catholics and Lutherans, while Jewish and Protestant sources count it as the fifth. This commandment is derived from the Hebrew Bible, specifically Exodus 20:1–21 and Deuteronomy (Dvarim) 5:1–23, where it is said to have been spoken by Yahweh and inscribed on stone tablets by the finger of God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) provides guidance on honouring parents, emphasizing the order of charity: "God has willed that, after Him, we should honor our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God." The CCC further highlights the unique promise attached to this commandment: "Observing the fourth commandment brings its reward: 'Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.'"
John Wesley, a theologian, offers a similar interpretation, summarizing the actions that express honour as inward esteem, obedience to lawful commands, submission to rebukes and instructions, acting with consideration of parental advice, and providing comfort and provision for aged parents. Wesley also extends this concept of honour to those in legitimate secular and spiritual authority, including teachers and leaders.
Unfortunately, in the 21st century, some adult children struggle with this commandment due to differing political, ideological, and religious views from their parents. This has led to a divide and, in some cases, the shunning of parents by their children. Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church maintains that honouring parents remains a crucial aspect of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the value of filial piety and gratitude toward those who gave us life.
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Respecting others
In the context of family relationships, respecting others entails honouring one's father and mother. It also includes love, respect, and obedience on the part of children, as well as care on the part of parents for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children. Disrespect and disobedience towards parents and superiors are forbidden.
The Catholic Ten Commandments also address the issue of coveting, which can be interpreted as a lack of respect for others. Coveting is prohibited, including desiring one's neighbour's wife or goods. This commandment is about more than just material possessions; it is about recognising the value and dignity of others and their relationships.
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Respecting property
The Catholic Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a set of laws that guide the behaviour of those with Judeo-Christian heritage, though the Catholic Church teaches that they can be honoured by all people as natural law. The Ten Commandments are summarised by Jesus as two "Great Commandments": to love God and to love one's neighbour. The seventh commandment is to "love your neighbour as yourself", and respecting property is an important part of this.
In economic matters, respecting property requires the practice of justice, so as to preserve one's neighbour's rights and render unto them what is their due. This includes paying just debts, fulfilling contracts, and not engaging in business fraud or speculation that artificially manipulates the price of goods to the detriment of others.
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