William Haines - 10 commandments part 1

Words are very powerful and creative; they can either create or destroy. Through the words that one speaks, one actually creates a certain kind of atmosphere in conversations. For example, two different people can describe the same situation and create very different impressions based on their perspectives. One may look at things negatively and critically, while another may view them optimistically and positively. This highlights the importance of language and the need to use it correctly. Confucius spoke about the rectification of names, stating that if he had the power to make everything right in China, he would start with the rectification of names. This means that people should understand and use words correctly, as they carry significant weight.

An example of this is the word 'freedom'. In English, it means being free within the law. The term 'freedom' comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'doom', which means law. Therefore, freedom means you can do anything you want as long as you don't break the law. However, some people misuse the word 'freedom' in a very different context, which dilutes its meaning. Positive freedom, as I mentioned before, is not actually freedom; it's a misapplication of the term. Misusing language can lead to serious consequences, especially when it comes to sacred words. If someone misuses God's name, it can lead to manipulation and control.

For example, in the 1970s, a Member of Parliament in Britain described a piece of legislation as the worst in a generation. Upon reading it, I found it wasn't as bad as he claimed. If we use strong language all the time, when something serious arises, we have no other words left to express our feelings. This is akin to debasing currency. Similarly, if sacred words are misused, they become debased. Often, swear words are connected to sexual matters, which should be regarded as holy, as God is love. However, people have taken these sacred words and used them as swear words, which is a terrible thing to do.

This commandment is about not misusing God's name, which relates to a concept known as priestcraft. Some individuals may say, 'If you do this, God will punish you,' as a means of control. They invoke God's name to manipulate others instead of discussing matters rationally. Historically, religion has often been used to control people, and this is a misuse of God's name. The Bible critiques this kind of religion, promoting the idea that everyone is equal before God. The Covenant was made not just with Moses but with all the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, highlighting the egalitarian spirit of the biblical tradition.

If we don't misuse God's name, everything else falls into place. For Jews, this is a serious matter; they avoid saying God's name to prevent taking it in vain. Instead, they refer to God as 'the Lord' or 'Adonai'. The name Yahweh is written in the Bible, but it is never pronounced. This practice reflects their respect for the sacredness of God's name. The lesson here is to always be a learner and to speak respectfully of all spiritual life. We should not criticize what we cannot understand and should strive to respect all religions and faiths.

Now, let's move on to the Sabbath. The word 'Sabbath' comes from Hebrew and is considered untranslatable into any other language. For Jews, the Sabbath is the most holy day, occurring once a week. It is a day of rest, reflecting God's rest after creation. On this day, families come together to spend time with each other, free from work and distractions. They prepare food in advance, and during the Sabbath, they engage in prayer, worship, and family activities. This structure allows God to be present in the family, creating a sacred space for connection and reflection.

The Sabbath teaches us that there is more to life than work and that we need time to rest and reflect. Many people become burnt out from continuous work without taking time to consider the purpose of their lives. The commandment to observe the Sabbath is revolutionary, as it was uncommon in the ancient world for people to have a day off. The Israelites were instructed to celebrate the Sabbath as a lasting Covenant, signifying that this practice is not just for Jews but for all humanity. It is a reminder that work is good, but it should not consume our lives.

The commandment to honour your father and mother is also significant. It calls for respect towards both parents, indicating that they hold equal value and authority within the family. This was a radical notion three and a half thousand years ago, especially in a patriarchal society. The equality of men and women is a theme that resonates throughout the biblical tradition, contrasting with many ancient cultures where women's roles were often diminished. This commandment emphasizes the importance of family structure and mutual respect between parents.

The discussion brings out the matriarchal nature of families, particularly because men are often not involved. Generally speaking, societies where men are absent tend to be less prosperous and safe. However, the idea presented here is that there is equal value in both men and women. It also emphasises the importance of honouring one's father and mother. Lineage is significant, not just because of genetic ties, but also because wisdom, knowledge, and skills are passed down through generations. This vertical lineage of tradition and wisdom is crucial, and we should love our families and be thankful for our parents, especially during difficult times.

Honouring one's parents is not always easy. The commandment to honour your father and mother implies respect and gratitude. There are various ways to honour your parents, such as ensuring they do not feel let down by your actions. Loving our parents is intrinsically linked to loving ourselves, as they are our origin. The commandment 'You shall not murder' is often translated as 'You shall not kill', but the Hebrew term specifically refers to murder. This distinction is important; murder is an intentional act, while killing can sometimes be justified, such as in self-defence or during warfare.

In warfare, soldiers may kill enemy combatants intentionally, but this does not constitute murder unless there is a violation of the rules of engagement, such as shooting an unarmed opponent. The motivation behind the act is crucial. Life is precious, and the commandment against murder underscores the value of life. Murder involves a premeditated, illegal action driven by negative motivations, such as hatred or greed, which is fundamentally different from justified killing in self-defence.

The commandment 'You shall not commit adultery' addresses the sanctity of love and relationships. Adultery, which involves engaging in sexual relationships outside of marriage, particularly with someone who is already married, can destroy trust and love between partners. This violation often leads to divorce and causes significant emotional and psychological harm to children involved. While these commandments may seem negative, they ultimately highlight the preciousness of love and the importance of adhering to the law of love.

The commandment 'You shall not steal' reinforces respect for ownership. When someone owns something, whether it be a car, house, or bicycle, stealing it is a violation of that person's rights. This sense of ownership is an extension of the self, and when someone steals from you, it feels like a personal violation. The commandment encourages respect for others' property and underscores the importance of tithing, which acknowledges ownership and private property.

Finally, the commandment 'You shall not bear false witness' pertains to the integrity of justice. In a court of law, witnesses are essential for proving a crime. Without witnesses, a powerful individual could falsely accuse someone, leading to unjust punishment. False witness undermines justice and can lead to the oppression of the innocent. Therefore, the integrity of witness testimony is vital for maintaining fairness in society.