Toward a Culture of Freedom: Reflections on the Ten Commandments Today

by Thorwald Lorenzen

Overview

The Ten Commandments belong to the classics of Western culture. They are an authoritative part of the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures. Since they come to us from an ancient past, it is both necessary and worthwhile to enquire what they may mean for us today. Thorwald Lorenzen contends it is important to hear God's invitation to an alternative lifestyle: 'you shall not kill', 'you shall not commit adultery', 'you shall not covet'. His thoughtful reflections on the commandments for today's tumultuous world begin with the God who 'speaks' ten word to liberate God's people from oppression. Grounded in God's liberating 'yes', the ten words are neither laws nor rules. They are elements for a culture of freedom in which people are invited to celebrate life. Written in plain language, this is a work of immense value to both pastors and laypersons, and an excellent study aid.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718891930
Publisher:	Lutterworth Press, The
Publication date:	08/28/2008
Edition description:	Illustrate
Pages:	260
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Thorwald Lorenzen is Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University; a guest lecturer at St. Mark's Theological Center and Whitley College, University of Melbourne; and a Principal Researcher within the Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre (PACT), Charles Sturt University, in Canberra, Australia. He is author of Resurrection and Discipleship: Interpretive Models, Biblical Reflections, Theological Consequences (1995 and 2003) and Resurrection—Discipleship—Justice: Affirming the Resurrection of Jesus Christ Today (2003).

Table of Contents

Introduction     1
When God Speaks, God Says "Yes" (Exod 19:16-18, 20:1, and Deut 5:1-5): Overture to the "Ten Words"     11
When God Acts, God Liberates (Exod 20:2 and Deut 5:6): Continuing the Overture to the "Ten Words"     24
Who or What Is Our God? (Exod 20:3 and Deut 5:7): The First Word     34
Idol or Icon (Exod 20:4-6 and Deut 5:8-10): The Second Word     43
A Name Is More Than a Word (Exod 20:7 and Deut 5:11): The Third Word     58
Celebrating Freedom (Exod 20:8-11 and Deut 5:12-15): The Fourth Word     68
Generational Responsibility (Exod 20:12 and Deut 5:16): The Fifth Word     81
Becoming Servants of Life (Exod 20:13 and Deut 5:17): The Sixth Word     95
Love and Its Protection (Exod 20:14 and Deut 5:18): The Seventh Word     111
The Right to Be Free (Exod 20:15 and Deut 5:19): The Eighth Word     131
Speaking Truth in Public (Exod 20:16 and Deut 5:20): The Ninth Word     152
Who or What Occupies Our Conscience? (Exod 20:17 and Deut 5:21): The Tenth Word     165
Understanding and Interpreting the Decalogue     189
Making Ethical Decisions from a Christian Perspective     209
Bibliography     227
Author and Subject Index     237
Scripture Index     245