To the editor:

The issue over the Ten Commandment statue perturbs me. While some think this is the basis for our laws — only some of them — I shudder because no one can keep them all. When a parent tells a child to inform the telephone caller, “I’m not home,” must the child obey the parent to observe the Fourth (some call it Fifth) commandment and break the Eighth (called by some the Ninth) commandment against lying? Or, what does it really mean to “remember” the Sabbath (and Deuteronomy 5 calls one to “observe the Sabbath)? Even Jesus did not take the commandments in an absolute, simplistic sense.

I value the commandments highly, and strongly commend them for our guidance. Not least would I critique our culture for ignoring the last commandment on “coveting.” (I don’t blame advertisers. I just know our human inclination to want and want and want things.)

Another problem for me: So we all have difficulty encountering and obeying all the Ten Commandments, what happens to us then? Are we to be brought before the judge? To be chastised? To pay a penalty (determined by whom)? Or just ignore it all? I believe we need advice and encouragement to reconcile or to talk about forgiveness.

I propose a better Biblical statement to be mounted in every hall of justice and every classroom and every heart. Wouldn’t this be better? Love one another! The world needs THIS!

Don Conrad,

Lawrence