You do realize, John, that anyone using what God said for control over others is completely perverting the Book?
The Bible is not about control over others. It's about freedom. You've got your mind set, so I know you're going to want to argue the freedom point, but honestly, it is.
Trust no one who uses it as a mechanism for control. It's not about control. The "rules" are about a better quality of life. Seriously.
In fact, the Ten Commandments are about relationships, not about control. I'm going to assume you're an atheist, so, we'll leave out the first four (No gods before Me, Sabbath, etc).
Honor your father and mother. Ok, assuming you're not in fear of your life, or something like that, by treating them with honor, you help to preserve your relationship with them. It's when the dishonoring happens that most arguments and fights pop up (and the Bible elsewhere tells parents to treat their kids right too, so it goes both ways). In fact if you expand it out to a somewhat lesser degree to everyone, and treat all people with respect, just think of how much smoother life would run.
Do not murder. That one should require no explanation.
Do not commit adultery. It preserves the relationship with your spouse. And it prevents a crap ton of problems.
You shall not steal. Ever lose a friend because you've stolen something? Know of anyone who has lost their freedom because they were found to have stolen something? Or lost a job? Bet they weren't real happy with the result.
False witness. Lying. Ever lose a friend because you lied to them? Again, ever see anyone lose a job because they lied to the boss? Following this one preserves friends, and jobs. And if it's a stranger you're lying to, how do you know he's not the type who'll pound you into dust? Or shoot you? Or maybe not even that violent, but just slash your $400 set of tires?
Do not covet. This one all alone would nearly end stealing and adultery. Ok, I know some theft is not envy based, same with adultery, but it would be a start. Coveting can poison relationships.
Now, imagine everyone followed those 6 commandments alone. Would anyone feel the need to lock their doors? Would anyone ever wonder if their wife or husband was sleeping around? You could trust everyone. You could leave your valuables out, and ADT would be out of business. The intrusive practice of background checks would be totally unnecessary.
I'm not a utopian dreamer. I know it's not gonna happen. But the point is, can you see how it is a set of rules designed to free you, not control you?
Again, anyone who is trying to control you with the Bible is perverting God's word, and he will be judged.
Christopher
The Bible is not about control over others. It's about freedom. You've got your mind set, so I know you're going to want to argue the freedom point, but honestly, it is.
Trust no one who uses it as a mechanism for control. It's not about control. The "rules" are about a better quality of life. Seriously.
In fact, the Ten Commandments are about relationships, not about control. I'm going to assume you're an atheist, so, we'll leave out the first four (No gods before Me, Sabbath, etc).
Honor your father and mother. Ok, assuming you're not in fear of your life, or something like that, by treating them with honor, you help to preserve your relationship with them. It's when the dishonoring happens that most arguments and fights pop up (and the Bible elsewhere tells parents to treat their kids right too, so it goes both ways). In fact if you expand it out to a somewhat lesser degree to everyone, and treat all people with respect, just think of how much smoother life would run.
Do not murder. That one should require no explanation.
Do not commit adultery. It preserves the relationship with your spouse. And it prevents a crap ton of problems.
You shall not steal. Ever lose a friend because you've stolen something? Know of anyone who has lost their freedom because they were found to have stolen something? Or lost a job? Bet they weren't real happy with the result.
False witness. Lying. Ever lose a friend because you lied to them? Again, ever see anyone lose a job because they lied to the boss? Following this one preserves friends, and jobs. And if it's a stranger you're lying to, how do you know he's not the type who'll pound you into dust? Or shoot you? Or maybe not even that violent, but just slash your $400 set of tires?
Do not covet. This one all alone would nearly end stealing and adultery. Ok, I know some theft is not envy based, same with adultery, but it would be a start. Coveting can poison relationships.
Now, imagine everyone followed those 6 commandments alone. Would anyone feel the need to lock their doors? Would anyone ever wonder if their wife or husband was sleeping around? You could trust everyone. You could leave your valuables out, and ADT would be out of business. The intrusive practice of background checks would be totally unnecessary.
I'm not a utopian dreamer. I know it's not gonna happen. But the point is, can you see how it is a set of rules designed to free you, not control you?
Again, anyone who is trying to control you with the Bible is perverting God's word, and he will be judged.
Christopher