The ten commandments do not form the basis for morality in the Western world or any other place in the world. Only five out of the ten are actually reasonable. The other five have no sense of morality to them.  In fact, the first four just seem to demonstrate how big God’s ego is.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

This one seems to mean that there are other gods, suggesting a henotheistic view. Otherwise, it should have been written “I am the one true God, all others are phonies” or something to that effect.

Furthermore, the worship of Jesus Christ as God himself seems to violate this commandment. The trinitarian view of the three persons in one godhead is a cop out. There are numerous verses that show how Jesus is only the son of God and not God himself. Anyways, it is ridiculous to be both one’s own father and son.

2. Thou shalt not make for yourself an idol.

I’m quite sure that people understand the difference between a symbol representing God and God itself.

Christians actually don’t follow this commandment very well. There are statues, icons, and other images of Jesus Christ everywhere. Many Christians also wear crosses and crucifixes. And don’t forget the nativity scenes.

3. Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain.

The biggest ego trip of the all. Why should an omnipotent and omniscient God care about what we little creatures say on Earth? He must be a very insecure bully.

4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

This one makes no sense either and Christians don’t follow it anyways. Plenty of people work on the Sabbath. Working on the Sabbath is also a very necessary thing. If emergency services did not work on the Sabbath just think of how many people would die for no reason.

Now, as I have said only 5-9 are really any good. But, even they have their limitations. For example, you have no obligation to honor your parents if they were abusive, mentally, physically, or sexually. It is reasonable to kill someone who is about to kill another person or persons. It is also reasonable to steal if only to get food to keep you or your family from starving. Lastly, it is permissible to lie if it will prevent a tragedy, for example, when Nazis were knocking door to door and you lied to them about hiding Jews in your attic.

The last one, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife or anything that belongs to your neighbor” is nothing more than a thought crime. It is a commandment that is impossible to follow. What is the point of making a rule if human nature renders it impossible to follow? Furthermore, coveting is the basis of world economies. If not for coveting you would not have all the beautiful stuff in your house that you enjoy. There would be no competition and no innovation.

Related posts:

1. Fail Mail
2. Hitler the Christian
3. Have no Fear Jesus is Here!
4. The Question of Morality
5. More Special Pleading