I continue to find fruit in "The Big Book of Christian Mysticism" and today want to give a version of the 10 Commandments that is quoted from Brian Haggerty's Out of the House of Slavery: On the Meaning of the Ten Commandments that sees them as a spiritual "Declaration of Independence." Without the explanation (too long for me to copy here) you may have trouble seeing these ten as a way of life for all of us, but I think you will agree that they give new insight:
1. You shall not worship transitory gods but shall serve only the living God.
2. You shall not enshrine any notion, ideology, or interest as God and allow yourself to be dominated by it.
3. You shall not lay exclusive claim to God's blessing or call upon God to bless your selfish purposes.
4. Show reverence for the land; regard those who labor with respect.
5. Treat the elderly with respect and deference.
6. You shall not threaten the lives of others by your aggressive or irresponsible behavior.
7. You shall not threaten another person's marriage or family life.
8. You shall not deprive other people of their freedom.
9. You shall not cause another person to be treated unjustly.
10.You shall not grasp after what belongs to someone else or seek for yourself what belongs to all people.
There is much to reflect on here.
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