I belong to a few online clergy groups which are very helpful and sometimes inspirational. One post written by Rev Pax Murray Speer (pronouns they/he/she) from Wild Rose United, Alberta was one such inspiration this week. They offered an alternate Ten Commandments based on Leviticus 19 which is a central ethical and legal chapter in the Hebrew Testament. This list seems much closer to Jesus’s teachings and the question posed was how our faith history might be different if this list was our foundation. The numbers in quotes at the end of each command are the Leviticus 19 reference verses.
Be Holy as I am Holy. Respect your parents and keep the Sabbath. (2-3)
Do not worship the works of your own hands. (4)
Share your abundance and do not hoard it. Help the needy and homeless. (5-10)
Do not steal, deceive, lie, or swear falsely. (11-12)
Do not oppress or exploit others. (13)
Treat the disabled with respect. (14)
Act justly in disputes, favouring neither the poor nor the wealthy but judging fairly. (15)
Do not spread gossip and look after your neighbour. (16)
Have no hate in your heart but respond to harmful behaviour with a rebuke. (17)
Do not take revenge or hold a grudge, but love your neighbour as yourself. (18)
Rev. Paul Wynacht
