(Here I use the St. Augustine division of the commandments):
1. Worshipping other gods is legal in the USA.
2. Using the name God in any context is legal in the USA.
3. Working on Sunday is legal.
4. Dishonouring family members is legal.
5. *** Killing (murdering) is illegal in the USA.
6. Adultery is perfectly legal in the USA.
7. *** Theft is a crime in the USA.
8. *** In court, bearing false witness is a crime. Outside of court, it is debatable.
9. Coveting your neighbour's wife is legal.
10. Coveting anything you jolly well please is legal.
Thus at best three of the ten commandments correspond with US law (there are different ways to divide the commandments, but you should still get a total of three however you do it).
Do people who say the above sentence speak from ignorance of the Bible or from ignorance of American law?
2006-06-14 00:00:15 · 14 answers · asked by XYZ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hmmm, I don't think that the laws of the US are based on the Ten Commandments ( I have never heard anyone say that), I think the laws of the US were originally based on the Puritanic code, the US was founded by puritans (roughly speaking). This explains the laws concerning things such as alcohol, tobacco, pornogrpahy, mariage, etc. I agree that the laws have been amended so many times that it becomes more difficult to see the "roots" of American culture, but I think that if you look at the Puritans rather than Moses you will find a more clear basis for US law.
2006-06-14 00:09:58 · answer #1 · answered by a'long 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, here in NC and a few other states, the laws against adultery is still in effect, though seldom enforced. However, recent cases have been successful in civil court, suing the "other woman" for emotional damages!
I get your point, though. My guess is certain rabid believers are not so much ignorant as obstinate: They refuse to accept the complete openness of U.S constitutional law on religion and fervently WISH the nation was more theocratic. These same people would be apolectic if they had a conversation with a Deist/agnostic like Thomas Jefferson.
2006-06-14 07:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by Jim L 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have made a very good thought as to why do Americans say that our laws are based on the Ten Commandments. Along with your list I would like to add; Do you think that a country can continue to prosper {if you want to call this prospering} when it has killed millions upon millions of innocent babies? When convicted rapists and murderers go to a country club for punishment. In some cases they are released to go back into society. I believe that the Lord God's hand of judgment could be at the door if this country does not bow the knee to the one true Son of God.
2006-06-14 07:22:04 · answer #3 · answered by troylfry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are lying throug their teeth. If the laws were based on the 10 commandments and the bible in particular, women would have no place even in their own families. The 50/50 law would not apply since she isn't supposed to get anything if males are present upon death, and incest would not be against the law since the father can rape his daughter as proof of her virginity. Females would be property and allowed to be sold to older men and they would never be allowed to go free. Widows could never be free if they didn't have a boy child and would instead be passed from brother to brother until one was produced. I mean, the US would be a very bad place to live.
2006-06-14 07:05:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a generalization; it doesn't mean the Big Ten. What people are trying to say is that right and wrong are religious concepts, and that apart from religion (and especially Christianity, which is what the founding fathers of America were) there is no basis for law other than the 51% majority, which can be mistaken.
2006-06-14 07:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Ten Commandments are taken way out of context here. They are not laws of the church,but rather words to live by. Words of guidance.
2006-06-14 07:08:48 · answer #6 · answered by zoya 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance of American Law. And they really REALLY want a Christian Theocracy. Or at least, the idea of a Christian Nation. But if that were to happen, we'd have another civil war on our hands because then all the denominations would want in on it.
2006-06-14 15:23:07 · answer #7 · answered by Kithy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you ask me, I think it's mostly ignorance of the Bible. But who are we to point the finger at someone else, when everyone is guilty of breaking God's law. If people would actually obey the 10 laws of God, their surely would not have been any for what Jesus did for us all. God Bless.
2006-06-14 07:08:22 · answer #8 · answered by Charles 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ignorance of the laws of God and i am affraid that the united states will pay for this in a few years
2006-06-14 07:08:58 · answer #9 · answered by His eyes are like flames 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably a little of both, but i honestly have never heard anyone say that. Most Christians tend to be acutely aware that there is a separation between church and state even if they don't agree with it.
2006-06-14 07:48:39 · answer #10 · answered by sooziebeaker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋