Why are most of the 10 Commandments framed in the negative?

Answer 1

why did god kill women and children in the old testament?

Answer 2

Ten Commandments Framed

Answer 3

It's easier to control people if you tell them what they can't do. Churches are big on keeping the masses in line, and the Ten Commandments have been used to do that for centuries.

What's interesting is that the Ten Commandments is negative while America's Bill of Rights is positive. Compare the following:

You will not worship other gods before me.
You are entitled to speak freely without government intervention.
You will not work on the Sabbath.
You are entitled to bear arms to defend the nation.
You will not dishonor your parents.
You are entitled to a home free of soldiers.

One set or rules restricts while the other liberates.

Incidentally, ALL of the 10 Commandments are in the negative, not just most. Any rule that tells you not to do something is in the negative, even if it is worded different (such as, "Keep the Sabbath holy," which tells you to not disrespect the Sabbath).

Edit: Jaime M, you confuse "restrict" with "enslave." Yes, a rule that says, "Do not lick light sockets," is restrictive. Is it a bad rule? No.

A few of the Commandments provide good teachings, mostly the rules about not murdering, not stealing, not dishonoring parents, not lying, and not committing adultery. Those rules are restrictive, but they are useful for a happy society.

But as good of commandments as they are, they are not really liberating. For one, everyone already knows not to kill, steal, and lie. We don't need the Ten Commandments for that, especially since half of the Ten Commandments aren't even necessary.

Answer 4

Simply put, because all three monotheistic constructs are designed to create parent/child relationships. The old, "Do as I say. Not as I do," and for god's sake, don't question me because I'm the ultimate authority!

I find this type of relationship counterproductive to real, substantial spiritual growth and development. It does so because it negates your creative contribution to the process. Further, once you inevitably grow beyond childhood, the old parent/child relationship no longer works or serves you. Once that happens, what can you do? Where can you go?

If I were to rewrite the 10 Commandments, I'd write them in a more affirming manner. I'd call them the 10 Commitments rather than the 10 Commandments. So, as an example, taking the 8th commandment being, "You shall not steal," I would look at it from a more positive position. Something more affirming of your ability to grow and change. Something more along the lines of,

When you are able to trust yourself, and through that trust me, you will be able to commit yourself to a life without theft. When you are ready, commit yourself to a life of giving and sharing rather than taking and stealing. But only when you are ready. When you know in your heart that you are able to fully take care of yourself and through that, know the divine through your own being, then and only then will you be ready to commit yourself to a life without theft and through that, commit yourself to a life of giving and sharing.

The 10 Commitments would then speak to a more adult relationship with the divine. One that honors each and speaks to growth and preparedness.

Answer 5

Hey Rev Kev what if the 10 commandments told you
thou shalt not play in traffic,
Thou shalt not lick a plug in

would that be restricted or rather a parimeter of safety?

That's what the commandments are.

the last few say don't cheat, steal, honor your father and mother.
Don't want your neighbors wife sounds more like guidelines to keep one from getting hurt but I guess you've twisted those huh?

Answer 6

Hmmm, I've never really thought about it before, but I think that it's probably just the best way to word what it's trying to say.

For example, if you were God, and you didn't want people stealing, how could you frame this in the positive? I can't think of how that could be said that way. It's just short and sweet to say "Do not steal." It is easy to understand, and it makes for a very clear guideline.

Answer 7

The Old Testament is entirely framed in the negative. I've always assumed it was because God was laying the ground work for when Jesus arrived to tell us what we were supposed to do.; Love God and His works, Love our neighbors as ourselves and forgive our enemies.

Once we got the "New Rules" which fulfilled the old ones, we were set free from having to avoid shellfish, not eating owls and the rest of Mosaic law.

That's my take anyway.

Answer 8

Perhaps God in His wisdom knew that people by nature tend to move toward negative behaviors. And in giving us the Law we needed to know what was out side the law.

The rest of the scriptures include many positive commands that motivate people to good behaviors. Let's not forget that.

Answer 9

Actually, the ten commandments should be view as the rights of God and the rights of individuals. God's rights are listed in the first four. The rights of our fellow men are listed in the final six. This makes them more positive.

Answer 10

The ones framed in the negative are prohibitions of actions harmful to ourselves.

They have to be framed in some way, so, why are the positive ones not framed as negatives?

How about "Thou shalt not dis thy parents."?

Answer 11

Because organized religion tries to control people. This is not unlike the rules you see posted in an elementary school room (ie. Don't chew gum. Don't speak out of turn. etc). You don't EVER see a sign saying what it's OK to do, because they don't want to have to explain a quick rule change later on if they decide they don't lik you doing it. It's easier to add rules than change existing ones- especially when they supposedly come from GOD.