The various books that make up our Bible were each written to meet
the needs of the people of its day; but inasmuch as the prophets
and law-givers from the days of Moses to those of Jesus touched
upon the most vital questions of human life and society, these
principles are most of them universal and applicable to all tribes
and nations and races and peoples.
Necessarily there are many variations in the specific methods by
which these commands are to be carried out. The honor and
reverence due everywhere to mother and father may well have
different applications, depending upon the type of civilization,
the customs of living and the type of home life that exist in the
different countries. The injunction to keep the Sabbath may well
be carried out with the same spirit in various ways. What
constitutes theft depends upon the law of the separate state and
upon the rights of property granted by that law, but everywhere the
primary obligations of the individual to God, to society and to his
fellow men remain substantially the same. As he develops a more
tender conscience, a more just and kindly attitude toward his
fellows, a greater reverence toward his Creator, the spirit with
which be keeps these commandments is becoming continually more
urgent, whatever may be the specific way in which they may be
carried out for the benefit of his fellow men and of society.
_Questions for Further Consideration_.
Does idol worship exist in any part of the civilized world to-day?
If so, where and in what forms?
Are those addicted to profanity necessarily and intentionally
irreverent? What is the origin of this habit? How may it be
eradicated? What are some of the best methods by which children
may be guarded against it?
Do you think it is right for the state to become responsible for
the religious education of its citizens?
What is the fundamental difference between the so-called
"Continental Sabbath" and that observed by Jesus?
In what way may Sunday be made a day of greater profit and
significance to the working man?
What attitude should one take regarding so-called "white" or
"society lies"? Under what circumstances, if any, is it right to
lie?
_Subjects for Further Study_.
(1) The Decalogues in Exodus 20-23. _Hist. Bible_ II, 209-24.
(2) Jesus' Version of the Ancient Prophetic Decalogue. See Matt.
5:17, 18; 6:19-21; 12:1-12, 31, 32; 15:3-5; 22: 36-39.
(3) Compare the Moral Ideals of the Decalogue with those of the
Present-Day Socialists. Cross, _The Essentials of Socialism_;
Walling, _Socialism as It Is_; Spargo, _Elements of Socialism_.