Out of a fiery Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments forged a covenant set in stone. At the moment, there was an accord. After that moment, it became something else. Since Mt. Sinai to the present, the Decalogue has become valued as an individual’s code of conduct. It remains, however, serving a greater purpose. The covenant promoted “Core Community Values.”
Professor Richard Elliott Friedman noted that a violation of them [the Ten Commandments] risked breaking the covenant. So, there was the belief that widespread failure to abide by the Decalogue placed their nation at risk.
When it comes to morals and ethics, “Core Community Values” is the next level. It is when a group of individuals act in concert with a system of values. This action creates great neighborhoods, cities and nations. In secular terms, “Core Community Values” can be deduced by asking: “what rules directed towards individual’s conduct foster strong and healthy communities?
This query of “Core Community Values” can be achieved by observation. One can venture into various neighborhoods with varying reputations and see what morals and values are practice in real life. In essence, what individual behaviors or actions impact a community positively and negatively?
The Ten Commandments is one variation of a successful value set. There are others. Even the Torah offers other values worthy of placement on such a set. Most notably, in the Book of Leviticus, there is “and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18.
Social Engineering
In various parts of the United States, governments have the ability to change the dynamics of areas. Zoning laws and allowance for various businesses can influence a community’s practice of “Core Community Values.” The allowance of bars and nightclubs into an area can dramatically impact a community.
Secular Application
The Ten Commandments’ “Core Community Values” concept translates into the secular world. With respect to forming health sustainable communities, certain values must be promoted and adhered to. Irrespective of the Decalogue’s religiosity, the premise that collective good behavior makes healthy cities is undeniable.
This concept is worthy of exploration in a non-religious fashion within school. This is especially the case in States for which school children have the Ten Commandments postings in their classrooms. The concept brought forward by the Ten Commandments is a way of fostering discussion of how proper governance should encourage, promote and protect “Core Community Values.”
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments’ morality is multi-leveled. As much it is about improving an individual’s behavior, it is also a guide towards maintaining a healthy and vibrant community. One of the Decalogue’s underlying messages is that compliance with “Core Community Values” is existential for good neighborhoods.
Be well!!
Please like, follow, comment or share
The Ten Commandments Project 