I find my delight in your commandments because I love them.

Psalm 119:47

Did you know that only 74% of Americans are Jewish or Christian? That’s a majority, for sure, but is it enough to require putting the 10 Commandments on an 11″ x 14″ poster in every classroom?

If you’re interested, here’s a few other sets of rules that have been established down through history:

THE 5 PRECEPTS OF BUDDHISM

1. Abstain from killing
2. Abstain from stealing
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct
4. Abstain from wrong speech
5. Abstain from the use of intoxicating substances that cause inattention (https://buddho.org/)

THE 5 PILARS OF ISLAM

• Shahada (Faith)
• Salah (Prayer)
• Zakat (Almsgiving)
• Sawm (Fasting)
• Hajj (Pilgrimage) (www.islamic-relief.org.uk)

THE 20 HINDU YAMAS (restraints) AND NIYAMAS (observances)

Restraints:

1. Ahimsa or Non-injury
2. Satya or Truthfulness
3. Asteya or Nonstealing
4. Brahmacharya or Sexual Purity
5. Kshama or Patience
6. Dhriti or Steadfastness
7. Daya or Compassion
8. Arjava or Honesty
9. Mitahara or Moderate Diet
10. Saucha or Purity

Observances:

1. Hri or Modesty
2. Santosha or Contentment
3. Dana or Charity
4. Astikya or Faith
5. Ishvarapujana or Worship of the Lord
6. Siddhanta Sravana or Scriptural Listening
7. Mati or Cognition
8. Vrata or Sacred Vows
9. Japa or Incantation
10. Tapas or Austerity (https://www.learnreligions.com/)

10 PRINCIPLES OF THE BAHA’I FAITH:

1. The oneness of humanity.
2. Independent investigation of truth.
3. The common foundation of all religions.
4. The essential harmony of science and religion.
5. Equality of men and women.
6. Elimination of all forms of prejudice.
7. Universal compulsory education.
8. A spiritual solution to the economic problem.
9. A universal auxiliary language.
10. Universal peace upheld by a world government.

10 COMMITTMENTS FOR SECULAR HUMANISTS

1. Altruism: Helping others without expecting rewards.
2. Critical Thinking: Practicing good judgment by asking questions and thinking independently.
3. Empathy: Considering other people’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
4. Environmentalism: Taking care of the Earth and its life.
5. Ethical Development: Striving to improve one’s moral character.
6. Global Awareness: Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity and global issues.
7. Humility: Recognizing one’s limitations and being open to new ideas.
8. Peace and Social Justice: Promoting fairness and resolving conflicts peacefully.
9. Responsibility: Being accountable for one’s actions and their impact on others.
10. Service and Participation: Engaging in community service and civic activities. (https://thehumanist.com/)

There’s some good stuff there, foundations lots of people choose to build upon.

For me, I try to follow the 10 Commandments. They are foundational for my life and connect me to God. You could even say I delight in them.

But for the 26% of Americans who don’t, all I can say is…

we’re gonna need a bigger poster.

Have a great week,

Mitch