Shalom Auslander, author of 'Fear', shares his humorous struggles with faith stemming from a strict religious upbringing. He vividly recounts a memorable moment from his childhood, emphasizing the burdens of reverence. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Lynn Brown, an Army Reserve Chaplain, reflects on the profound implications of 'Thou shalt not kill' as it applies to soldiers in combat. Their stories explore the intersection of morality, duty, and personal beliefs, making for a thought-provoking discussion during this reflective time of year.
The podcast explores how various modern interpretations of the Ten Commandments provide tailored guidance for diverse professions and situations.
Personal anecdotes illustrate the struggles individuals face in adhering to the Ten Commandments amid conflicting cultural and familial expectations.
Insights from military personnel address the moral dilemmas associated with the commandment 'thou shalt not kill' in the context of warfare.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the Ten Commandments
The podcast delves into the diverse interpretations and variations of the Ten Commandments across different cultures and contexts. Various incarnations have been created for specific professions and social settings, such as commandments for gold miners, mobile phone etiquette, and even for pastors in a religious context. This illustrates how a concise set of guidelines can be adapted to meet the needs of different communities while maintaining core ethical teachings. The significance of the number ten is explored, highlighting its ability to convey comprehensive ideas in a manageable format.
Cultural Reflections on the First Commandments
The podcast emphasizes how the initial commandments focus on acknowledging and respecting the divine. Through personal anecdotes, such as the experiences of Shalom Al-Slander in a yeshiva, it showcases the challenges individuals face in adhering to these instructions, particularly in environments where strict interpretations prevail. This firsthand narrative underscores the tension between ancient obligations and contemporary experiences, reflecting a struggle that resonates through generations. The discussion serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of these spiritual laws in modern life.
Navigating Morality with Family Dynamics
The podcast highlights the complexities involved in balancing personal moral codes with familial expectations, particularly through the lens of the fifth commandment to honor one's parents. Personal stories expose the intricate familial relationships and the potential conflict between the desire for independence and parental authority. An anecdote illustrates how children live with the fear of disappointing their parents while trying to carve out their own identities. This struggle sheds light on the broader implications of honoring family within modern society, where individualism often clashes with traditional values.
Confronting Ethical Dilemmas in War
The discussion surrounding the sixth commandment, which commands against killing, acknowledges the moral complexities faced by military personnel. Army Reserve Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Brown shares profound insights about the challenges soldiers encounter regarding this commandment amid their roles in war. He reveals the intense emotional struggles faced by service members grappling with their actions on the battlefield and seeks to reconcile their faith with the realities of combat. This exploration captures the turmoil of understanding one's moral obligations amid violence and the profound consequences violence has on the human psyche.
The Commandments of Personal Integrity
The podcast concludes with reflections on the last commandments, which emphasize the importance of personal integrity and respect for others. Stories such as the secrets kept for altruistic reasons and the consequences of envy offer relatable insights into human behavior and the value systems we navigate daily. The importance of honesty, fidelity, and the respect for the rights of others emerges through vivid storytelling, illustrating the challenges posed by temptations and societal pressures. Ultimately, these narratives throughout the episode serve as critical reminders of the ethical considerations we face in our daily lives.
Host Ira Glass reads from the Ten Commandments. Not the original Ten Commandments, but some of the newer, lesser-known ones. There's the Miner's Ten Commandments of 1853, the Ten Commandments of Umpiring, and the Ten Commandments for Math Teachers — just to name a few. (4 minutes)
Commandments One, Two and Three: As a boy in religious school, Shalom Auslander is informed that his name, Shalom, is one of the names of God, and so he must be very careful not to take his own name in vain. (9 minutes)
Commandment Four: Six houses of worship in six different cities, each with its own way of honoring the Sabbath. (3 minutes)
Commandment Five: When Jack Hitt was 11, he did the worst thing his father could have imagined. Neither Jack nor his four siblings will ever forget the punishment. (6 minutes)
Commandment Six: Alex Blumberg talks to Lt. Col. Lyn Brown, an Army Reserve chaplain who served two tours in Iraq. Brown talks about what "thou shalt not kill" means to soldiers on the battlefield. (6 minutes)
Commandment Seven: In the book of Matthew, Jesus says that looking lustfully at a woman is like committing adultery in your heart. Contributor David Dickerson was raised as an evangelical Christian, and for many years tried not to have a single lustful thought. (9 minutes)
Commandment Eight: Ira talks to a waiter named Hassan at Liebman's Deli in the Bronx about some audacious thefts he's witnessed in his years in the restaurant business. (3 minutes)
Commandment Nine: Chaya Lipschutz wanted to donate one of her kidneys to a stranger. But to save a stranger's life, she had to break the commandment against lying. And the person she had to lie to was her mother. Chaya talked to Sarah Koenig. (8 minutes)
Commandment Ten: Ira talks to seventh-graders about the things they covet most. (4 minutes)
