Shalom Auslander, author of 'Fear', revisits his daunting childhood in religious school, sharing the weight of having a name associated with the divine. Lyn Brown, an Army Reserve chaplain who served in Iraq, delves into the heavy moral implications of 'Thou shalt not kill' faced by soldiers. Their conversations uncover the intersection of faith, identity, and ethical dilemmas, offering listeners a poignant reflection on the challenges of adhering to ancient commandments in the modern world.
Historical adaptations of the Ten Commandments demonstrate their versatility in conveying moral principles across different contexts, such as the Gold Rush.
The struggle to adhere to divine commandments reflects profound individual experiences, particularly in relation to faith, identity, and childhood innocence.
Complexities surrounding the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' reveal the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers, highlighting the intricate interplay of faith and duty.
Deep dives
The Origins and Variations of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments have been interpreted and reformulated in various contexts throughout history. This episode discusses the commandments issued during the California Gold Rush, which humorously adapted biblical principles to fit the context of 19th-century miners. Similar adaptations, such as the Ten Commandments of Umpiring and the Ten Commandments of Cell Phone Etiquette, illustrate the versatility of this format, demonstrating its effectiveness in conveying essential guidelines. The episode emphasizes that the commandments are structured in a manageable format, with ten being enough to make them memorable while comprehensive enough to communicate fundamental ideas.
Struggles with Honoring Divine Commands
Specific commandments addressing the relationship with God are explored, such as the notions of worship and the use of God's name. A compelling narrative describes a young boy's reverence and confusion surrounding the sanctity of God's name while attending yeshiva. Fearful of breaking rules and displeasing his strict rabbi, the boy navigates the challenges of adhering to these commandments, leading to a poignant exploration of faith, identity, and childhood innocence. The story illustrates the profound impact that the perception of divine authority can have on individuals at formative stages of their lives.
Interpretations of the Commandment 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'
The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' is examined through the lens of military service and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. A chaplain reflects on the complexities surrounding the commandment in combat situations, illustrating how the realities of war challenge simplistic interpretations of this rule. Soldiers struggle with the mental and spiritual implications of taking lives during conflict, leading to discussions about forgiveness and the value of life. This narrative highlights the nuanced understanding of morality in extreme circumstances and raises questions about the intersection of faith and duty.
The Complexity of Adultery and Moral Judgments
Adultery serves as a focal point in the exploration of personal desires and societal expectations surrounding relationships. The episode recounts the internal struggles of individuals grappling with lust and the societal pressures that dictate their actions. It reveals an individual's journey from deeply ingrained guilt associated with temptation to a more nuanced understanding of human nature and desire. The stories shared emphasize that the fight against wrongful desires can lead to unexpected paths of self-discovery and illuminating discussions about human behavior within faith contexts.
The Tenth Commandment and the Nature of Desire
The Tenth Commandment addresses coveting what belongs to others, reflecting on the natural human inclination to desire what we do not have. A group of seventh graders discusses their longing for the latest technology, showcasing a relatable instance of envy in contemporary life. The conversation around desire underlines the struggles of accepting and managing feelings of inadequacy, particularly among youth who are influenced by societal pressures. Ultimately, the narrative suggests that the acknowledgment of these feelings is a universal experience, posing questions about the wisdom of the commandments in guiding moral and ethical behavior.
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)
