Toward a Culture of Freedom: Reflections on the Ten Commandments Today

A highly accessible examination of the contemporary meaning and relevance of the Ten Commandments.


The Ten Commandments belong to the “classics” of Western culture. They are an authoritative part of the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures. Since they come to us from an ancient past, it is both necessary and worthwhile to enquire what they may mean for us today.

Thorwald Lorenzen contends it is important to hear God’s invitation to an alternative lifestyle: “you shall not kill”, “you shall not commit adultery”, “you shall not covet”. His thoughtful reflections on the commandments for today’s tumultuous world begin with the God who “speaks” ten words to liberate God’s people from oppression. Grounded in God’s liberating “yes”, the ten words are neither laws nor rules. They are elements for a culture of freedom in which people are invited to celebrate life.

Written in plain language, this is a work of immense value to both pastors and laypersons, and an excellent study aid.

Thorwald Lorenzen is Professor of Theology at Charles Sturt University, guest lecturer at the University of Melbourne, and Principal Researcher within the Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre (PACT), Charles Sturt University in Canberra, Australia.