The new "20 Commandments"

[ceo_esq]

A forthcoming television special on Britain's Channel 4 (airdate Feb. 26) will examine the attitudes of British subjects toward the Ten Commandments and their relevance to leading a moral life in the contemporary world.

Interestingly, the show will reveal a new set of 20 commandments, as voted for by 65,000 people polled in the UK.

Here's a sneak preview:

(source)


Personally, I think Charlton Heston would rather have died than descend Mount Sinai bearing the messages "Try your best at all times" and "Enjoy life." But seriously, what is your reaction to the new Twenty Commandments? Is the original formula still a classic? Which up-and-coming commandments were unjustly snubbed in this year's selection? And which of the lucky 20 should have been voted off the tablets?

 

[Upchurch]

My initial reaction is that it sounds like a combination of Judeo-Christianity and the Boy Scouts (and a hint of Buddhism, maybe).

Frankly, I'm not entirely sure how "live within your means" is a moral guideline. A practical one, maybe, but moral?

 

[Ipecac]

I think those 20 make a lot more sense than the original 10 commandments. If everyone followed these guidelines, things would be better in the world.

 

[RamblingOnwards]

But seriously, what is your reaction to the new Twenty Commandments?

Needs editing. For example, does 'don't kill' require vegetarianism? What happens when it conflicts with 'protect your family'? Do they mean 'don't murder'? And how does 'never be violent' fit in?

 

[burgerjockey]

Seems to me that they have more commandments then are needed.

If you have never be violent, then it goes without saying that you shouldn't kill.

If you should look out for the vulnerable, then of course you will look out for children.

Plus, these commandments are extremely whimpy and pathetic. Be true to yourself? Pretty much, 19 commandments too many. Just list the golden rule and you will be fine.

 

[Marquis de Carabas]

Respect your mother and father? Only if they deserve it, thanks. (Mine do, btw. I'm not being bitter here.)

And I feel no list of commandments is complete without "Thou shalt not leave thy seat to roam the aisles whilst the puck is in play."

 

[DaveW]

Re: Re: The new "20 Commandments"

Needs editing. For example, does 'don't kill' require vegetarianism? What happens when it conflicts with 'protect your family'? Do they mean 'don't murder'? And how does 'never be violent' fit in?

Except you kill those poor, helpless vegetables when you are a vegetarian Oh, the horror!

 

[H'ethetheth]

Re: Re: The new "20 Commandments"

Needs editing. For example, does 'don't kill' require vegetarianism? What happens when it conflicts with 'protect your family'? Do they mean 'don't murder'? And how does 'never be violent' fit in?

Plants live too you know. So it's just water, salts and synthesised nutrients from laboratories that are microbe friendly.

Edit: awww, missed the scoop.

 

[HarryKeogh]

they left out "Have a good time all the time"

 

[ceo_esq]

"Be excellent to each other."
"Party on, dudes!"

 

[drkitten]

Frankly, I'm not entirely sure how "live within your means" is a moral guideline. A practical one, maybe, but moral?

That's a rather fine line you're trying to draw; I think there's a lot of moral advice that seems to stem from the practical benefits to everyone if you follow it.

The idea of "live within your means" seems a more sophisticated version, to me, of "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods." Failure to live within your means will rather quickly not only make you unhappy, but also make many of the people around you unhappy as well. So I'd be cool calling it moral advice.

 

[ReFLeX]

If you have never be violent, then it goes without saying that you shouldn't kill.

Poison? How about starving them to death?

 

[Scot C. Trypal]

The same was just done with the 7 deadly sins.

http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=142672005

The new sins being:

Almost four in ten selected cruelty as the worst modern-day sin, followed by adultery, bigotry, dishonesty, hypocrisy, greed and selfishness.

edit : oops it's there

The Golden Rule is there but I'm a bit surprised some of the other core teachings of Jesus, like love your enemy, aren't.

 

[c4ts]

The first commandment should be: "Keep doing the thing which one wants to do very hard!"

Then the rest are all stipulations about who you should do it to, and what the noble exceptions are.

 

[Scoobmaster]

Hmmmm, just like the previous 10 supposedly handed down by the perfect creator of the universe ........they made the same mistake and left the door wide open by not prohibiting slavery!

 

[gnome]

It somehow reminds me of the long list of "directives" that god-awful committee gave Robocop in the sequel.

 

[DangerousBeliefs]

I think I could cut it... some of them are contradictary, redundant or unobtainable.

Here we go...

Be honest with yourself
Respect yourself
Respect others
Take responsibility for yourself
Do not attempt to change others
Remember that life IS change
Constantly search for the truth
Crap happens, enjoy life while you can
Life isn't about collecting the most stuff
Kill or commit violence only in defense

 

[Achán hiNidráne]

"Don't commit adultry."

But what if you got yourself in a relationship with a abusive SOB or manipulative shrew. Wouldn't it be better to find someone who will love you?

Then again, I'm not a fan on the concept of marriage to begin with, to the point is kind of moot for me.

 

[Brown]

Be prepared to change your mind in light of evidence.
If you made a promise, keep it.
Play by the rules.
Good manners are for everyone.
Maintain personal industry.
Give everyone a fair shake.
Accept nothing on faith alone.
Do not trust anyone who claims to speak on behalf of the Almighty.
Lend a hand without expectation of reward.
Don't buy Amway products.

 

[EdipisReks]

for those mentioning the golden rule, i think that rule sucks. it is very presumptuous, as you have to make the assumption that the way you want to be treated is good for everybody else. personally, i think that hard and fast rules are stupid. i also think the the television channel that will be airing this as worthwhile and the people who voted in the poll are stupid.

I think those 20 make a lot more sense than the original 10 commandments. If everyone followed these guidelines, things would be better in the world.

i don't know, is stiflingly boring better?