The 10 Commandments. Part 2
A Catechism
Regarding the Fifth Commandment
Honor your father and mother, that it may go well with you...
What does God command us through His fifth commandment?
By this commandment, the Lord commands us to respect our parents, that is, to love them, be respectful to them, not offend them with words or actions, obey them, assist them in their work, take care of them when they are in need, especially during sickness and old age, and constantly pray for them to God, both in their lifetime and after their death. The Apostle Paul speaks about the Lord's commandment as follows: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise" (Ephesians 6:1-2). However, our love for our parents and relatives should not surpass our love for God, as the Lord Himself teaches us: "Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37).
What else does the Lord command us in this commandment?
God commands us to honor not only our parents but also those who, in any way, stand in for our parents. Such people include:
Spiritual authorities - the clergy of the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ, who care for our salvation, teach us faith, and pray for us. The Holy Scriptures call us to obey our spiritual guides and submit to their authority, as they watch over our souls: "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls" (Hebrews 13:17). St. John Chrysostom also writes that since it is impossible for a person to be saved without the help of priests and the sacraments they perform, we should respect spiritual fathers more than our earthly parents.
Civil authorities - those who care for the well-being and security of our homeland, and consequently, care for us. The Word of God instructs us to honor and respect all authorities: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God" (Romans 13:1-2). "Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh" (1 Peter 2:18).
All elders, especially the elderly - those with life experience who can offer good advice or useful insights. The Holy Scriptures command us to honor the elderly: "You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God" (Leviticus 19:32). "Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers" (1 Timothy 5:1-2).
What are the duties of those in authority or those who are older in age?
The Holy Scriptures describe the responsibilities of parents as follows: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Concerning the responsibilities of shepherds of the Holy Church of Christ, the Scriptures say: "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3). Regarding the duties of civil authorities, we read the following: "Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven" (Colossians 4:1).
About the Sixth Commandment
You shall not murder.
What does God forbid with the sixth commandment?
Through the sixth commandment, the Lord God forbids murder, which means the violent taking of another person's life, including suicide in any form. Life is the greatest gift from God, and thus, depriving someone of their life, whether it's another person or oneself, is the most serious and grave sin. Christians must always distance themselves from this dreadful crime, avoiding anger, wrath, envy, malice, and constantly remembering that one can kill not only with words but also with deeds. Civil authorities and judges must always act justly to avoid unjustly taking someone's life or subjecting an innocent person to undeserved punishment.
Who can be considered a murderer?
In addition to a person who commits direct murder, a murderer can be the following:
A suicide - a person who, having a sound mind, takes their own life due to illness, sorrow, fear, despair, or any other reason, commits the most terrible and serious sin against this commandment of God's law. Church rules require denying Christian burial and any memorial services for suicides. The Holy Church also equates suicides to those who die from excesses, drunkenness, smoking, and drugs, which are so prevalent in our time.
A woman who undergoes an abortion - such a woman commits not only the murder of a human being, albeit not yet born but still a human being, but also dooms the soul of the unbaptized infant to eternal suffering in hell.
An accomplice - anyone who doesn't commit the murder directly but assists others in committing murder, either by aiding or abetting the act or by covering up, justifying, or acquitting the murderer.
An unjust judge - one who condemns an accused person while knowing their innocence, or a person who cruelly and harshly treats their fellow beings, hastening their death or compelling them to commit suicide through torment and mockery.
A person can also be guilty of murder, even if they unintentionally and without malice cause the death of another person, as such accidental killing is a grave sin due to their negligence. Additionally, anyone who hates their brother is considered a murderer (1 John 3:15).
What can be said about war?
Killing in war cannot be equated with regular murder. War is a terrible evil and a great calamity permitted by the Lord God for the correction and instruction of nations. God allows war, like epidemics, famine, natural disasters, and other misfortunes. Therefore, killing in war requires special consideration. It is essential to note that only a just war can be considered, one that is defensive or liberating, fought for the sake of faith and homeland. To such a war, the words of the Savior apply: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). However, those who engage in unjust wars, driven by dishonorable motives, are warned by other words of Christ: "all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Saint Paul writes, "For he is God's minister to you for good... for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Romans 13:4), suggesting that those who use weapons for just punishment are God's servants. Saint Athanasius the Great also stated that while killing is not permitted, the destruction of enemies in a lawful and praiseworthy just war is permissible.
What is "spiritual murder"?
Spiritual murder is the act of tempting someone, leading them into unbelief or a path of sinful living, which results in the spiritual death of their soul and condemns them to eternal torment in hell. Severe suffering awaits those who lead others astray from the true path, and God Himself said, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matthew 18:6-7).
About the Seventh Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does the Lord God forbid with this commandment?
With the seventh commandment, the Creator forbids adultery, which is the violation of marital fidelity and any unlawful and impure fleshly passion. This commandment prohibits a husband and wife from breaking their mutual faith and love within the sanctity of marriage consecrated by the Sacrament of Matrimony. For the unmarried, the Lord commands chastity, meaning the preservation of purity in thoughts and desires, words, and deeds. Adultery is not just committed through physical acts but can also be in the heart, as Jesus said, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Therefore, Christians must avoid everything that can arouse impure feelings, considering the impurity that abounds in the godless world: obscene and seductive movies and photos (pornography), immoral books, lewd songs, and devilish dances, always remembering the words of Saint Augustine of Hippo, "Where there is no love of God, there reigns fleshly desire." The Word of the Lord warns us about the dreadful fate that awaits fornicators and debauchees in the afterlife, "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5:5).
What are the sins against the seventh commandment?
The Holy Apostle Paul advises us, Christians, not even to speak of these abominations, saying, "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints" (Ephesians 5:3). Only when necessary, for the prevention of these sins, should some of them be named:
Fornication - promiscuous sexual "love" between individuals not in a marital relationship.
Adultery - when married individuals defile the sanctity of the sacrament of marriage by engaging in illicit relationships with others.
Incest - when close relatives engage in an illegitimate union that resembles a marital connection.
How should married couples live?
The Holy Scriptures speak about this as follows: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her" (Ephesians 5:25) and "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the Church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:22-23).
About the Eighth Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does God forbid with the eighth commandment?
With this commandment, the Lord forbids theft, which is the unlawful, dishonest, and shameful act of taking something that belongs to others in any way. There are various forms of theft:
Theft - the secret taking of another person's property.
Sacrilege - appropriating what belongs to God and His Church.
Deception - acquiring someone else's property through cunning means.
Robbery - taking another person's property through violence.
Bribery - unlawfully accepting gifts or money from people to whom one is duty-bound to help for free and without compensation.
Idleness - receiving an undeserved allowance or payment for a position or work and neglecting one's duties through laziness. It also includes living off charity when one is capable of earning a living through work.
Usury - charging excessive interest on loans to the needy, taking advantage of their poverty, or when employers overwork their employees with heavy, excessive labor.
By prohibiting all these forms of taking property that doesn't belong to us, the Lord God commands us, Christians, to be selfless and industrious. The highest virtue taught by the eighth commandment is perfect renunciation and detachment from all possessions. As Jesus said, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven" (Matthew 19:21).
About the Ninth Commandment
Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does the Lord forbid with the ninth commandment?
In the ninth commandment, the Lord forbids speaking falsely about others and, in general, prohibits lying, such as false accusations, slander, gossip, and defamation. Lying or slander is a diabolical act, as the devil himself is its father (John 8:44). It is unacceptable for a Christian to tell lies, even if there is no intention to harm others. Every form of falsehood is unworthy of a Christian and is inconsistent with Divine love. Saint Paul says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). Blessed Abba John said about lies, "Lying is alien to Christ and a Christian, whether it is told for a small or important reason. Even if a lie is told for a good purpose, it is not praiseworthy, for, according to the Savior's words, a lie is from the devil." And Saint Abba Dorotheos wrote, "If we wish to be saved, we must love the truth with all our hearts and guard ourselves against all falsehood, so that it does not lead us away from the truth and life."
What else does this commandment teach us?
The ninth commandment teaches us that a Christian should never reproach or condemn others, as God Himself has instructed, "Judge not, that you be not judged" (Matthew 7:1). It is important to remember that judgment, reproach, and mockery do not correct others. Love, patience, and good advice are more effective means of helping others grow. Always keep in mind that everyone has numerous significant weaknesses and shortcomings, so it is necessary to improve oneself first and then assist others. As Jesus said, "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye" (Matthew 7:3-5). Furthermore, a Christian should always control their tongue, speaking only the truth and refraining from deceptive words and idle talk, as advised by the Apostle Peter, "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit" (1 Peter 3:10).
About the Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
What does God forbid with this commandment?
With the tenth and final commandment, the Lord not only forbids doing harm to others but also prohibits unworthy desires and thoughts regarding them. The sin against this commandment is called envy, and it is a work of the devil (Sirach 30:24). Those who envy, who in their thoughts desire what belongs to others, can easily progress from sinful thoughts and desires to sinful actions and transgressions. As Scripture says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:14-15). Saint John Climacus describes an envious person as follows: "The sign of a vindictive and envious person is when he easily, with pleasure, criticizes the teachings, deeds, and virtues of others, being possessed by a spirit of hatred."
Thanks again for responding to me, especially when I dumped such a heavy topic right into your lap. I did have the impression that the statement I saw was just the surface of a much deeper well (and was deliberately worded to get the reader’s attention). With this added context, what I hear it saying now is that abortion is MORALLY EQUIVALENT to dooming an infant’s soul to eternal suffering in hell (regardless of whether or not this is the final outcome at the Last Judgment). I think a big source of misunderstanding is that Western Christians are conditioned to believe that written doctrinal statements capture all of reality (whereas Eastern Christians don’t necessarily have that expectation when they approach a text).
Here’s the quote from Ephrem. It’s sourced from a researcher who actually supports the patristic consensus on this topic and points him out as a possible exception:
https://orthodoxchristiantheology.com/2020/12/02/ephrem-the-syrians-hymns-on-paradise-highlights/
“13. The river of humanity consists of people of all ages, with old, young, children and babes, infants in their mothers’ arms and others still unborn in the womb [lit. “conceptions in womb”]. Such is the sequence of Paradise’s fruit: firstfruits issued forth with the autumn harvest, wave upon wave, fecund with blossoms and fruit.
“14. Blessed the sinner who has received mercy there and is deemed worthy to be given access to the environs of Paradise…”
I also like how you emphasized the pastoral aspect of how you apply all this. My own views on infant vs. adult baptism have developed significantly since I’ve begun reading the Church Fathers. The standard Anabaptist belief has long been that baptism of an infant is theologically untenable because they lack the ability to repent and make a confession of faith beforehand. I will say that this viewpoint was shaped in the milieu of Latin Christendom and their experience of gross corruption within the state church. They also probably doubled down on it over the generations from the experience of being called “soul murderers” by state-sponsored Protestant and Catholic persecutors who were doing little to nothing to foster repentance and discipleship in their own baptized children.
I had always assumed the Anabaptist belief was also the belief of the early church until I read the baptismal writings of Hippolytus, Cyprian, and Origen. Tertullian stands out as someone who recommends delaying baptism until adulthood, but I can see that in his case it was more of a pastoral decision than a theological one—given his rigorist views, he wanted to avoid baptizing insufficiently catechized candidates who would fall into mortal sin. It does appear that there was greater variation and flexibility of practice before the Council of Carthage (I recall that Augustine himself and many of the 4th-5th century fathers were baptized as adults).
I will say that I and everyone in my congregation teach our children the faith as best we can and pray for their conversion in God’s good time. This was basically the approach of Augustine’s mother Monica (and perhaps it would even fall under the “catechized with prayer and given a name” section you pointed out from the Book of Needs?). In the absence of anything like the sacramental infrastructure available in Orthodoxy, I think it’s for the best, even if the theology behind it doesn’t have the historicity we once thought. But I have been praying that I can live to at least see a recognition of baptismal regeneration and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I hope someday, in God’s good time, there can be a healing of all schisms and a regathering of the Undivided Church.
Sorry, I keep pestering you with more questions (please let me know if it’s getting old). Since we ended on the topic of “official positions,” I was wondering how Old Believers would generally approach this topic:
https://open.substack.com/pub/barrelagedfaith/p/were-the-earliest-christians-pacifists?r=uc5n2&utm_medium=ios