Idealogian

Christian Law - Follow-Up

A new reader comments on an old post and explains when Christians do and don't follow the rules set forth by what they refer to as the "Old Testament" (i.e., the Jewish bible):

Most Christians view the Mosaic Law (including the Ten Commandments) in one of two ways:

1. Christians are bound to keep only the Laws specifically repeated in the New Testament of the bible (as well as any commands in the New Testament that did not exist in the Old Testament). Thus, the since the Ten are repeated, Christians are bound to keep them. (Most Christians fall into this category)

2. Christians are bound to keep all the commands unless they are specifically repealed ... in the New Testament. This would include everything except the dietary commands (repealed via Peter's vision) and the sacrificial commands (repealed via the crucifixion). I've never met anyone who falls into this category but I've been told that they do exist.

In a follow-up e-mail, I asked:

My knowledge of the New Testament is very limited. Where are the Ten [Commandments] repeated? Are they repeated individually in various places, or are they re-cited as "The Ten Commandments?"

She responded:

The commands are repeated in various places throughout the new testament. There are a couple of places where several are listed together but for the most part they're scattered (most are repeated more than once). I could give you a couple of exact references if you want them. There is never a place where they're grouped together and repeated as "The Ten Commandments." :)

I should probably point out that the command for shabbat is not actually repeated anywhere. There are instances of people observing it, or going to synagogues on that day to teach or be taught but the command itself is not there. There are a few theories as to exactly why this is. But most Christians at least think you should go to church on the 'sabbath' (which for some reason that I'm sure some research could turn up, has turned into Sunday).

For those inquiring minds who wanted to know.