Ethical Teachings and How They Guide Adherents Essay Example

followed by commandments against the worship of other gods, idolatry, and misuse of the divine name , positive commands to observe the Sabbath and to honour parents, Prohibitions of violent acts against neighbours, namely, killing and adultery, Prohibitions of crimes against community life, namely, stealing, testifying falsely, and strong desire after the life and goods of neighbours. They are a summary of the hundreds of laws found in the Old Testament Law.

The Ten Commandments are an outline of the most important rules and behaviors that God expects from humanity. The Ten Commandments are regarded as the fundamental laws that all Christians are to conform to. They were written by the hands of God himself and revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, inscribed on two stone tablets. They offer basic rules of behaviour for spiritual and moral living to Christians. These laws still instruct Adherents today, for they expose sin and show us God's standard. Without the sacrifice of Christ, Adherents are completely helpless to live up to God's holy standard.

The beatitudes are eight statements taught by Jesus. Each Beatitude calls us towards holiness, commitment and promotes positive human values. They are concerned with virtue and how a believer in Jesus Christ can achieve that virtue. The Beatitudes are a map of life, a series of directives helping us on our journey to be with God. They are simply stated, but are profound in meaning. They guide, point and teach. In the Beatitudes, Jesus taught his followers how to let love reign the world, and when love overcomes all other things there will be a state of peace.

They show Adherents the values that

Christ cares about. These values if followed can not only bring a believer into a state of peace and happiness, but also right into the Kingdom of God after our journey on this earth is over. Teachings of the Beatitudes can apply to our lives today as they are timeless in teaching and ‘confronting us with decisive choices concerning earthly goods, they purify our hearts in order to teach us to love God above all things’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1725-1728).