10 Commandments (1-3) Given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai

Exodus 20 (Protestant) Abbreviated 1. You shall have no other gods but me. 2. You shall not make unto you any graven images 3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain 4. You shall remember the Sabbath and keep it holy 5. Honor your mother and father 6. You shall not murder 7. You shall not commit adultery 8. You shall not steal 9. You shall not bear false witness 10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor Deuteronomy 5 (Catholic) Abbreviated 1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day 4. Honor your father and your mother 5. You shall not kill 6. You shall not commit adultery 7. You shall not steal 8. You shall not bear false witness 9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife 10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods

Catholics ascribe to both, but generally use Deuteronomy as a basis.

10 Commandments (1-3) Commandments (Love of God and Love of Neighbor)

Decalogue- This word is means the Ten Commandments or the Ten Laws. The Catholic Ten Commandments are a summary of "the conditions of a life freed from the slavery of sin" (Catechism, 2057). They must be understood in relation to the "law of love": Love of God and love of neighbor summarize all of Catholic morality. The law of love is also the first principle & source of the moral law. It contains "all the law and the prophets" (Mt 22:40). Jesus exceeded the Commandments. He demanded more from us, not less: a righteousness [which] exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. (Matthew 5:20; CCC 2054). The Catholic Ten Commandments are a description of the minimum that love requires. Christian life itself requires much more than simply following the Ten Commandments. The Commandments express man's fundamental duties to God and neighbor. The First Three Commandments involve Love of God. The Fourth through the Tenth Commandments involve the Love of Neighbor.

10 Commandments (1-3) First Commandment

I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
Idolatry- The worship of idols (Hinduism), bow down, worship and adore an object. Statues arent idols, we do not worship them or adore them or offer sacrifice to them. They represent Jesus, the angels and saints. They remind us to worship God. Statues of saints remind us to ask their intercession to pray for us. As we honor photographs of family members so we honor pictures of saints in heaven, who are our friends. Superstition- Attributes to a creature, a power that belongs to God. Use of lucky charms, belief in dreams, fortunetelling, or astrology which predicts the future or describes a particular kind of person. Spells- Making incantations to avert evil or good to come about due to them, or can be used to harm people. Fortune Cookies- Even if no belief in them, better to not use them because doing so gives credence to them and can cause others to think we believe in them. (There are scriptural Christian cookies which can be used.) Lucky or Un-Lucky Numbers- Sin against Gods divine providence. Spiritism- To communicate with the dead is forbidden. Samuel appears to Saul (1 Sam. 28) Sacrilege- Blasphemy or profanation if a person, place or thing consecrated to God. Violence in a church or grave site, receive sacraments unworthily, especially the Eucharist while in mortal sin. Using Sacred Vessels in appropriately such as drinking pop in a chalice. Simony- Buying or selling sacred or spiritual things. (Simon Magus offered the apostles money for the purpose of giving him the power of the Spirit). (Acts 8:18-24) Buying and selling sacred objects like relics, pictures, statues after they have been blessed. Methods of Breaking the First Commandment: Ouija Board, Crystal Balls, 8-Ball, Palm Readers, Worship of Satan, Witchcraft (channels to evil spirits), (Harry Potter Books?), White Witches, New Age (energy can heal, etc..), Horoscopes Worship of Money, Fame and Power- Placing these or anything above God. They can become an obsession to the exclusion of God.

In Hinduism the god Vishnu is believed to have several reincarnations as a fish, a dwarf, as the person of Rama, and as Krishna in the different ages of the world. This is contrary to the Bible and to all Christian belief in the afterlife. "It is appointed that men die once, and after death be judged" (Heb. 10:27).

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What does the Church say about Astrology today?

Bishop Donald W. Montrose of the Diocese of Stockton wrote a pastoral letter: Spiritual Warfare: The Occult Has Demonic Influence. In it he said: Jeremiah 10:2Thus says the Lord: Learn not the customs of the pagans and have no fear of the signs of the heavens, though the pagans fear them. By studying the stars and planets an astrologer casts a horoscope on the basis of the month and the day of an individuals birth. The horoscope is a prediction of events likely to occur in a persons life based upon the movement of the stars and planets. Even though millions of people follow horoscopes with greater or lesser interest, this is still a type of fortune telling. Even if you say you do not believe in horoscopes, and only read your own for fun, you should abandon this practice. The daily horoscope can easily influence us from time to time. It is a way in which we open ourselves to the occult. If you want to live in the Kingdom of God, renounce horoscopes and all other means of fortune telling. Any playing cards, Ouija boards, or other things used for fortune telling should be destroyed.

10 Commandments (1-3) What does the Church say about the New Age?
The New Age Movement goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Vatican cautions Catholics in a document entitled, "Jesus Christ: The Bearer of the Water of Life A Christian reflection on the New Age," issued in 2003 by the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In their warning, the council notes that in such New Age therapies, "the source of healing is said to be within ourselves, something we reach when we are in touch with our inner energy or cosmic energy." The Pontifical Document states: In a New Age perspective, illness and suffering come from working against nature; when one is in tune with nature, one can expect a much healthier life, and even material prosperity; for some New Age healers, there should actually be no need for us to die. The document lists specific practices that have been influenced by New Age. It states, Advertising connected with New Age covers a wide range of practices as acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, kinesiology, homeopathy, iridology, massage and various kinds of bodywork (such as orgonomy, Feldenkrais, reflexology, Rolfing, polarity massage, therapeutic touch etc.), meditation and visualization, nutritional therapies, psychic healing, various kinds of herbal medicine, healing by crystals, metals, music or colors, reincarnation therapies and, finally, twelve-step programs and self-help groups. The source of healing is said to be within ourselves, something we reach when we are in touch with our inner energy or cosmic energy.

Harry Potter Books?

10 Commandments (1-3)

Gabriel Kuby, an English critic wrote a letter to Cardinal Razinger, in 2003 about the books. In the letter, Kuby objects to Potter stating the books corrupt the hearts of the young, preventing them from developing a properly ordered sense of good and evil, thus harming their relationship with God, while that relationship is still in its infancy. Cardinal Raztinger, now Pope Benedict, responded to the letter, with his own letter on March 7, 2003. He said, "It is good that you shed light and inform us on the Harry Potter matter, for these are subtle seductions that are barely noticeable and precisely because of that deeply affect (children) and corrupt the Christian faith in souls even before (the Faith) could properly grow,". Pope Benedict Opposes Harry Potter Novels, www.Lifesitenews.com June 27, 2005. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On Jan. 2, 2002, Rome's official exorcist, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, warned parents against the Harry Potter book series. Fr. Gabriel said Satan is behind the works. In an interview with the Italian news agency, Fr. Gabriele said, "Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil." An exorcist is one, who has Church authority to cast out demons from those people, who are possessed by the devil.

10 Commandments (1-3) Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain. Gods Holy Name- O my God! Vain use of Gods Name or Jesus Name. -Without respect and for no good purpose, should be used only to honor God. Cursing- Go to hell! I hope you have an accident. May you lose your job! Swear Words- Shit! That sucks! Damn! Swearing an Oath-Should not be done unless for a serious reason, such as in court. Taking an office in the government or Church. Breaking a Promise- Promises should generally not be broken. However, they can be broken for serious reasons. For example a friend asks you to make a promise that you wont tell anyone what he says. But then he tells you that he is going to kill himself or that he plans to physically hurt someone. One may break the promise for serious reasons. Telling Lies Under OathWatch TV or Listen to Music that Disrespects GodBlasphemy- Contempt toward God. Insulting language against God, for example accusing Jesus of being married to Mary Magdalene and had children (Da Vinci Code) False Oaths- Calling God to be a witness to a lie. I swear to God this is true.

10 Commandments (1-3)
The Third Commandment- Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day
"One can, of course, pray at home also: but you cannot pray there as you do in church where so many people are gathered, where a harmonious voice is raised to God: for here is something greater than individual prayer: one-mindedness, a union of love, the prayers of the priest. During public prayers, not only do the people send up their own voices to God, but together with them, the angels and archangels glorify the Master. --St. John Chrysostom Thus, church prayer has a preeminently sacred character and it is given this nature by the grace of the Holy Spirit which, as we I know, enlivens our spiritual life, cooperating with our personal spiritual efforts. Sunday Obligation 2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass." "The precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day." 2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor. Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin. 2182 Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The faithful give witness by this to their communion in faith and charity. Together they testify to God's holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

10 Commandments (1-3) A Day of Grace and Rest From Work

CCC 2184 Just as God "rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done," human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives. CCC 2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. The faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health. The charity of truth seeks holy leisure- the necessity of charity accepts just work. CCC 2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life. CCC 2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

10 Commandments (1-3)
Unnecessary Shopping- The purchase of clothes can wait until Monday, but a battery for a hearing aide is necessary. Not Excessive Sports to the Exclusion of God- Sports can be relaxing, but if it consumes the day and even takes the place of Mass, then one should not participate. Unnecessary Work- painting, mowing the yard, cleaning the house, doing things which can be done on other days of the week are not to be done. Necessary Work- Cooking, washing the dishes, sweeping the floor after a meal. Work directly for the Church such changing altar linens, and even to repair vestments, etc.. is permitted. Farmers are allowed to care for cattle and animals, and even to get in crops that would otherwise spoil. Our Lord does not desire that man should suffer on account of Sunday, for He said, The Sabbath is made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. (Mk 2:27) Bp. Morrow Educate Children in the Faith- Failing to bring children to Mass or to Confession, failing to have them baptized or being sure they are confirmed, or not taking them to PSR classes, or failing to teach them the faith at home. Failing to teach children to pray. Catholic May Not Attend Non-Valid Wedding-If a Catholic marries before a judge or in a nonCatholic Church without permission of the bishop. (The sin of scandal if one attends.) Catholics and Receiving Communion in Non-Catholic Church- one may not because nonCatholics dont have the same beliefs in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and we dont believe what they believe. If necessary, Catholics may attend non-Catholic service, such as funeral or wedding, etc. On Sundays one will still need to attend Mass to fulfill their Sunday duty and they may not participate in the prayers of the non-Catholic service. Catholic Who Joins a Non-Catholic Church- One denies ones own beliefs or has lost their faith. Desecration of the Eucharist- Excommunication is automatic when purposely desecrating

10 Commandments (1-3)

Freemasonry
Free Mason- Catholics can not be freemasons. The Catholic Church and Freemasonry have been at odds for centuries. Eight popes have condemned it, as well as have the majority of Christian denominations. Christianity and Freemasonry hold contrary beliefs. Catholics are forbidden to join the Lodge in the strongest of terms. The Church's position is expressed in its "Declaration on Masonic Associations." It states in part: "Therefore the Church's negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged, since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion."

10 Commandments (1-3)

Leaving Mass Early or Arriving Mass Late Without Serious ReasonWhen one leaves Mass early, they fail to pray to Jesus whom they have just received in Holy Communion and this is disrespectful directly to the Lord, who remains in ones heart about 15 min. (according to St. Alphonsus Ligouri)

10 Commandments (1-3) Holy Days of Obligation

Days set aside by the Church in which Catholics are obligated to attend Mass during the Week. Sunday is a Holy Day of Obligation. Other Holy Days of Obligation for Catholics is as follows: Jan. 1st Mary Mother of God Ascension Thursday is transferred in most dioceses to the following Sunday. (40 days after Easter Sunday) Aug. 15th Assumption of Mary Nov. 1st All Saints Day Dec. 8th Immaculate Conception of Mary Dec. 25th Christmas Universal Church: Jan. 6th Epiphany, Corpus Christi First Thursday in June, St. Joseph Mar. 19th, Apostles Peter and Paul- June 29th If one goes to another country one must obey their laws and attend Mass on their holy days.

10 Commandments (1-3) 5 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

1. Sunday Duty and Holy Days of Obligation- The first precept of the Church is "You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor." Often called the Sunday Duty or the Sunday Obligation, this is the way in which Christians fulfill the Third Commandment: "Remember, keep holy the Sabbath day." We participate in the Mass, and we refrain from any work that distracts us from a proper celebration of Christ's Resurrection. 2. Confession - The second precept of the Church is "You shall confess your sins at least once a year." Strictly speaking, we only need to take part in the Sacrament of Confession if we have committed a mortal sin, but the Church urges us to make frequent use of the sacrament and, at a minimum, to receive it once each year in preparation for fulfilling our Easter Duty. 3. The Easter Duty -The third precept of the Church is "You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season." Today, most Catholics receive the Eucharist at every Mass they attend, but it wasn't always so. Since the Sacrament of Holy Communion binds us to Christ and to our fellow Christians, the Church requires us to receive it at least once each year, sometime between Palm Sunday and Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost Sunday).

10 Commandments (1-3) 5 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

4. Fasting and Abstinence- The fourth precept of the Church is "You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church." Fasting and abstinence, along with prayer and almsgiving, are powerful tools in developing our spiritual life. Today, the Church requires Catholics to fast only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on the Fridays during Lent. On all other Fridays of the year, we may perform some other penance in place of abstinence from meat. Fasting: A Powerful Spiritual Tool. Abstinence as Spiritual Discipline 5. Supporting the Church- The fifth precept of the Church is "You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church." The Catechism notes that this "means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability." In other words, we don't necessarily have to tithe (give ten percent of our income), if we can't afford it; but we should also be willing to give more if we can. Our support of the Church can also be through donations of our time, and the point of both is not simply to maintain the Church but to spread the Gospel and bring others into the Church, the Body of Christ.

10 Commandments (1-3) Always remember: the precepts of the Catholic Church are minimum levels of participation in the life of the Church. Out of love for Christ and a desire to advance in the spiritual life, you will normally try to do far more than they require. Recommended to Catholics: Attend Mass at least one more time a week. (Most Church parishes celebrate Mass every day of the year! Go to Mass everyday, if possible.) Go to confession at least once a month, or if you commit a mortal sin right away. Find a good spiritual director to give you sound guidance for growing in the spiritual life. Receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at every Mass, if you meet the guidelines for reception (are free from mortal sin, etc.). Make a habit of practicing penitential and charitable acts beyond those required by the precepts of the Catholic Church. Contribute as much as possible to the material needs of the Church & needy. And to become involved in practicing stewardship where one gives their time and talent in the service of others. Volunteer to help the poor.