Displaying the Commandments

Displaying the Commandments

I was preaching in Perth Free Church last Sunday on the theme of the Law of God. (https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=10221786380)

One of my introductory remarks was on the general ignorance of the ten commandments in society at large and in the church in particular. I mentioned that I had never ever seen the commandments displayed in any church, and there was a kind response from one older member who told me that in some Church of England congregations the commandments were displayed on a plaque at the entrance to the church.  A quick Google image search confirmed this, with some rather imposing examples.

So, why should we not display the Ten Commandments somewhere in our church facilities.  I can already hear the counter argument, “Why the Ten Commanments; why not the Beatitutes, or the Lord’s prayer, or 1 Corintians 13 on Love?”

This is not an either or situation.  There are many possible biblical passages to display and perhaps a rotating display where the posters were changed monthly might be appropriate.  However, I still think there is a valid argument for a permanent display of the Ten Commandments.

They need not be engraved in stone.  Modern technology allows us to print them off, our local high street print shops can expand them in full colour A3 poster size for next to nothing, and you can buy a nice A3 poster frame on Amazon.

Of course, we can also re-introduce the reading of the Law back into our worship, and this site provides a number of examples of responsive readings.

Let’s hit back at ignorance by display, instruction, and liturgy.