Dubious moral strictures littered with questionable encouragements and a copious dollop of false hope. No thanks, I say. We can do better.

But, if I had to pick one, I'd take the false hope over authoritarianism every time.

Like watching sports or collecting stamps.

Like you I'm not buying any of it.

They come from the New Testament, after all, while the Commandments are OT. But I suspect many Christians prefer the Ten Commandments because they're more authoritarian and less overtly "liberal" than the Beatitudes.

Most evangelical denominations don't spend a lot of time studying Matthew. They're more interested in Paul's letters. The Beatitudes point out too much for folks who think they're "all that." That makes them unpopular with uncharitable people.

The Old Testament 10 Commandments, on the other hand tell people what not to do, mostly. Jesus, according to what he was supposed to have said, took a more proactive position, and described what good people ought to do, instead. Trouble is that, in many cases, he told people they ought to do things they didn't really want to do, since that would often mean going against their own desires.

It's a paradox.

I'd rather work to make things better here than think someone else will make it better after we're dead.

But you're right, that's a pretty Christian attitude, historically.

...since there are 8?

right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right samadhi.

Oops, wrong list...

The eight Beatitudes in Matthew:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

That along with asking How do we pray and what do we pray.

http://flyingspaghettimonster.wikia.com/wiki/The_Eight_I%27d_Really_Rather_You_Didn%27ts


#1 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t act like a sanctimonious Holier-Than-Thou ass when describing my Noodly Goodness. If some people don’t believe in Me, that’s okay. Really, I’m not that vain. Besides, this isn’t about them so don’t change the subject.

#2 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t use my existence as a means to oppress, subjugate, punish, eviscerate, and/or, you know...be mean to others. I don’t require sacrifices, and purity is for drinking water, not people.

#3 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t judge people for the way they look, or how they dress, or the way they talk, or, well, just play nice, okay? Oh, and get this through your thick heads: Woman = person. Man = person. Samey-wamey. One is not better than the other unless we’re talking about fashion and I’m sorry, but I gave that to women and some guys who know the difference between teal and fuchsia.

#4 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t indulge in conduct that offends yourself, or your willing, consenting partner of legal age AND mental maturity. As for anyone who might object, I think the expression is "Go f*** yourself, unless they find that offensive in which case they can turn off the TV for once and go for a walk for a change."

#5 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t challenge the hateful ideas of others on an empty stomach. Eat, then go after the bastards.

#6 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t build multimillion-dollar churches/temples/mosques/shrines to my Noodly Goodness when the money could be better spent (Take your pick): 1. Ending poverty 2. Curing diseases 3. Living in peace, loving with passion, and lowering the cost of cable. I might be a Complex-Carbohydrate Omniscient Being, but I enjoy the simple things in life. I ought to know. I AM the Creator.

#7 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t go around telling people I talk to you. You’re not that Interesting. Get over yourself. And I told you to love your fellow man, can’t you take a hint?

#8 I’d Really Rather You Didn’t "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" if you are into, um, stuff that uses a lot of leather/lubricant/Las Vegas. If the other person is Into it, however (Pursuant to #4), then have at it, take pictures, and for the love of Mike, wear a CONDOM! Honestly, it’s a piece of rubber. If I didn’t want it to feel good when you did it I would have added spikes or something.

But if you want them on stone tablets that could take a while.

we could blast them on speakers in the original Aramaic.

3 out of the 10 talk about things you can’t covet, so it appears as if coveting gets you put on the naughty list faster than just about anything.

You can’t covet your neighbor’s house, or your neighbor’s ass, or your neighbor’s slaves, or your neighbor’s wife.

Kinda interesting how coveting is such an egregious sin, but owning other people and regarding women as property is endorsed.

Probably a good reason not to get your morals from stone age nomadic sheep herders.